Lyrics
This used to be the kind of town
This town once had a traditional, small-town feel.
You buy a place and settle down
People would buy homes and settle down in this town.
Raise a family and hang around
It was a place where families would grow and live.
That's the way that it used to be
Describing the nostalgic past.
12 years of school with the same ol' kids
Kids would go to school together for 12 years.
Talk about getting away from this
There was talk of wanting to leave this town.
But then you'd do just like your mama and daddy did
However, many would end up staying, following their parents' footsteps.
That's the way that it used to be
Reiterating the past's traditional nature.
But then the money came in and almost over night
The town experienced sudden wealth or prosperity.
Turned all the collars from blue to white
Many traditional working-class people became affluent.
Aw man it was a helluva sight
The change was dramatic and significant.
Now it ain't how it used to be
The town's essence changed, losing its traditional feel.
Now Main Street shines like a diamond
Describing the town's current polished appearance.
And the people all look like dolls
People appear superficial or artificial.
And everything's practically perfect
Everything seems refined or perfected.
Man's it's hard to believe
Expressing disbelief or nostalgia for the past.
But it ain't how it used to be
Reiteration of the town's changed nature.
Earl's Fruit Stand used to sit over there
Reference to a former local landmark.
Now it's a place called Mercantile Square
The place transformed into a commercial establishment.
Sells used blue jeans, $200 a pair
The prices have escalated, indicating the town's upscale shift.
That ain't how it used to be
Contrasting the present with the nostalgic past.
Dotson's served fried chicken right here
Reference to another old establishment.
Now it's called Malone's and sells wax for your beard
It's now a trendy place, catering to modern grooming.
The square's full of Vespa's instead of John Deere's
Visual shift from traditional to modern vehicles.
That ain't how it used to be
Expressing nostalgia for the town's earlier days.
Now Main Street shines like a diamond
Reiteration of the town's modernized appearance.
And the people all look like dolls
Continued observation of the town's superficiality.
And everything's practically perfect
Emphasizing the town's polished state.
Man's it's hard to believe
Reiteration of disbelief or longing for the past.
But it ain't how it used to be
Restating the town's transformation.
That's the way that it used to be
Recalling the town's original character.
But then the money came in and almost over night
Highlighting the rapid change brought by wealth.
Turned all the collars from blue to white
Describing the change in the workforce's attire.
Aw man it was a helluva sight
Emphasizing the significant transformation.
Now it ain't how it used to be
Stating the town's current, altered state.
I drove through the other day
The singer revisits the town after some time.
And I know that sometimes things have to change
Acknowledging the inevitability and necessity of change.
It's a lot nicer now but I smile when I think
The singer appreciates the town's improvements but cherishes memories.
About how it used to be
Reflecting on the past with fondness.
Now Main Street shines like a diamond
Reiteration of the town's modern, polished appearance.
And the people all look like dolls
Observing the town's changed, perhaps superficial, populace.
And everything's practically perfect
Commenting on the town's perceived perfection.
Man's it's hard to believe
Expressing disbelief or nostalgia for those familiar with the town.
if you grew up here like me
Suggesting a shared nostalgia or connection with those who grew up in the town.
But it ain't how it used to be
Concluding with the acknowledgment of the town's transformed state.
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