Family
Bluegrass Roots and Family Ties: A Musical Journey by Reid Cummings
Lyrics
I grew up in the bluegrass knew early that I didn’t need no school
I grew up in a bluegrass setting and realized early on that formal education wasn't necessary for me.
Saw the old man drink longnecks smoke camels and knew that I would too
I observed my father's habits of drinking and smoking, and I anticipated following in his footsteps.
I'd grow up to be as hard as him and just as rough as he had been on us
I aimed to become as tough and rugged as my father, enduring the challenges he faced in raising us.
Just wait till I’m grown dad and I can prove that I am tough
I expressed a desire to prove my toughness once I reach adulthood.
First chance I got I grew out my hair and started right away
I rebelled by growing out my hair, signaling a departure from conventional expectations.
Now and then I'd find a job and time to time I'd make a little pay
Despite occasional jobs, I struggled to make a consistent income.
Ol' dad liked to cuss when I'd show up and I'd be good and drunk
My father disapproved of my choices, and conflicts arose when I showed up drunk.
He'd say out of two sons you'd thought I'd have some luck
My father expressed disappointment, highlighting the contrast between me and my presumably luckier brother.
My brother Lee he didn't make it past the age of twenty-five
My brother Lee passed away at a young age, and we laid him to rest with the rest of our family.
We buried him in the cemetery where the rest of our family lies
I regret not expressing certain things to my brother and not doing more during his lifetime.
There were things that I wish I could've said and I could've done
I cherish the memories of the enjoyable moments we shared together.
But the memories I keep most of all are the ones we shared in fun
Reaching an age I never thought I would, I now find solace and support in my family.
I've gotten to an age that I thought I'd never reach
Some family members reside in Nashville, and I make an effort to visit when possible.
As the years go by I find more comfort in my family
While I wish my family were closer, I appreciate the connection and make the best of it.
Some live down in Nashville and I'll drive down and visit when i can
Reflecting on my youth, I acknowledge that I may have wasted a significant portion of it.
You know if I had it my way they'd be closer but I'll take it man
If given the chance to relive my past, I would make the same choices without regrets.
If youth is wasted on the young then you can bet I wasted most of mine
I find comfort in being true to myself and won't change to meet others' expectations.
But if you turned back the time I'd do it all the same so I won’t mind
I've consistently been true to my identity throughout my life.
I find comfort in what I am believe it man and I won't change to suit your needs
My essence and identity have remained unchanged throughout my life.
I guess you could say that I've always only been me
Being myself is a constant in my life, and I embrace it.
I guess you could say that I've always only been me
My lifelong identity has been consistent, and I take pride in being true to myself.
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