As she was still very much playing up her image as the southern girl next door, Beth walked out on stage that night in an ivory colored sundress that stopped just below her knees. It looked simple at a distance, but when the camera zoomed in, all the detailed lace-work could be seen. Several bangles glinted on her wrist and a few layered necklaces gave her a pop of color. Blonde hair fell in soft waves around her shoulders, and she paired it all with some light pink cowboy boots.
The guitar strap over her shoulder held the instrument in place as Beth waved to and called greetings to audience members. She still had a bit of charming shyness to her, but it was clear she was coming out of her shell more this week.
“Well y’all sure know how to make a girl feel welcome,” she gushed with pleasure when she got to the mic stand and the applause started to die down. She strummed a chord on the guitar and looked out at the audience. “Anyone here ever been in love?” There was a resounding roar of yells and clapping in response and Beth laughed delightedly. “That is real good to hear. Isn’t it the best feeling?” She paused to allow for another cheer from the crowd and grinned at the reaction. “Yeah, I think so too.” She adjusted her guitar moved into place behind the microphone. “So, tonight I wanted to play a love song for y’all. That sound good to you?”
There was another deafening cheer as the audience really threw themselves into it. Beth cheered along with them for a moment, and just basked in the moment. Then she took a deep breath, gave a nod to the rest of the band to signal them, and began to play.
“I'm only human, I need a god To show me what we want when we fought. From morning to dusk, our tears causing rust on all of our weapons. And he's just a man but deep in his eyes, I see all this love without the lies. From now till forever, we'd be so much better without the weapons. Empty my gun, dull my knife. Build a house, make a life. We lie in bed and let the record play, I hope that he and I will always be this way.”
She swayed behind the microphone as she sang. It was a gentle song, but there was emotion behind it. One look at the expression on Beth’s face and anyone could see the glow of love there. She was singing to someone. But who?
“Oh, I'm only human but I've found a match. He doesn't hurt, he doesn't scratch. I'm just some girl, but I've found a soul. He doesn't push, he doesn't pull. He's just a man but he's like a savior, that I don't deserve after my bad behavior. He says he's wasted with no money left, but all that I see... is perfect. Empty my gun, dull my knife. Build a house, make a life. We lie in bed and let the record play, I hope that he and I will always be this way.”
The bassist abandoned his spot with the rest of the band and moved over to dance next to Beth while they both played together. As she moved into the final verse of her song, Beth’s voice really hit its stride with power and emotion.
“I am done with the jealousy, done with the fighting. Done with words that feel just like biting. I have found a new man with a heart he wants to share. It just goes to show life isn't always unfair. I have pumped new blood into this heart for him to take. We're gonna move to California to a house on a lake. And someday we will kiss in front of family and friends, Only cake and champagne and no need...for weapons. Empty my gun, dull my knife. Build a house, make a life. We lie in bed and let the record play, I hope that he and I will always be this way. All these clear-headed thoughts were once home to doubt. Think I finally know what life is about. And it seems smooth sailing where the waters were rough, How the world looks different when you find yourself In love, in love, In love, in love, In love.”
As the final notes faded away, there was a moment of silence before the audience began to applaud. Beth’s cheeks were a rosy pink and her eyes shone with love as she took it all in.