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 sing