that gut-wrenchin', toe-clinchin' hit-you-from-behind kind
with no denying it's real

That's crafty writing! The whole production is top notch. Very clever and different metaphor which is superbly executed. If I was going to change anything, I would consider going G to A (I believe the song is in G?) to D with the melody climbing in the line "with both sides pumpin'..." I think it would offer a nice musical change. Just a thought. Really excellent write!! Take care. Greg