Back when I was still alive

Waking up to the yell

The fire was burning it was hot as hell

Ran across the hall and there I saw

My 7 year nephew getting out of bed

Grabbed his hand and down the stairs we fled.

But the fire was too strong

 the little guy cried and pulled me along

Back up the stairs the smoke over came us and I hit the floor

Woke up with my face burning. Heard a window break then I saw a light

The next day the headline read

Fire, 3 dead.

 

Back when I was still alive

I worked a nine to five

Was everybody's friend

The fun never end

The air was fresh my future bright

Everything seem to be alright

Back before 1975, when I was still alive

 

 

Mom got real sick I begged her not to die

Jr is dying and I don't know why

Dad's son called and said daddy's dead

My little sister had a seizure bumped her head

And they were all gone

I ran out in the field dropped to my knees

And begged God please

Make me understand

 

 

Back when I was still alive

I worked a nine to five

Was everybody friend

The fun never end

The air was fresh my future bright

Everything seem to be alright

Back before 1985. when I was still alive

 

 

Worked a long job sometimes two or three

Doctor asked me slow down please

Your body can't take it.

But I had to keep working it keeps me from thinking.

When I'm not I'm getting into trouble and drinking

Years of hard work and fighting has taken it's toll

I find myself behind a desk working and living on the job

I can't slow down; if I wanted to

There's no telling what I'll do

The heart attack hits me when I was 32

 

 

Back when I was still alive

I worked a nine to five

Was everybody friend

The fun never end

The air was fresh my future bright

Everything seem to be alright

Back before 1995, when I was still alive

 

 

Got to get the kids ready for school

Driving along the highway near route 22

A car comes up doing  95

I steer away almost in time

Wake up in the car;

are the kids still alive?

Yes they are

But now what about me?

Blood is running down my face

I can barely see

They have to get me out and tear off the door

Doctor says I'll be lucky to walk anymore

What about my store?

I can now drive a little further then I can walk

Family and friends call but I don't want to talk.

I look in the mirror at what is left

Have to fight not to feel sorry for myself

Looking back at what I've gain and what I've lost

Can't play with the kids so I tell them of what I've learn and what it all cost.

 

 

Back when I was still alive

I worked a nine to five

Was everybody's friend

The fun never end

The air was fresh my future bright

Everything seem to be alright

Before 2005, when I was still alive