Music, arranging and production by Jon Burr

The Lyric:
Everything was fine, not so very long ago.
I had a weekly paycheck, I was rolling in the dough.
I had a truck, got me where I needed to go.
I didn’t know how much I had, ‘til things began to blow.

Everything was fine, then my tire picked up a tack.
The rubber was so thin, you see, it really set me back.
“What’s the problem now?� was all my boss would say,
Gave me my last paycheck, and sent me on my way…

So, here I am remembering, not so long ago,
I had a weekly paycheck, I was rolling in the dough.
I had my pick-up truck back then, had a shirt. and had a wife.
I didn’t know how little I had because, well, that was life.

Sleeping in my pick-up truck, the light began to dawn.
I would go back home, before my last chance was blown.
I would tell my loving folks, at last I saw the light, 
My prospects didn’t look so good, my future, none too bright.

Could they start me off again, with tuition and the such, and
help me get a-brand new tire, for my raggedy ol’ truck?
If they could be so kind, as to set me on my way, 
I would do my very best, their kindness to repay

Consider the military, said my folks, sounding wise
they told me I need extra time, didn’t mean to criticize
Maybe they were onto something, maybe that could help
Why, oh, why didn’t I think of that myself?

Military life’s not easy, as I learned from the start, 
but I came out much the better, and learned to have some heart.
Well, I’m that better man now, after going through all this.
Finally got my life in shape, it had been so amiss.

I repaid my folks’ advice, as I promised that I would,
Became the son they hoped for, the man they knew I could.
We often go to see them, and they visit the wife and me,
Now they’re contented grandfolks, with babies on each knee!

Once upon a time, when I was really stuck, 
I went back home to see the folks, which became a day of luck.
Military service, I’m glad I took it up.
Life changed for me, when I stopped sleeping in that ol’ truck.