Once I was seven years old my mama told me.

Go make yourself some friends or you'll be lonely.

Once I was seven years old.

It was a big, big world but we thought we were bigger.

Pushing each other to the limits, we were learning quicker.

By eleven smoking herb and drinking burning liquor.

Never rich so we were out to make that steady figure.

Once I was eleven years old my daddy told me.

Go get yourself a wife or you'll be lonely.

Once I was 11 years old.

I always had that dream like my daddy before me.

So I started writing songs, I started writing stories.

Something about that glory just always seemed to bore me.

'Cause only those I really love will ever really know me.

Once I was 20 years old my story got told.

Before the morning sun when life was lonely.

Once I was 20 years old.

I only see my goals I don't believe in failure.

'Cause I know the smallest voices they can make it major.

I got my boys with me, at least those in favor.

And if we don't meet before I leave I hope I'll see you later.

Once I was 20 years old my story got told.

I was writing 'bout everything I saw before me.

Once I was 20 years old.

Soon we'll be 30 years old, our songs have been sold.

We've traveled around the world and we're still roaming.

Soon we'll be 30 years old

I'm still learning about life, my woman brought children for me.

So I can sing them all my songs and I can tell them stories.

Most of my boys are with me, some are still out seeking glory.

And some I had to leave behind, my brother I'm still sorry.

Soon I'll be 60 years old, my daddy got sixty 61.

Remember life and then your life becomes a better one

I made a man so happy when I wrote a letter once

I hope my children come and visit once or twice a month

Soon I'll be 60 years old, will I think the world is cold

Or will I have a lot of children who can warm me

Soon I'll be 60 years old

Soon I'll be 60 years old, will I think the world is cold

Or will I have a lot of children who can warm me

Soon I'll be 60 years old

Once I was seven years old, my mama told me

Go make yourself some friends or you'll be lonely

Once I was seven years old

Once I was seven years old