Lyrics

I am the middle of America
Nobody thought I’d get this far
High desert drillers out the window
Feeding my wife and kids and car
While you’re sleeping with your family
I keep it “turning to the right”
Wondering why you’re always angry
When I’m risking my own life

And though I’m never polished I try hard to co-exist
I will send my kid to college to learn all that I have missed
As you fly over the prairie, I’ll be throwin’ chains
I am all you take for granted out in the lonely space

I am the Basin and the Ranges
Wind and sun and little rain
I wear a hat to give me shelter
Riding through cedar and the sage
While you wine and dine your client
I’m still 2 hours from a fire
I can’t afford the meal you’re buying
I am a Buckaroo for hire

Cover half a million acres and I seldom will appear
I’ll throw a bigger loop when I’m working the rodears
My silver bits are flashing and I dally on a Wade
I am all you take for granted out in the lonely space

I am the heart of Central Valley
I need more water than you know
I am burdened by your hunger
No matter Right or Left Coast
While you gather all the groceries and try to keep the kids in line
I am the one that feeds you
praying I never fall behind

My hand is in the soil as my grandfathers before
I might be the migrant worker that your borders can’t ignore
I’m counting rows and heavy taxes
Plowing land to irrigate
I am all you take for granted out in the lonely space
I am all you take for granted out in the lonely space

Words and music by Chris Ryden – BMI 2020