He grew up in the hollow, barefoot and running free Gave four years to his country, at the age of 23 He came back from the army, a little wiser than before Guess, he learned to love life, a little more Bought himself a farmhouse, and a little piece of land Traded in that ole gray mule, for my grandma’s wedding band He raised up a family, the best that he knew how With calloused hands, he’d walk behind the plow. He’d say
(Chorus) “You can’t get to Heaven, in some fancy foreign car ‘Cause it ain’t what you got down here, that makes you what you are Keep a Bible by your bedside, don’t let it gather dust” And, I pray to God that someday, I can be half the man he was.
He never seemed to worry, about the things he couldn’t change He’d talk about his grandkids and when it was gonna’ rain Living off the farmland, just like his dad before To tell the truth, son, who could ask for more.
(Repeat Chorus)
He used to sit out on the front porch, in the early morning light Staring at them dusty fields, he prayed for every night He’d think about his family, and the man he’d come to be He’d say, the best things in life are always free.