[Intro] (Acoustic guitar strumming, steady drum beat kicks in) (Twangy electric guitar lick)

[Verse 1] Turn the key and hear that straight-six whine She takes a moment waking up, but she runs just fine My neighbor bought a shiny rig just yesterday Smells like plastic and a loan he’s gotta pay He points at my fender, says "Buddy, that thing is shot" But he don't know the miles or the battles we've fought Every scratch is a story, every dent is a deal This ain't just scrap metal, it’s heart and steel

[Chorus] Yeah, the paint is peeling and the motor might cough But I love what I got, I won't trade it off I don't mourn the luxury I never did see I’m thankful for the rust and what it gave to me Yeah, a wise man knows just how to kick back And feel like a king with rust on the back

[Verse 2] I look to my right, in the passenger seat You’re humming along to the radio beat The sun catches silver in your let-down hair We ain't got the youth, but darlin' I don't care Those lines by your eyes when you smile at me Are prettier than smooth skin could ever be Folks trade in their models when the shine wears thin But we stay the course in the skin we're in

[Chorus] Yeah, the paint is peeling and the motor might cough But I love what I got, I won't trade it off I don't mourn the luxury I never did see I’m thankful for the rust and what it gave to me Yeah, a wise man knows just how to kick back And feel like a king with rust on the back

[Bridge] Why waste a minute on a road I didn't take? On a boat I didn't sail, or a dollar I didn't make? The grass ain't greener on the other side of the hill I’ve got gold right here, and I always will

[Instrumental Solo] (Steel guitar and fiddle solo, warm and bluesy)

[Chorus] Yeah, the paint is peeling and the motor might cough But I love what I got, I won't trade it off I don't mourn the luxury I never did see I’m thankful for the rust and what it gave to me Yeah, a wise man knows just how to kick back And feel like a king with rust on the back

[Outro] With rust on the back... Yeah, just you and me... Mile after mile... enjoying the ride. (Fade out with engine sound and acoustic guitar)