Once I was seven years old, my momma 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 eleven years old...

I always had that dream like my daddy before me,
So I started writing songs, I started writing stories,
Something about the 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 about 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 rolling.
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 61,
Remember life, and then your life [bad word] a better one.
I made the man so happy when I wrote a letter once,
I hope my [bad word] 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 momma told me,
“Go make yourself some friends or you'll be lonely!”
Once I was seven years old...

Once I was seven years old...