Run, Rose, Run(104)

“Ladies and gentlemen,” intoned the emcee, “Ruthanna Ryder and AnnieLee Keyes!”

The applause that greeted them was thunderous. When it died down, AnnieLee and Ruthanna looked at each other, smiled, and let go of each other’s hand. The drummer gave the count, and the band began to play. AnnieLee closed her eyes as the music filled her. The sound was so big and loud she could feel every note ringing in her body.

Ruthanna sang, “Put on my jeans, my favorite shirt…”

“Pull up my boots and hit the dirt,” sang AnnieLee.

Then their voices rang in harmony: “Finally doin’ somethin’ I’ve dreamed of for years…”

Even before the first chorus, the crowd was on its feet, singing so loudly AnnieLee could hardly hear the band in her earpiece. But it didn’t matter; the song pulled them along, weaving their voices together the way it had when they’d practiced it beside Ruthanna’s pool, in her studio, and even at the Cat’s Paw, late at night after everyone but Billy had gone home. It had become the song of their friendship, a symbol of the indomitable spirit they shared.

When the last notes ended, Ruthanna stepped forward and bowed gracefully. “It’s been so good to be with you tonight,” she said to the cheering crowd. “So good, in fact, that I might just have to do it again soon. But right now I’m going to let my little friend here take over.” Then she giggled. “Whoops. I’m really not supposed to call her little.”

Ruthanna blew her a kiss as she exited the stage. And AnnieLee, alone beneath those hot, bright lights, felt a sudden and exhilarating sense of gratitude—and determination.

She hadn’t planned on speaking, but the words came almost unbidden, and they came from her heart. “My name isn’t actually AnnieLee Keyes,” she said. “Even though that’s the name on my album, and it’s what you’ve all gotten used to calling me. My real name is Rose McCord. And I want you to know that it’s taken more than a handful of miracles for me to be here—and to even be alive. As long as I live, I will never, ever stop being grateful for this moment, and for every sweet, free breath I take.”

She glanced to the side of the stage, where Ethan, Ruthanna, and Jack were waiting for her to join them when she was finished. “I owe a lot of my success to my manager, Jack Holm. And I owe much more than that to Ruthanna Ryder—you all know her! But I also owe my life—and my happiness—to someone you don’t know. His name is Ethan Blake.” Then she held up her left hand, where a small, bright diamond sparkled on her third finger. “I figure you might get to know him, though, because unlike my fancy earrings, this isn’t a loaner.” She laughed in giddy amazement. “You guys, this has been a wild, wild ride. Anyway, enough of me talking. Let’s play some music.”

A stagehand ran out and handed her her guitar, and she looped the strap over her neck, relishing the instrument’s cool, familiar weight. She strummed the opening chords, and then Rose McCord did what she was born to do.

She sang.

Dark night, bright future

I’m on my way, I start today

I’m gonna be all right

Dark night, bright future

It’s darkest just before the light

And though it’s been a long dark night

Blue sky on the other side





Songbook


All song lyrics copyright ? 2021 Song-A-Billy Music.

All rights administered by Sony Music Publishing (US) LLC,

424 Church Street, Suite 1200, Nashville, TN 37219.

All rights reserved. Used by permission.





Songs by Rose McCord


Run


Intro:




Run-run-run, a-run-run

Run-run-run, a-run-run

Run-run, run-run, run





Verse one:




When you find yourself in a mess of trouble Trapped amongst the trash and rubble Prayin’ for relief but gettin’ none You wanna start your life anew You just don’t know exactly how to Find your opportunity and run





First chorus:




Run, run, and run some more Clear the premises before

The same old problems pull you back again Run, run, and just keep goin’

’Til you get to where you’re knowin’

You can rest, catch your breath Know how it feels to win

Oh, run-run-run, a-run-run Run-run-run, a-run-run

Run-run, run-run, run





Verse two:




You want to keep the hounds at bay Don’t give up, you’ll find a way Refuse to be controlled by anyone And the walls that you run into Break ’em down, you know you have two Choices, you can stay or run





Second chorus:




Run, run and just keep movin’

Heal the past, keep improvin’

You can face your troubles one by one You’re gonna have to face your problems You need time and space to solve ’em Then you’ll bloom just like a rose kissed by the sun So run-run-run, a-run-run

Run-run-run, a-run-run

Run-run, run Rose run





Bridge:




Take your chances, you can do it Make a plan and then stick to it Make a choice to really be someone Break away, run to freedom Break old habits, you don’t need ’em Break the cycle, those ol’ days are done You have two choices, you can stay or run