TOMMY CASH
THE AMERICAN WAY OF LIFE
Epic E-30860November/1971
Produced by Glenn Sutton
Jerry Kennedy - guitar/dobro/band leaderBilly Sanford, Pete Wade - guitar
Ray Edenton, Chip Young - rh.guitar
Harold Bradley - bass guitar
Lloyd Green - steel
Bob Moore - bass
Buddy Harman - drums
Hargus Pig Robbins - piano/organ
Buddy Spicher - fiddle
Charlie McCoy - harmonica/trumpet
Vocals:
The Jordanaires, The Nashville Edition (4,8)
Recorded:
1971, Columbia Recording Studios, Nashville
OPENING NARRATION
This album is a tribute to the working man and womanAnd about the American way of life
The working man the life line the bread of our nation
There won't be enough time in this one album
To talk and sing about every great American character
But in this album you'll hear about some of our friends and maybe yourself
It's about the farmer the truck driver the lawyer the housewife the coal miner
The mailman the entertainer the waitress the family man
And many other real to life characters
Who in a consistent and unique chain of related effort
Burn the oil and bear the burden that turns the wheel of the American way of life
******
THE FARMER
There is no one person in America more important than the farmerSince the pilgrims landed in Plymouth in 1620
America has looked to the farmer either directly or indirectly for survival
Coming from a cotton farm myself
I can tell you that farmers and their families are usually happy
Content with a simple life although it's a life of hard work and sweat
My daddy an Arkansas cotton farmer once told me
The land is the source from which the heart beats
1.
FARMER (WHO'LL REMEMBER HIM)
(Jerry Foster - Bill Rice)« © '70 PolyGram Int, ASCAP »
Life is just a lonesome road we all must travel down
And each day brings us closer to the end
The average man who walks this road makes no lasting mark
And leaves no tracks to show where he has been
The farmer spends his lifetime working with the land
To feed and clothe the nation that he loves
But he almost goes unnoticed in this busy world today
But he's a man that we should be proud of
You won't see his likeness carved in stone
Just a simple marker's all there'll be
His closest friends and nearest kin will miss him when he's gone
When they forget who'll remember him
[ guitar ] You'll find him in the wheat fields of our great mid western states
Or picking cotton somewhere in the south
But the working man with calloused hands is just another name
So when he's gone who'll remember him
You won't see his likeness carved in stone...
When they forget who'll remember him
**********
THE TRUCK DRIVER
The truck driver now there's a man for youA trucker once told me
When you drive a truck it gets in your veins like an incurable disease
He's the one of the world's most experience drivers
And when youn talk to a trucker you'll find he's usually a mighty nice guy
Always willing to give you information on the best road
Where to watch for speed traps detours
And he can certainly tell you where to find the best cup of coffee
While listening to the song Roll Truck Roll it wasn't hard to imagine
That hundreds of home hungry truckers who drive the roads
Some perhaps think to themselves life is passing me by
I'm losing contact with the ones I love the most my wife and my kids
This is the last run I'll ever make roll me truck roll me on home
2.
ROLL TRUCK ROLL
(Tommy Collins)« © '66 Central Songs, BMI »
I'm going down to Feather River Canyon gotta go down Donner Summit is closed
Another eighty miles and I sure am lonesome cause I'll be late gettin' home
Roll truck roll take me to my baby I'm tired of bein' alone
Roll truck roll I wanna see my baby roll me truck roll me on home
One of these days I'm gonna quit this old road when I've saved enough money
Gonna buy me a place back home and live a little just me and my kids and my honey
Mama said that little Tommy's not doing too well in school
Said he keeps talking about his daddy that he hardly knows
The teacher said that he just sits at his desk all day
And draws the pictures of trucks
I guess I know what that means and what it shows
Why I'm not home three months out of the year
And here lately it's showing on me too
Oh I saw a lot of the country at first and I really liked it then
But anymore there's just none of it new
Oh what a long old haul this one's been I've had rain most of the way
And now it's beginning to pour
Sure looks cold that wind blowing up through that canyon
But I gotta keep my spirits up so I guess I'll just sing a little more
I'm going down to Feather River Canyon...
**********
THE COAL MINER
Mining coal is one of the hardest jobs ever created for manIn the great coal mining states of West Virginia
Kentucky Pennsylvania Virginia Tennessee and other coal mining states
A miner usually spends his entire life working with the rich black coal underground
It is not really a rewarding life but it is a way of life
Coal is often refered to as buried sunshine
Sometimes coal veins play out and then so do the jobs
As you'll see in the following song the continuous miner the machine
Is not very popular in coal mines
You know it's a heck of a note a man can spend his entire life down in the coal mine
Then along comes the progress and up steps a machine called continuous miner
And scares all his groceries off
3.
MACHINE
(Gene Crysler)« © '70 Southtown Music, BMI »
I can't buy Rebecca no new ribbons we can't take no Sunday walks
The kids would cry for icecream and I'd be broke cause I've been laid off
All I know is Kentucky coal mines but they've got that new machine
And it does my job and does it better and it don't knock off for bread and beans
A machine can work all day and night and its back don't ever ache
It's got no kids that want a tater no wife to wish for a steak
So it don't make the company mad a beggin' for a nickel raise
That machine's a perfect miner faithful John has been replaced
I've spent years and years in tunnels and I fought Satan over coal
I stole his fuel for making brim stones when I left this fire was low
But mighty deeds don't matter here where Mr Coal is king
He'll lay me off next Friday night then hire that new machine
That machine can work all day and night and it's never got a gripe
It won't cuss and call the union hall or advocate the strike
Cause it don't care if water fountains don't run cold and clean
So they don't want me cause I'm human they just want that new machine
I'd like to get my hands on some of them new machines
**********
THE HOUSEWIFE
Contemporary society is organized in such a way that people are expected to marryI wanna salute the housewife in the song
Because she is or should be a source of strenght
A companion that special some to confide in at times of happiness and sorrow
The only girl with whom you want to share life's joy success and sometimes failure
The love she gives you is stronger than all the muscles in your arm
She's pretty important and her chores of cleaning the house
Keeping the kids in line and having that dinner ready when you walk in
Might sometimes be pretty borin'
4.
THIS SONG BELONGS TO YOU
(Jimmy Peppers)« © '70 Johnny Bienstock Music, BMI »
This song's about love and understanding
About someone who turned my skies to blue
To a girl who gave the reasons to go on living
Yes sweetheart this song belongs to you
This song belongs to you and you alone
I've got everything I'll ever need at home
You know how to love me and you do
That's why sweetheart this song belongs to you
[ steel ] You know how to keep my world turning
You took the clouds away and now the sun shines through
You taught me about love and I'm still learning
Yes sweetheart this song belongs to you
This song belongs to you and you alone...
That's why sweetheart this song belongs to you
**********
THE MAILMAN
Mailman special delivery sirOh thank you
A dedicated and hard working American is the mailman
The postal system and the progress of mankind develop together
To realize the importance of the postal system imagine your town without the US Mail
In 1782 the continental congress guaranteed the mail service as a symbol of freedom
By ordering that private letters could not be opened or delayed by postal authorities
Inscribed on the front of the general post office in New York City are these words
There is no mortal thing faster than these messengers
Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night
Stays these carriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds
5.
MAILMAN
(Jerry Foster - Bill Rice)« © '71 PolyGram Int, ASCAP »
Bearer of bad news carrier of good news
You never know what's in his pack
When you've got bills due he hands you the sad news
From that letter pouch slung from his back
No matter what the weather is rain sleet or snow
Even when the going's rough the mail still has to go
Even though his feet hurt he's still got a job to do
Making sure the mail gets through to you
[ fiddle ] He wades through a long week of bad dogs with sharp teets
And there's complaints he has to listen to
I thank you and a soft smile make it all seem worth while
When folks recieve a monthly check that's due
You stay in touch with folks at home through letters that he brings
And pictures in an envelope show how the family's changed
When you write a letter to someone who's in love with you
He's the one who gets your message through
No matter what the weather is...
Making sure the mail gets through to you
**********
THE ENTERTAINER
An usual American is the entertainerOnce the urge to sing or entertain gets in your blood
You'll make almost any sacrifice to reach your goal
Long drives lonely trips and tough audiences are common
For most entertainers the road to success is rough
Filled with surprising experiences and disappointments
My brother a great American and a great man in music once told me
You have to feel that you belong in music you have to have a purpose
For those who fail the frustration and struggle continues
And for thos who make it the rewards are many
6.
GOT ME A GUITAR
(Jimmy Peppers)« © '70 Johnny Bienstock Music, BMI »
Here I go ridin' up and down the road with a gang
I bought me a bus and I got me a four piece band
Tonight we played Chicago then travel North Ontario
But I got me a guitar and I'm gonna be a star
Well it's ninety degrees and the airconditioner is broke
This keeps up and we're all liable to choke
I don't know of John had to go through this
But boy if he did he sure earned his
I got me a guitar and I'm gonna be a star
I got me a guitar and I'm gonna be a star
Might even learn to play on my own lead guitar
Don't wanna tell jokes or try to be funny
Just sing a little song and make a little money
I got me a guitar and I'm gonna be a star
I'm gonna pick a little now
[ guitar ] Played the show in Alabama but I was two hours late
And I wrecked the bus when I drove through the gate
The man didn't wanna give me all of my dough
But he said OK when I said oh no
I got me a guitar and I'm gonna be a star
Well we're runnin' late for a show in Abilene
The bus is hot and the boys are sure actin' mean
We're gonna get there bet you a dollar
When we come on they'll scream and holler
I got me a guitar and I'm gonna be a star
Yeah I got me a guitar and I'm gonna be a star...
Yeah I got me a guitar and I'm gonna be a star
I got me a guitar and I'm gonna be a star
I got me a guitar and I'm gonna be a star
**********
THE FAIMILY MAN
The family man is a long accepted American term normally describing a good manA man who loves his family and a man who works and stays close to his family
Protects them and stands by them at all times
However sometimes a man will lose his direction and purpose
And he'll stray like the wind to chase his dreams
Then one day he might stop and look back
And reflect on what he could have had at home with that good woman and the kids
7.
FAMILY MAN
(Jerry Foster - Bill Rice)« © '70 PolyGram Int, ASCAP »
I swung down from an early freight trying to get my head on straight this morning
I didn't sleep too well last night and every bone and muscle aches today
I can't believe this hungry man with wrinkled clothes and dirty hands is me
You'd never known to look at me that I used to be a family man
Somewhere the woman who once loved me
Is gettin' up to dress my kids for school
Maybe they won't grow up to hate me
Or ever know their daddy was a fool
[ guitar ] It seems I've lost all tracks of time
And the only thoughts to cross my mind're homeward
The thing I dread more than today is to face another cold and grey tomorrow
I've lost my pride and sanity and no one stops or takes the time to know me
I can't say I blame 'em though cause I don't look much like a family man
Somewhere the little girl who needs me
Is beginning to forget her daddy's face
Somewhere the woman who once loved me
Has turned to kiss the man who's taking my place
**********
THE MINISTER
The Minister is the accepted name for an ordained professional officer of the churchThe word minister comes from Christ 's description of himself
In Matthew 20 Verse 28 when he said
I came not to be ministered unto but to minister
And also in Mark 10 Verse 43 when he said to the apostels
Whose ever shall be great among you shall be your minister
I asked a friend of mine who was a minister
His favorite subject for a sermon and he said Faith
Here's the greatest story about faith that I could find
A simple farmer talking to the Lord
8.
FARMER AND THE LORD
(Jim Wilson)« © '57 ATV Songs, BMI »
I was resting the other evening by the side of the road
When I saw an old farmer in the field that he just hoed
Oh his face was all brown from the sun and the wind
And he was talking to the Lord just like you'd be talking to a friend
Lord he said with his voice calm and quiet
Them corn tassels need sackin' but I got no string to tie it
We had no rain in so long that the fields are gettin' mighty dusty
And it's been so unbearable hot the kids are even gettin' fussy
Oh that grass in the pasture it should be knee high
If we could just have a little shower Lord it might keep the cow from going dry
Oh but listen at me talking Lord why you'd think I wasn't grateful
If you didn't know me so well Lord you'd think I was down right hateful
I guess you'd think I forgot about that new calf that you sent
And the money in the mail took care of the rent
Mama's cough's better and Billy's home from the navy
And oh that good Sunday dinner of hot biscuits and chicken and gravy
And that new preacher you sent us Lord my he's sure a fine young man
Why he's just convertin' them sinners to beat the band
Well I guess I'll mosey on home now Lord I won't take no more your time
I know there's plenty folks here bout just waitin' to ring your line
Evening to you Lord and watch us over tonight
But don't you worry bout us none Lord cause everything is gonna be all right
(Precious sacred scenes unfold)
**********
THE WAITRESS
Have you ever wondered what it'd be like if all restaurants and so called eating placesWere self-service only and without the advantage of having a waitress
I suppose if places to eat out suddenly released all waitresses
And you had to wait on yourself
The glamour and the delightfulness and convenience of goin' out to eat
Would decrease to the point that most restaurants would eventually close
You'd probably rather stay home than to fight the crowds
So we see how important the waitress is
Now Nelly might not to be the best waitress in the world
But she works mighty hard and she's got her manners down pat
9.
SHE'S NOT AS BAD AS ALL THAT
(Lew DeWitt)« © '70 House Of Cash, BMI »
Now I know that Nelly is not without fault
She sometimes don't know where she's at
But don't tell me Nelly is not worth her salt
Cause she's not as bad as all that
She waits on the tables and works mighty hard
Though she's not learned efficiency yet
But it would take much more to get Nelly fired
Cause she's not as bad as all that
Nelly is never without her sweet smile
She's curteous all of the time
A half a buck tip and she's living' in style
Though she'd be just as glad if you'd leave her a dime
And maybe her grammar's not all it should be
She's got her manners down pat
So I'll wait on Nelly to come wait on me
Cause she's not as bad as all that
[ fiddle+piano ] Nelly is never without her sweet smile...
And maybe her grammar's not all it should be...
She's not as bad as all that
**********
THE LAWYER
This Court is now in sessionThe lawayer can best be described as a person
Who can represnt you or me in a court of law
Anyone who seeks the services of a lawyer is called a client
A lawyer's duty is to see that all points of law and any facts that favour his client
Are brought to the attention of the court
But mainly the duty of a lawyer is to see that justice is done
Now I'm sure that we all agree that a lawyer is very important and necessary person
In the American way of life however on the lighter side of the law
Some people say that the lawyer can get you off
No matter what you've done if you've got the money
10.
ABERCROMBIE MORGANSTER AND HALL
(Jerry Foster - Bill Rice)« © '71 PolyGram Int, ASCAP »
Embossed in gold upon the door you'll find three famous names
Of a lawfirm known quite well by all
It's said that they can get you off no matter what you've done
Abercrombie Morganster and Hall
Take the case not long ago of the People versus Smith
Who was accused of making alcohol
But the famous three dug up some names and they judge dismissed the case
For Abercrombie Morganster and Hall
Somewhow the scales of justice always seems to tip their way
Now I'm not saying that they stretch the law
I'm just saying that for years they haven't lost a case
Abercrombie Morganster and Hall
The trio always draws a crowd when they present a case
The people come to laugh and have a ball
You've never seen such carrying on an acting in yout life
It's Abercrombie Morganster and Hall
Now you don't need the reference for them to take your case
All you need's a dime to place to call
For freedom on installment terms just send your money to
Abercrombie Morganster and Hall
Somewhow the scales of justice always seems to tip their way...
Abercrombie Morganster and Hall
**********
THE SOLDIER
For nearly two hundred years a great and respected American has been a soldierOne of the great symbols of our freedom
American's whole freedom is our birth-right
And we cherish it as the basic condition of our national life
Freedom was won in the agony of conflict and we still enjoy its great adventage
Because men have been willing to risk their lives to preserve it
If a sonldier were a singer he might be singing this song
11.
UNPATRIOTIC ITCHIN' NEEDS A PATRIOTIC SCRATCH
(Dallas Frazier - Arthur Leo Owens)« © '70 Acuff-Rose Music, BMI / Unichappell Music, BMI »
The constitution stands up for the difference of opinion
But rights have been misused with disrespect
Today the USA has got a cancer in her spirit
And she needs the hearts of those that she protects
I'm speaking out against the ones who claimed that they want peace
Against the ones who boo our president
Against the ones who want to take but never want to give
Against distructive hands that never built
They open up their intellectual mouth and scoff at wisdom
They nest on eggs of trouble till they hatch
The message that they wave is not the message of our flag
Unpatriotic itchin' needs a patriotic scratch
[ guitar ] I wonder how much longer we can proudly pledge alligence
And stand up when our nation anthem plays
Before the infidel protest that their superior knowledge
Is embarassed by our foolish backward faith
Behind the skirts of peace objectors rage against the war
They're free because of men who fought and prayed
If our country is mistreating them I wonder why they stay
Boats and planes are leaving every day
They open up their intellectual mouth and scoff at wisdom...
Glory glory hallelujah glory glory hallelujah
Glory glory hallelujah his truth is marching on
**********
