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 eleven 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 twenty years old, my story got told 
Before the morning sun, when life was lonely 
Once I was twenty 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 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 61 
Remember life and then your life becomes a better one 
I made the 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 
[x2] 

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