haggard

 March 10, 2012  Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard  “Pancho & Lefty” 

Willie Nelson & Merle Haggard -  “Pancho & Lefty”

This song is the next chapter.

If Heavy Load of Life was written from the middle of the storm,
Heavy Load, Brighter Road is about what comes after —
when the weight’s still there, but you’ve learned how to carry it.

It’s not about things getting easy.
It’s about how you get stronger, quieter, more grounded.
You learn what matters. You let go of what doesn’t.
And somehow... life starts feeling lighter, even when it’s not.

“I ain't fixed and I ain't flawless, but I’ve learned to bend and grow.”
“I’m carryin’ the same ol' weight — down a brighter road.”
This isn’t a victory lap.
It’s just a man, still walking — but with a clearer heart, a steadier step, and a little more light ahead than before.

For anyone who’s still pushing through — this one’s for you.

Heavy Load, Brighter Road

WHAT I’VE LEFT BEHIND (AIN’T WHAT I HAVE AHEAD OF ME)
Words and Music By Rhob Elliott
©2023, 2025 Awful Racket Music (ASCAP)
All Rights Reserved

[Intro]
WHAT I’VE LEFT BEHIND 
AIN'T WHAT I HAVE AHEAD OF ME

[Verse 1]
There’s a box in the closet 
Full of old regrets
Photos and letters 
And things I’d rather forget
Dust on the past
And a lock on that door
Ain’t goin’ back there 
No more

[Verse 2]
I’ve walked through the fire
I’ve danced in the rain
Made my share of mistakes
I've lived with the pain
But every mile
Every scar on my skin
Taught me how 
To begin again

[Chorus]
‘Cause what I’ve left behind
Ain’t what I have ahead of me
That old worn-out life
Ain’t the one I’m meant to lead
There’s a sunrise waitin’ 
Past the end of this road
A new song playin’ on the radio
Yeah, what I’ve left behind
Ain’t what I have ahead of me

[Verse 3]
She said love don’t come easy 
When your heart’s been broke
But I see forever 
When she laughs at my jokes
She’s a soft place to land
A light in the dark
Helping me heal every part

[Bridge]
I could spend my time chasin’ ghosts in the wind
But I’d rather chase dreams and hold her hand again
Ain’t no rearview mirror gonna pull me back
I’m drivin’ on faith
I ain’t lookin’ back

[Chorus]
‘Cause what I’ve left behind
Ain’t what I have ahead of me
All those nights I cried
Just made this moment sweet
There’s a heaven in her eyes when she looks at me
And a future I can finally see
Yeah, what I’ve left behind
Ain’t what I have ahead of me

[Outro]
No, what I’ve left behind
Ain’t what I have ahead of me...

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