Now this is a true story for the most part
That occurred on the top floor of this bigwig record executive's office in Nashville, Tennessee
Telling someone with a dream that they won't get far
So this song is dedicated to all those underdogs like me out there running around
He said, "Son, don't get offended by what I'm about to say
I can see you have a passion for the songs you write and play
Well my heart felt like a train wreck, but I wore a smile on my face
I said, "Thank you for your time, sir" put my guitar back in its case
And you know I'd rather sing my own songs than be a puppet on a string
I'll wear what I want to wear, I'm gonna sing what I wanna sing
Heaven knows all I need is my faith, my fans, my friends and my family
Besides I'd rather be an old fence post in Texas than the king of Tennessee
verse 2 (spoken)
So I loaded up my old pickup truck and I drove back home to Amarillo
Got a gig off old route 66 at this ballroom called "The Armadillo"
And you know I'd rather sing my own songs than be a puppet on a string
I'll wear what I want to wear, I'm gonna sing what I wanna sing
Heaven knows all I need is my faith, my fans, my friends and my family
Besides I'd rather be an old fence post in Texas than the king of Tennessee
Oh, how 'bout a little front porch picking, boys
verse 3 (spoken)
Well, wouldn't you know that old record man showed up one night at this honky tonking bar
After my show he said, "Son, I believe you might be the next big country star"
Well, sir you know I'd rather sing my own songs than be a puppet on a string
I'll wear what I want to wear, I'm gonna sing what I wanna sing
Heaven knows all I need is my faith, my fans, my friends and my family
Besides I'd rather be an old fence post in Texas than the king of Tennessee
God bless Tennessee, But I'd rather be just an old fence post in Texas
Than sell my soul to rock 'n' roll or rap or wear those tight fitting skinny jeans