[Verse 1]
He stands by the lane
With chalk on his thumb
Checks my grip one time
Then says, “Son, slow down”
Paper target swinging
Downrange in the heat
He taps my elbow
And plants both boots
[Pre-Chorus]
“Eyes on the front
Finger off the trigger”
His voice cuts clean
Like a leveled ruler
“Breathe in, breathe out
Let the shake go by”
And I hear that calm
In the back of my mind
[Chorus]
Gun instructor
Keep me straight
Gun instructor
Don’t miss the gate
Steady hands
And a patient eye
Gun instructor
Teach me how to try
(teach me how to try)
[Verse 2]
Brass on the bench
And a blue foam case
He shows me the safe
Like a map of the place
No big speech
Just the facts in lines
How to hold my nerve
How to waste no time
[Pre-Chorus]
“Watch that flinch
Don’t chase the sound”
He says it low
While the brass rolls round
“Respect the tool
And respect the line”
Then he nods once
Like a church bell sign
[Chorus]
Gun instructor
Keep me straight
Gun instructor
Don’t miss the gate
Steady hands
And a patient eye
Gun instructor
Teach me how to try
(teach me how to try)
[Bridge]
After the lane
He locks the door
Wipes the bench clean
Like he’s done this before
Says, “Most folks rush
Then blame the sky”
But a calm hand wins
And a clear blue eye
[Final Chorus]
Gun instructor
Keep me straight
Gun instructor
Don’t miss the gate
Steady hands
And a patient eye
Gun instructor
Teach me how to try
(teach me how to try)
Gun instructor
Hold that line
Gun instructor
One more time
Stay composed
And let it fly
Gun instructor
Teach me how to try
(teach me how to try)
