[Verse 1] They came up off the road To the settlers' gate Took sacks of grain And a child in a crate Smoke from the barn Mud on their boots They laughed at the fence Like they owned that truth
[Pre-Chorus] But the town stood still When the word ran through The office lit up And the orders flew
[Chorus] Commonwealth law Comin' down hard Commonwealth law Right in the yard You take from the weak You pay your due Commonwealth law Comin' for you
[Verse 2] The President heard And his jaw got tight Said "bring them in Before the night" Blue coats moved fast On that rutted track Pinned them to earth And they didn't talk back
[Pre-Chorus] Dust in the air Boots hit the ground No more running When the law comes down
[Chorus] Commonwealth law Comin' down hard Commonwealth law Right in the yard You take from the weak You pay your due Commonwealth law Comin' for you
[Bridge] Chain on the wrist Keys on the ring Cell door shut Cold iron sing Every stolen prayer Every stolen day Gets dragged on back In the price you pay
[Final Chorus] Commonwealth law Comin' down hard Commonwealth law Right in the yard You take from the weak You pay your due Commonwealth law Comin' for you Commonwealth law Comin' for you
Style of Music
Melodic country with a steady two-step groove, acoustic guitar and brushed drums in the verses, fiddle answers after each line, pre-chorus opens with rising harmony and handclaps, chorus lands bigger with steel guitar swells and a stomping kick. Close-mic male vocal, raspy lead with warm harmony doubles on the hook, short delay throws on key words, wind chimes and a low dobro slide as ear candy. Bright, rugged, punchy mix with a dusty frontier feel., country