For twenty years I was a child now Though I never had a clue Wearing boots I could never fill Daddy said, "put the boy to use" For forty years I've been working now Forty more I'll meet the grave So many towers that I never saw Tried not to take more than I gave Oh yeah, I tried not to take more than I gave Heaven knows it ain't easy But the family needs a roof over head All the dreams that never saw daylight But dreams don't keep the children fed Summer soil in my fingernails Sunburnt red upon my face Fifteen hours for some crumpled dollar bills Oh, I've accepted these are my days Yeah, I've accepted these are my days Heaven knows it ain't easy But the family needs a roof over head All the dreams that never saw daylight But dreams don't keep the children fed I'd give it all for them to have it all Yes, I'd give it all for them to have it all What must I do?, I'll do what I must Whatever it cost Heaven knows it ain't easy But the family needs a roof over head All the dreams that never saw daylight Oh, but dreams don't keep my children fed Now there ain't much in this world That can soothe me Don't plan on resting 'till the day I'm dead I'm not asking anyone to thank me I just pray someday they'll understand That a man does what a man's gotta do