[Verse 1]
You can hang your sign beside my door
You can say your piece, I’ve heard it before
But don’t reach across this kitchen table
And tell me what I’m willing and able
I mind my business, I pay my dues
I leave you room to pick and choose
So leave my tongue and my thoughts alone
I’ll steer this truck on my own
[Pre-Chorus]
I’ve got a line in the gravel
And boots on solid ground
You can call me stubborn
But you won’t turn me around
[Chorus]
I won’t bow down to a word you made up
I won’t trade my backbone for your good luck
I live in a two-gender world, plain and true
I don’t tell you how to live, don’t tell me what to do
Don’t tell me how to talk, don’t tell me how to think
I’ve been standing on my own long before your ink
You can keep your rules, I’ll keep my voice
This is my life, and I’ll make my choice
[Verse 2]
There’s a flag on the porch and a dog by the gate
A worn-out Bible and a supper plate
My daddy taught me, “Give folks their space”
And look them straight in the face
I won’t spit hate, I won’t start a fight
But I won’t pretend wrong feels right
Respect goes both ways down this county road
Don’t add your burden to my load
[Pre-Chorus]
I’ve got a line in the gravel
And boots on solid ground
You can call me stubborn
But you won’t turn me around
[Chorus]
I won’t bow down to a word you made up
I won’t trade my backbone for your good luck
I live in a two-gender world, plain and true
I don’t tell you how to live, don’t tell me what to do
Don’t tell me how to talk, don’t tell me how to think
I’ve been standing on my own long before your ink
You can keep your rules, I’ll keep my voice
This is my life, and I’ll make my choice
[Bridge]
You can disagree, that’s your right
I’ll answer back, but I won’t ignite
No chains on my hands, no muzzle on my mouth
I know what I stand for, north, south, east, west, and out
[Final Chorus]
I won’t bow down to a word you made up
I won’t trade my backbone for your good luck
I live in a two-gender world, plain and true
I don’t tell you how to live, don’t tell me what to do
Don’t tell me how to talk, don’t tell me how to think
I’ve been standing on my own long before your ink
You can keep your rules, I’ll keep my voice
This is my life, and I’ll make my choice
[Outro]
Mind your road, I’ll mind mine
Leave me yours, I’ll leave you mine