Bridge Without a Toll

[Intro: melodic fretless bass, rolling toms]

[Verse 1: conversational syncopation]
You needed help across a river
I had timber, rope, and time
I could build a little crossing
And put a price on every stride

But I remember when I struggled
And somebody pulled me through
Never handed me an invoice
Just said, "Someday help someone too"

[Pre-Chorus: rising guitar harmonies]
I don't want to own the road
Just because I helped you go

[Chorus: soaring stacked vocals]
I'll build a bridge without a toll
Let the people come and go
You don't owe me your devotion
You don't owe me what you know
If the world is full of rivers
We can make the crossing free
And the kindness that I give you
Doesn't have to come back to me

[Break: slap bass, 7/8 guitar counterpoint]

[Verse 2: warm melodic baritone]
I gave a friend a ride to work
And turned down what they tried to pay
I needed nothing from the moment
Except to help them on their way

[Bridge: half-time, tender]
Generosity grows smaller
When we turn it into debt

[Final Chorus: epic major lift]
I'll build a bridge without a toll
And leave it standing when I'm gone
Let another soul cross over
And keep the kindness moving on

[Outro: harmonized guitar sustain]