Barry,

Love the melody and the sentiment--feels homespun country/bluegrass to me. Really nice lift!

Lyrically, like Brian suggested with maybe insert some "Carolina qualifying" real thoughts other than "all metaphors"--though I like some metaphors for sure, maybe also a story line of why/what felt negative about your impetuous youth travels for more contrast--example: (Maybe be more specific about, "life out on the road)." I know it can be challenging when verses are short, so perhaps one line tweaked on each contrasting story line would compliment each other lyrically to give the song slightly more story and interest?

AI is interesting, not something I've delved into however.

steady-eddie