Dad Worked Hard

My dad worked hard

From the time he was young

To win the respect of his father

The love of his mom

Nobody had high hopes

For the scrappy farm kid

But nobody loved a challenge

Like my old man did

So with his hands and his sweat

With a hammer and a cigarette

Long hours in the hot sun

He laid a foundation

Late for dinner every night

Sunburn and an appetite

In the end he made out alright

With three kids and a frugal wife

My dad worked hard

Did yours work harder?

Is that what his thriving investments prove?

Well, I’m not saying that he didn’t earn the right to take it easy

I’m just saying that I’m pretty sure my dad did too

He got the job done right

No you couldn’t call him lazy

And he wouldn’t overcharge you

Not like the big names did

He’d build a house from the ground up

Run the numbers in his head

He’d make enough to feed the family

And make it home to tuck me into bed

And he never gave up

until his body gave in

And his mind grew thin

No you never can tell

How time will treat you

She’s a great deceiver

Now he’s home every night

He’s home every day too

He needs help getting out of his chair

And can’t remember how to tie his shoes

I’ve been looking for the safety net

The one that’s supposed to catch him

When we can’t afford the care he needs

And he worked his whole god damn life

My dad worked hard

Did yours work harder?

Is that what a comfortable retirement proves?

I’m not saying that he didn’t earn the right to take it easy

I’m just saying that I’m pretty sure my dad did too