Album: KIN: Songs By Mary Karr & Rodney Crowell
The old man never chatted much
He wasn’t that kind of guy
He doled out chores and he missed my games
And we never did see eye to eye
But the day my bus was leaving
The sky was ripe with snow
He tossed my duffle in the truck
And he said you’re good to go
Like a genie reethed in camel smoke
A ball cap wearing Sage
Smoke stub hanging from his mug
He said son you’ve come of age
I can give you no dang money
Nor no truck that’s fit to drive
But I can leave you these few words
And maybe help you stay alive
Never eat at a place called moms
Don’t play cards with a guy name tom
If you find yourself in a high stakes game
Tuck your big bills in your sock
Be careful who you cotton to
Especially the girls
If you find someone who loves you, son
Go on and give it a whirl
Don’t flirt too much with your wife’s best friend
Or with your best friends wife
Don’t drink and play with fire
‘Cus It’ll ruin a fella’s life
Don’t steal what don’t belong to you
And don’t be afraid to give
Try to swing first in a bar room brawl
And don’t go intent to tell
Never eat at a place called moms
Don’t play cards with a guy names tom
If you find yourself in a high stakes game
Tuck your big bills in your sock
Be careful who you cotton to
Especially the girls
If you find someone who loves you, son
Go on and give it a whirl
Now once we drew up to the depot
He said tell me where you land
This snow won’t hold the bus up
And he held out his right hand
Now in case I’ve never told you this
I’m proud to call you son
But the best men carry pocket knives
And then he gave me one
Never eat at a place called moms
Don’t play cards with a guy name tom
If you’re running around the wrong side of town
Tuck your big bills in your sock
Be careful who you cotton to
Especially the girls
If you find someone who loves you, son
Go on and give it a whirl
If you find someone who loves you, son
Go on and give it a whirl