Every Man’s Blues

I was raised on hand-me-down hope, rent due and knuckles blue,

I was raised on hand-me-down hope, rent due and knuckles blue,

Learned the world don’t owe a man nothin’—you earn what you’re born to do.

I carry the weight, I hold the line,

Clock in the dark, sun on the grind.

If I stumble, I get up slow—

A good man pays what he owes.

Built a life with my brain and hands, sweat turning plans to a strong man,

Built a life with my brain and hands, sweat turning plans to a strong man,

A woman by my side who sees the man I ain’t yet shown.

I carry the weight, I hold the line,

Faults on my back, faith on my mind.

If I’m wrong, I make it right—

A good man walks into the light.

I’ve fought quiet wars at midnight where no trumpet’s ever played,

I’ve fought quiet wars at midnight where no trumpet’s ever played,

Discipline my only drum, and the dues I’ve always paid.

I carry the weight, I hold the line,

Hungry wolf howls, I guard what’s mine.

Give me storms, I’ll find my keel—

A good man signs with steel.

Some nights the wolf’s at the door—some nights the wolf is me;

I knelt and said, “Lord, I’ve failed,” He said, “Stand up. Go be free.”

Now I teach the young to question, to build, to think things through,

Now I teach the young to question, to build, to think things through,

‘Cause a kingdom stands on wisdom, not the likes you’re sold as truth.

I carry the weight, I hold the line,

Every man’s cross is cut to his spine.

If the load gets heavy, hand me some too—

A good man pulls the crew.

I carry the weight, I hold the line,

Dust on my boots, purpose in time.

When my day is done and the ledger is true—

I carry the weight, I hold the line,

Every man’s cross is cut to his spine.

If the load gets heavy, hand me some too—

A good man pulls the crew.

I carry the weight, I hold the line,

Dust on my boots, purpose in time.

When my day is done and the ledger is true

Let my people say, “He came through.”

Carry the weight… hold the line.