Story Behind The Song

In 2005 my company was going out of business and I was losing my job. Feeling sorry for myself, I cracked a bottle of wine and watched a documentary about the super band "The Highwaymen". They wrote music, played guitars, sang songs, drank and gambled. So I started writing my feelings down relating to the Highwaymen's story and my situation. I stuffed them away in a journal. Recently I found greeting cards from my Ex-girlfriend from almost 40 years ago while digging through memorabilia. They were truly beautiful heartfelt messages that nobody has ever shared with me since. I felt compelled to create something special for her upcoming birthday. In the fall of 2019 I resurrected my notes. So I set out to write my first song. I related the Highwaymen's gambling theme with some strong personal feelings and fond memories. I completed the lyrics and developed the hook: "It's Clear To Me The Cards I've Chose Will Never Be My Rose" from my first line in my original notes from 2005. The notes developed into lyrics about us and I wanted to share them as a song. I had the song produced and gave it to her for her birthday in February of 2020.

Song Description

There is symbolism, metaphors and a bit of poetry in the lyrics. The song describes the loss of a love and the chances of having love. Motorcyle rides appear throughout the story in escaping from the loss, reminiscing the past and when dealing with current issues in life. Gambling is used as a metaphor and symbolizes the challenges and chances in life. "Rose" is repeated in the refrain as a symbol of love. It concludes with the final separation and the expectation that everything will be OK.

Lyrics

[VERSE 1]
It's clear to me you're no longer near, forever missin' your touch I fear
Conjurin' thoughts that tease my soul, now it's time to let them go
My life now is certainly, going to be no celebrity

[REFAIN]
It's clear to me the cards I've chose, will never be my rose
It's clear to me the cards we've chose, will never be our rose

[VERSE 2]
I'll hit the road like highwaymen, and perceiver and make new friends
The sound of wind and the roar of my bike, memories sustain my flight
I know in time I'll be OK, once again I'll embrace each day

[REFAIN]
It's clear to me the cards I've chose, will never be my rose
It's clear to me the cards we've chose, will never be our rose

[VERSE 3]
No I'm not countin' cards, just need your spirit by my side
With you nearby to bolster my hand, I'll double down and own this town
Finally I'm free to roam, no boundaries here to hold me home

[REFAIN]
It's clear to me the cards I've chose, will never be my rose
It's clear to me the cards we've chose, will never be our rose

[VERSE 4]
Bumpin' your head as you fell asleep, on the back of my bike I'll never forget
The meandering road of Highway 84, guided me with my precious cargo
Sharin' my ride with your arms wrapped tight, keepin' me safe and warm at night

[REFAIN]
It's clear to me the cards I've chose, will never be my rose
It's clear to me the cards we've chose, will never be our rose

[VERSE 5]
Capturin' chances rollin' dice, restorin' my pride which has no price
Alone on my bike with no end in sight, I risk my soul my head held high
Please be free to chase your dreams, to create new life in your new domain

[REFAIN]
It's clear to me the cards I've chose, will never be my rose
It's clear to me the cards we've chose, will never be our rose

[VERSE 6]
I've made my choice without regrets, I'll draw new cards and place new bets
I will win and won't cash out, I'll play to win one more time again
A final glimpse and a closin' glance, I'm afraid I've missed that dance

[REFAIN]
It's clear to me the cards I've chose, will never be my rose
It's clear to me the cards we've chose, will never be our rose
It's clear to me you're no longer near, forever missin' your touch I fear
It's clear to me and I am thrilled to know, life will be forever beautiful

Playlist Creator	Playlist Name	Date Added
Ashley Martin	My Top Songs	5/11/2020
Chipper Bancroft	My Top Songs	5/7/2020