The Other Side of Bad (The Tucker Novels) (38 page)

Lyrics

Unconditionally

1)  I remember working hard

     Staying out late at night

     You always greeted with a smile

     In the dawns early light

2) You knew I was always true to you

    No matter how it seemed

    And you were always true to me

   While I was chasing my dream

(Chorus)

Oh how you loved me

So unconditionally

Oh how you loved me

Unconditionally

3) Now that I’m all alone

    Taking good care of myself

    I know I owe it all to you

    Couldn’t have done it by myself

4) You showed me I was a good man

    And how you believed in me

    You helped make me strong

    And you taught me how to see

(Chorus)

(Bridge)

    Everyday I thank the Lord

    Even though he took you away

    For the gift of knowing you

    And how you never gave up on me

    And how you loved me

    So unconditionally

    Oh how you loved me

    So unconditionally

Cowboys and Engines

1)  I played cowboys and engines

    When I was a kid

     But not the same way

     As ole Gene and Roy did

2) Now I’m ridn’ my horses

    And it feels so good

    Two in the trailer

    300 more under the hood

(Chorus)

    So it’s

    Cowboys and engines

    On the open highway

    Cowboys and engines

    All American made

3) Them ole boys out west

    Are drivin’ their herds

    And riding their fences

    In whirlybirds

4) They got a chuck wagon

    With fuel injection

     Big monster tires

    And positive traction

(Chorus)

(Bridge}

On motorcycles and four-wheel drives

All those cowboys keepin’ this country alive

Guitar ride

5) The king had his Harley’s in Memphis

    And he loved to ride

    Now singers in Nashville

    Ride with him by their side

6) Now I’m a motorcycle country boy

    And I love to roam

    Ridin’ high in the saddle

    On thunder and chrome

Chorus repeat

I’m Leaving You For Me

1) Someone’s treated you bad baby

    That’s just old news

    Why you making’ me pay

     Someone else’s dues

2) Mama always said take care of number one

     But I look in the mirror

     And I see my face

     Between a rock and a hard place

{1
st
Chorus}

     I’ve been trying to tell you

     I’ve been trying all night

    And just about now

     Is just about right

     I’m leaving you for me

     I’m not leaving you

     For just anybody

     I’m leaving you for me

{Bridge}

      I’ve bent over backwards

      I’ve tried all I can try

     And I’m telling’ you baby

     I’ve just said my last goodbye

{2
nd
Chorus}

      I’m leaving you for me

     And I want you to see

     I’m not leaving for just anybody

     I’m leaving you for me

3) I have no choice

    I would be a lie

    To say I don’t care

    But my hearts already said goodbye

Repeat 1
st
chorus

Acknowledgements

To Carol Crosslin who had the misfortune to read my first draft.  Thank you Carol for your guidance and taking the time to make me a better writer.

To Debbie Starrett for believing in Tucker and me, and for being the remarkable woman you are.

To Emmett Barton…son, editor, designer, writer, adventurer…just to name a few.

To Carter and Nan Andrews, Steve Prati, David “Doc” Zinsser, Dr. Leah Marcus, [Professor of English Literature, Vanderbilt University], Sidney Lohan, Betsy Miles, Nancy Belser, Trish Warren, Cathy Nakos and Melissa Messer, for their efforts and being fans of Tucker.

To Brad Spain for his permission to use his name and likeness.

To Aaron, Sandie, and Brandon McFeely for allowing me to use their names.

To John Rivers Bicknell for writing beautiful music for my words.

To Tim and Mary Schoetlle for the rekindling.

To Tony Bellioni, gunsmith extraordinaire, who built Tucker’s .45.

To my brother Ken… for being there when it counted.

To Roger, Shannon, Max and Little Margie for being the best.

If there is anyone I missed, be sure to let me know and I will catch you on the flip side.

About the Author

R.O. Barton lives in Middle Tennessee with his beagle Angel and his hawk-headed parrot Hank, a force to be reckoned with.