Intro: D - A - E - F#m - D - A - E - A (2)

A                                              D      A
The old man never chatted much he wasn't that kind of guy
A                                                 B                  E
He doled out chores and he missed my games and we never did see eye eye
A                                  D                A
On the day my bus was leaving the sky was ripe with snow
A                                        E                  A
He tossed my duffle in the truck and he said you're good to go
A                                       D               A  
Like a genie wreathed in camel smoke a ball cap wearing sage
A                                         B                    E
Smoke stub hanging from his mug.  He said son you've come of age
A                                    D                  A
I can't give you no dang money nor a truck that's fit to drive
A                                              E             A
But I can leave you these few words and maybe help you stay alive

Refrain
D                            A                  E                     F#m
Never eat at a place called mom's.  Don't play cards with a guy named doc
D                          A                         E                 A
If you find yourself in a high stakes game keep your big bills in your sock
D                  A          E             F#m
Be careful who you cotton to especially the girls
D                        A                E                   A
If you find someone who loves you son, go ahead and give it a whirl

D A E F#m D A E A x2

A                                                    D                       A
Don't flirt too much with your wife's best friend or with your best friends wife
A                                           B             E
Don't drink and play with fire, cuz" it'll ruin a fellas life
A                                         D                 A
Don't steal what don't belong to you and don't be afraid to give
A                                          E            A
Try to swing first in a bar room brawl and don't go in tentative

Refrain
A                                         D                A
Now once we drew up to the depot, he said tell me where you land
A                                      B                  E       
This snow won't hold the bus up and he held out his right hand
A                                         D                   A
Now in case I've never told you this, I'm proud to call you son
A                                          E             A
But the best men carry pocket knives and than he gave me one