You wipe the flat-top clean at three
The regulars know exactly what they need
Hash browns scattered eggs over light
Another night shift rolling into morning bright
[Pre-
Headlights sweep the parking lot gravel
A diesel coughs past the motel sign
You catch a flash through the window travel
Rusted steel drinking desert wine
That freight car holds the veranda glow
Santa Fe light on rusted gold
You watch the colors bend and grow
A mirror made of steel and cold
Pie slice waiting on the counter edge
Trucker laughs at your weather joke
Coffee black no sugar no pledge
Just fuel to haul the heavy load
[Pre-
Taillights fade past the adobe wall
Engine rhythm shakes the sugar jar
You see the veranda catch it all
Painted iron wearing evening star
That freight car holds the veranda glow
Santa Fe light on rusted gold
You watch the colors bend and grow
A mirror made of steel and cold
Short order pad tucked in your sleeve
Regular asks for the usual again
You serve it up before they leave
Same routine but never feels the same
Steel ribs glowing in the dawn
Reflecting lights you have known for years
Every dent a story drawn
Every rust patch caught in tears
That freight car holds the veranda glow
Santa Fe light on rusted gold
You watch the colors bend and grow
A mirror made of steel and cold
Shift ends when the sun climbs high
You hang the apron on the hook
Freight car winks a slow goodbye
Another chapter in the book
That freight car holds the veranda glow
Santa Fe light on rusted gold
You watch the colors bend and grow
A mirror made of steel and cold
That freight car holds the veranda glow
Santa Fe light on rusted gold
Coffee steam rises slow
Grill sings its morning song
