You want to grow up to paint houses like me
A trailer in my yard till you're 23
You want to be old after 42 years

Keep dropping the hammer and grinding the gears

Well I used to go out in a Mustang

A 302 Mach One in green
Till me and your Mama made you in the back
And I sold it to buy her a ring


And I learned not to say much of nothing
So I figured you already know

But in case you don't or maybe you forgot
I'll lay it out real nice and slow


Don't call what you're wearing an outfit
Don't ever say your car is broke
Don't worry about losing your accent

Cause a Southern Man tells better jokes

Have fun but stay clear of the needle

Call home on your sister's birthday
Don't tell them you're bigger than Jesus
Don't give it away

Don't give it away

Five years in a St. Florian foundry

They call Industrial Park
I work hospital maintenance and Tech School
Just to memorize Frigidaire parts


But I got to missing your Mama
And I got to missing you too

So I went back to painting for my old man
And I guess that's what I'll always do


So don't let him take who you are boy
And don't try to be who you ain't
And don't let me catch you in Kendale

With a bucket of wealthy-man's paint

Don't call what you're wearing an outfit

Don't ever say your car is broke
Don't sing with a fake British accent
Boy don't act like your family's a joke


Have fun, but stay clear of the needle
Call home on your sister's birthday

Don't tell them you're bigger than Jesus
Don't give it away
Don't give it away