Devin Dawson needs three verses to tell his story during "Asking for a Friend," and no word is wasted. The longing mid-tempo love song is real in original ways.

The singer and Taste of Country RISER's vulnerability replicates how most men reveal their emotions. His heart is guarded. His intentions are shrouded. When it's time to open up, he speaks quietly and almost in code. Yeah, we all know this person. Maybe we are him.

"Asking for a Friend" bumps along like sunset waves rolling against the shore. A heavy bass line drives the song while ambient guitar licks wistfully aid a fragile message. At the chorus, the song becomes one fit for radio — without emphasis here, the four-plus minute expression might be only coffee shop music, but tied together it's likely his first No. 1 hit.

Did You Know?: Devin Dawson was once in a touring metal band called Shadow of Colossus. You can find their music on YouTube.

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Devin Dawson's "Asking for a Friend" Lyrics:

Hey I was just wondering if anyone was sitting here / And if not, would it be okay if someone bought you a beer / Let's say that someone wanted to dance / Would he have any snowball in hell of a chance / To get you out on the floor before this slow song ends / Oh hey, I'm just asking for a friend.

He ain't ever been any good at laying it all out on the line / I swear down deep, believe me girl, he's a really good guy / If you can find it in your heart just to cut him some slack / He'll be Johnny-on-the-spot here in two seconds flat / Yeah, he's holding his breath, come on give him a second with you / Oh hey.

Chorus:
Yeah what do you say / It's Friday night and you're beautiful, so beautiful / What man wouldn't think you were the love of his life / He'd be a fool, he'd be a fool / Just one drink would sure mean a lot to him / Yeah, I'm just asking for a friend.

Let's say this friend of mine went and messed up real bad / And he'd do anything in this world, girl, to get you back / Hey what kind of sorry would it take for a man to erase his worst mistake / And would this even begin to make a dent.

Yeah, what if I told you he hadn't slept in weeks / And he was standing right here in front of you instead of me / Is there any way you could ever love him again / Just asking for a friend.

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