Well I grew up down in Texas where I got my honky tonk education
That music from my dashboard hit me like a bolt of revelation
Kris, Willie, Waylon, Johnny Cash, Merle and Tom T. Hall and that aint all
Their music rang with truth, it inspired me and nailed me to the wallhey!

Back then being real and unique was something celebrated
Them bulls were too ornery to let their music be castrated
Maybe Im sayin way too much, but Im just speakin from the heart
And it troubles me to think theres no room for my heroes on the charts

Cause they picked the cotton, they went through hell
They came back stronger with their stories to tell
With their pens on fire and their guitars strapped on
We were all the better for hearing them ol songs
So if a hollow-eyed skinny kid opens up his notebook full of dreams
Let that poor boy sing

These days theres kids that think country music is just a cowboy hat and wranglers
Maybe thats just fine, you know I aint naming names or pointin fingers
I just think ol Hank and Jimmy Rogers ought to get more respect, more respect
From any country music singers ever picked up a royalty check

Cause they picked the cotton, they went through hell
They came back stronger with their stories to tell
With their pens on fire and their guitars strapped on
We were all the better for hearing them ol songs
So, if a hollow-eyed skinny kid opens up his notebook full of dreams
Better let that poor boy sing

Cause they built the road, they paved the way T
They paid the dues we aint payin today
And the reason they sang with passion and soul had nothing to do with platinum or gold,
So if a hollow-eyed skinny kid opens up his notebook full of dreams,
You better let that poor boy sing

Yeah, heres to the spirit of the wild and the beautiful things
Let that poor boy si