Second Chance Road by Tony Gibbs
All rights reserved © ℗ 2025 Tony Gibbs

We’re standin' in the kitchen, sunlight spillin’ through the blinds,
Your shirt hangin’ off one shoulder, my beating heart fallin’ out of time.
Last night we joked about forever like it wasn’t somethin’ big—
But now you’re lookin’ right at me, and I can feel the truth in it.
You say you've been afraid of love since yours turned into dust,
But girl, I’ve had my own wreck too—maybe that’s just why it’s us.

’Cause every mile we drove last night
Felt like a sign that we could get this right—

So let’s take this second chance road,
Where the past can’t weigh what the heart still holds.
Baby, we survived the storm and the cold—
Now it’s time to see where this thing goes.
If love’s the one thing we both outgrew,
Then maybe it’s the one thing we’re meant to redo.
So take my hand, don’t let it go—
Let’s see how far we get
On this second chance road.

You laugh and brush your hair back, say, “I don’t want to rush the signs,”
But your fingers slip in mine like they’ve been waiting for the right time.
We talk about the heartbreaks, all the times we almost quit,
And somehow in the telling, all the pieces seem to fit.
You say, “I’m scared of falling,” and I whisper, “So am I,”
But girl, I’d rather risk the fall than watch this moment pass us by.

’Cause every truth we shared today
Feels like a chance to wash the hurt away—

So let’s take this second chance road,
Where the past can’t weigh what the heart still holds.
Baby, we survived the storm and the cold—
Now it’s time to see where this thing goes.
If love’s the one thing we both outgrew,
Then maybe it’s the one thing we’re meant to redo.
So take my hand, don’t let it go—
Let’s see how far we get
On this second chance road.

Maybe love ain’t perfect—maybe that’s the point.
Two cracked hearts, same old coin.
If we flip it now, who knows what lands?
Maybe heads is hope, maybe tails is chance.
Either way, girl, I’ll take the ride
If it means you're here beside me tonight.

So let’s take this second chance road,
Lose the weight of the things we’ve told.
Let the sunrise write the stories we’ve yet to know,
And let our futures gently unfold.
If love came once and slipped right through,
Maybe this time it’ll stay brand new.
So take my hand—let’s go slow,
’Cause I’m ready to walk with you
Down this second chance road.

Part 3: Second Chance Road

Little Firecracker by Tony Gibbs
All rights reserved © ℗ 2025 Tony Gibbs

You walk in, boom, like the Fourth of July,
Red dress, wild hair, mischief in your eye.
You toss your keys on the corner of the bar,
Like you already know you’re the brightest star.
You don’t need matches, you don’t need light,
You bring your own everywhere you go at night.
I’m just a guy tryin’ not to stare,
But you strike sparks in the summer air.

Every laugh you throw is a Roman candle,
I’m a simple heart you’re tryin’ to handle—

Girl, you’re my little firecracker,
Snappin’ off sparks every time I catch ya.
Turnin’ this night into dynamite,
Yeah, you blow my mind in the best way, right?
You light me up, boom-boom laughter—
Girl, you’re my little firecracker.

You grab my hand when the DJ hits,
Drag me to the floor where the rhythm splits.
You spin around in your torn blue jeans,
Givin’ all the stars some brand-new means.
You don’t need a script, you just improvise,
Every move you make is a new surprise.
You say, “Come on boy, don’t hold back,”
And there goes my careful heart off track.

You’re a sparkler trail in a dark sky,
Drawin’ your name on my good-bye—

’Cause girl, you’re my little firecracker,
Snappin’ off sparks every time I catch ya.
Turnin’ this night into dynamite,
Yeah, you blow my mind in the best way, right?
You light me up, boom-boom laughter—
Girl, you’re my little firecracker.

If we burn out when the night is through,
I’ll still be thankful I got lit by you.
But I got a feelin’ when the smoke is gone,
You’ll still be here turnin’ my heart on—

’Cause girl, you’re my little firecracker,
Snappin’ off sparks every time I catch ya.
Turnin’ my life into dynamite,
Yeah, you blow my mind in the best way, right?
You light me up, boom-boom laughter,
I’ll chase you ever after.
In a world full of fade-to-blackers—
You’re my little,
My forever
Firecracker.

Little Firecracker

Produced for the Rushden branch of the Royal British Legion

Never Forgotten

Shadow on my Trail by Tony Gibbs
All rights reserved © ℗ 2025 Tony Gibbs

I’ve been running from a promise
that I made when I was young,
Swore I’d never let the darkness
overshadow what I’ve done.
But the night keeps creeping closer,
and the road feels worn and frail —
Every mile I leave behind me
still leaves a shadow on my trail.

’Cause I walk with the light,
though the dark calls my name.
I’ve lost a few battles,
but I’m still in the game.
There’s a fire in my heart
that’ll never turn pale —
I keep moving on
with the shadow on my trail.

Had a woman once who loved me,
but I loved the highway more.
Left her standing in the doorway
like a saint behind a door.
Now her memory rides beside me
in the wind and in the hail —
She’s the angel on my shoulder,
not the shadow on my trail.

Cause I walk with the light,
though the dark calls my name.
I’ve lost a few battles,
but I’m still in the game.
There’s a fire in my heart
that’ll never turn pale —
I keep moving on
with the shadow on my trail.

Some men chase redemption,
some men run from sin —
I guess I’m somewhere in the middle,
trying not to fall again.

Yeah, I walk with the light,
though the dark calls my name.
If the good Lord will guide me,
I won’t end up the same.
There’s a fire in my heart
that’ll never turn pale —
I’ll keep moving on
with the shadow on my trail.

Shadow on my Trail (tribute to Johnny Cash)

I’m Still Standin’ by Tony Gibbs
All rights reserved © ℗ 2025 Tony Gibbs

I’ve worn shame like a shadow at noon,
Heard the devil say, “Boy, you’re through.”
But grace hit hard like a freight-train sound,
And I found my feet on holy ground -

Yeah, I’ve lost my way, I’ve paid my dues,
But I ain’t done — I’ve still got truth.

Every scar’s just proof I survived the night,
And I’m still here, still breathin’, still alive - 

HEY! — I’m still standin’!
I said — I’m still standin’!
Hands up high, yeah, I’m forgiven!
Knocked down hard, but I rose again,
By the mercy of God and the strength within.
Every doubt tried to pull me under,
But here I am — I’m still standin’!
I’m still standin’!
I’m still standin’!
Can you hear me?
I’m still standin’!

I’ve seen rock bottom look back at me,
Felt the weight of who I used to be.
But the past don’t own this heart no more,
I walked out free through a wide-open door -

When the world said “quit,” Heaven said “go,”
And that truth’s the only thing I know.

Every prayer I whispered in the dark
Lit a fire where I once fell apart—

 HEY! — I’m still standin’!
I said — I’m still standin’!
Hands up high, yeah, I’m forgiven!
Knocked down hard, but I rose again,
By the mercy of God and the strength within.
Every chain broke like distant thunder.
But here I am — I’m still standin’!
I’m still standin’!
I’m still standin’!
Can you hear me?
I’m still standin’!

I’m not who I was!
I rise because of love!

HEY! — I’m still standin’!
I said - I'm still standin'
Every breath says “hallelujah!”
I’m livin’ proof that grace wins,
And the story ain’t over till God says when.
Let the world hear the truth I’m handin’—
HEY! — I’m still standin’!
I said — I’m still standin’!
I’m still standin’!
I’m still standin’!

Can you hear me?
I’m still standin’!

I'm Still Standin'

Still Becoming Us by Tony Gibbs
All rights reserved © ℗ 2025 Tony Gibbs

We change more than the seasons.
I still see that look in your eyes.
Every year gives another reason,
Why goodbye never crosses my mind

I’m not who I was when you met me
You’re not who you used to be
But love don’t freeze in a moment
It's forever making memories.

We’re not finished, we’re not through

We’re still becoming us
Still learning how to trust
Every scar, every promise
Teaching us to love deeper than before
If forever’s a road, we’re still catching up
But I don’t need the end
When I reach out for your hand
We’re still becoming us
Still becoming us

If the world asks who we are
Tell ’em we’re still writing it

We’re still becoming us
Still learning how to trust
Every scar, every promise
Teaching us to love deeper than before
If forever’s a road, we’re still catching up
But I don’t need the end
When I reach out for your hand
We’re still becoming us
Still becoming us

Still Becoming Us (duet)

Your Name in the Toolbox by Tony Gibbs
All rights reserved © ℗ 2025 Tony Gibbs

I keep your name in the toolbox drawer
Right next to the nails I don’t use anymore
It’s not romantic, it’s just the truth
You were part of fixing what I broke in my youth

Now every time something rattles loose
I reach for a memory I can’t refuse

’Cause you taught me how to hold my temper
How to finish what I start
How to speak when it would’ve been easier
To keep my mouth shut and my pride up
If you ever wonder what you changed
It ain’t just love—it’s the way I’m made
Yeah, I carry your name in the toolbox
Right by the things that keep me from falling apart

There’s a scratch on the truck from that fence post day
You laughed so hard you couldn’t catch your breath to say
“Maybe slow down,” but you said it kind
Like you wanted me safe, not simply right

I lost you, yeah, I know I did
But I kept what you built in me, bit by bit

’Cause you taught me how to hold my temper
How to finish what I start
How to speak when it would’ve been easier
To keep my mouth shut and my pride up
If you ever wonder what you changed
It ain’t just love—it’s the way I’m made
Yeah, I carry your name in the toolbox
Right by the things that keep me from falling apart

Some people leave and take the good with ’em
You left and somehow left it here
So if I love somebody better someday
It’ll be partly because you were here

You taught me how to hold my temper
How to finish what I start
How to speak when it would’ve been easier
To keep my mouth shut and my pride up
If you ever wonder what you changed
It ain’t just love—it’s the way I’m made
Yeah, I carry your name in the toolbox
Right by the things that keep me from falling apart

Your Name in the Toolbox (duet)

The Apology I Never Sent by Tony Gibbs
All rights reserved © ℗ 2025 Tony Gibbs

I typed it out at 2:13
Thumb hovering over “send” like a loaded thing
Deleted it, rewrote it, blamed the phone
Anything but admitting I was wrong

I practiced honesty in private
Then chose pride when it got costly

It’s the apology I never sent
It’s the “I was scared” I never meant
It’s the soft truth hiding under my defense
Yeah, I kept my story clean
And let you carry what I did mean
Now I’m stuck with the apology I never sent

You weren’t asking me to bleed
Just asking me to meet you where you needed me
But I made love a courtroom fight
And called it “being right”


If regret had a postal address
Mine would be stacked with letters

It’s the apology I never sent
It’s the “I was scared” I never meant
It’s the soft truth hiding under my defense
Yeah, I kept my story clean
And let you carry what I did mean
Now I’m stuck with the apology I never sent

Maybe you’ve moved on, maybe you should
But if my name ever comes up in your world
Tell the truth: I loved you clumsy
And I’m finally learning what that cost me

It’s the apology I never sent
It’s the “I was scared” I never meant
It’s the soft truth hiding under my defense
Yeah, I kept my story clean
And let you carry what I did mean
Now I’m stuck with the apology I never sent


The Apology I Never Sent

County Line Clean Break by Tony Gibbs
All rights reserved © ℗ 2025 Tony Gibbs

I packed my boots and a coffee cup
Left the key where you’d pick it up
Didn’t write a note, didn’t make a scene
Just chose my peace over being mean

I’m not the villain, you’re not the saint
We’re just two folks that wouldn’t change

I’m taking a county line clean break
No late-night calls, no “one more” stake
No circling back like a habit I can’t shake
If you’re looking for closure, I ain’t got a speech
Just a full tank and a little relief
Yeah, I’m taking a county line clean break

Your mama liked me, your friends did too
That don’t make us bulletproof
We kept patching holes with weekend fun
Till the weeks turned heavy and the fun got done

I won’t drag your name through town
I’ll just be gone when you turn around

I’m taking a county line clean break
No late-night calls, no “one more” stake
No circling back like a habit I can’t shake
If you’re looking for closure, I ain’t got a speech
Just a full tank and a little relief
Yeah, I’m taking a county line clean break

Some good things end without a bang
Just a quiet “enough” and a different lane

I’m taking a county line clean break
No late-night calls, no “one more” stake
No circling back like a habit I can’t shake
If you’re looking for closure, I ain’t got a speech
Just a full tank and a little relief
Yeah, I’m taking a county line clean break

County Line Clean Break

Rent Due Heart by Tony Gibbs
All rights reserved © ℗ 2025 Tony Gibbs

I got a couch that swallows spare change
A sink that sings when the pipes complain
Old takeout menus, junk mail stack
And your name still stuck in the Wi-Fi password

I told my friends I’m “fine,” I’m “good”
Like repeating it could make it true

’Cause I paid off the truck, I paid my tabs
But I can’t pay down what we had
Every month hits like a cruel déjà vu
Landlord don’t care, but my chest sure do
If missing you was a bill I could clear
I’d be debt-free by now, my dear
But the past keeps calling—right on cue
Yeah, my heart’s got rent due

I boxed up photos, kept the dog tag
From that mutt that bit my hand in your dad’s backyard
I cleaned the fridge, threw out the sauce
But I keep your laugh like it’s still my job

I don’t drive by, I don’t check your street
I just lose sleep with receipts

’Cause I paid off the truck, I paid my tabs
But I can’t pay down what we had
Every month hits like a cruel déjà vu
Landlord don’t care, but my chest sure do
If missing you was a bill I could clear
I’d be debt-free by now, my dear
But the past keeps calling—right on cue
Yeah, my heart’s got rent due

And I swear I’m not begging you back
I’m just tired of this interest attack
If love’s a loan, I signed too fast
Now I’m learning what “forever” costs

Yeah, I paid off the truck, I paid my tabs
But I can’t pay down what we had
Every month hits like a cruel déjà vu
Landlord don’t care, but my chest sure do
If missing you was a bill I could clear
I’d be debt-free by now, my dear
But the past keeps calling—right on cue
Yeah, my heart’s got rent due

Rent Due Heart


I woke up late to a church bell cry,
Coffee's too weak and hangover lies.
Suit still hangin’ by a nail in the shed,
Lord knows I shoulda prayed instead.

Preacher on the radio talkin’ ‘bout grace,
I’m washin’ last night off my face.
Got one clean sock, one gone bad,
And a guilty smile I ain’t never had.

Mama says, “Son, you can’t ride both sides”
But the river don’t care how a man decides...

Got mud on my Sunday shoes,
Still smell like Friday night blues.
Tryin’ to walk straight, slippin’ sideways,
Lord knows I’m tryin’, but the swamp don’t play.
Yeah, I got mud on my Sunday shoes.

Passed old Leroy by the bait shop door,
He said, “Boy, you ain’t foolin’ the Lord”.
Said, “I ain’t tryin’—just makin’ my way,
Between yes sir, no ma’am, and yesterday”

Choir hum floatin’ through an open window,
While the jukebox down the road says - “Hello”.
Heaven callin’ me in a soft-talk tone,
But sin's got a voice that sounds like home.

Every saint's got a shadow trail,
Every sinner's got a story to tell.

Got mud on my Sunday shoes,
Still smell like Friday night blues.
Tryin’ to walk straight, slippin’ sideways,
Lord knows I’m tryin’, but the swamp don’t play.
Yeah, I got mud on my Sunday shoes.

Ain’t sayin’ I’m lost…
Just sayin’ the road curves ‘round here...

Mud on my Sunday shoes,
Grace in the way I move.
If mercy’s real, it’ll find me soon,
‘Til then I’m hummin’ this crooked tune.

Got mud on my Sunday shoes,
But I’m still showin’ up, Lord, truth is truth.
I ain’t clean though, I ain’t through.
Just a man in the mire tryin’ to do what he do,
Yeah, mud on my Sunday shoes.

Church bell fades and the river sighs,
I’ll get there… maybe by and by...

Mud on my Sunday Shoes

UK songwriter. Featured songs have been produced thanks to the talent of Donna Hazelton, Esther O'Connor, Tim O'Connor, Graeme Duffin, Sandy Jones, John Harley Weston, Kim Copeland, Erin Caldwell, Rachel Williams, Tim Buppert, Pete Dymond, Marcie Summers, Stuart Brayson, Buddy Hyatt, Jim Hyatt, Brian Fullen, Glen Duncan, Bob Britt, Wayne Killius, James Mitchell, Doug Grieves, and Ray Curtis. 

All music and lyrics © Tony Gibbs unless shown otherwise. 

2025 onwards: Lyrics, melodies and creative direction: Tony Gibbs.

Use of Artificial Intelligence:

All creative work is developed through a human-led process where AI acts as a digital tool, not a replacement. My role is to provide the emotional truth, lived experience and artistic direction through my lyrics.

Every idea, story and emotional direction originates from my lived experience and/or my own imagination. AI helped me shape structure, phrasing and flow — the final voice, choices and meaning are entirely mine. Backing tracks created using AI. 

All intellectual property for the final lyrics remains with the human author.