When I Was Just A Kid

Verse 1 When I was just a kid, out fishing with the crew .... I’d chase down frogs and worms -- -- ‘cause that’s what I had to do. Thread ’em on the hook while Dad cast out the line, Never thought much of it then …. just a job that was mine. Verse 2 I’d hone the tappets and the valves, grit shaking in a jar .... Hands covered in motor grease .... from working near and far. Dad would test the mower's spark plug -- -- “Hold it still,” he’d say -- I’d jump a mile every time that spark shot through my way. Chorus Oh, the things that shaped my childhood, The jobs I had to do .... From raking lawn grass on my hands and knees, To bleeding brakes with Dad too. Growing up wasn’t easy, But I've found pride in how I lived …. These memories made me who I am -- Back when I was just a kid. Verse 3 Wheel alignments in the driveway .... Chalk lines on the tyres. Quiet lessons passed in silence .... Fuelled by sweat and quiet fires. Eldest meant responsibility .... Kids off to school each day. Mum pedalling to the Cannery, Dad already on his way. Verse 4 Had to deal with my kid sister .... Make sure her skirt stayed down. She hitched it up for high school .... Wanted to impress the town. I pulled it down -- she bit my arm -- just sisters being wild, Funny how we laugh now, after years have reconciled. Chorus Oh, the things that shaped my childhood, The jobs I had to do, From peeling spuds for dinner .... To checking homework too. Growing up wasn’t easy, But I’m proud of how I lived… These memories made me who I am -- Back when I was just a kid. Verse 5 Clothes on the line meant bring ’em in, dump ’em in the cot .... Folding had to wait for holidays—sorting out the lot. Helped Dad hold up ceilings with a broomstick, And lay the floorboards down .... Helping with building our home, one room at a time in our small town. Verse 6 Cooking eggs just right for Dad .... sunny side and never hard. One night the frypan caught fire .... And I should of tossed it in the yard. Instead, I picked that darn thing up, And dropped it on the chair. That solid blackened circle, reminded me -- Forever more, I need to take more care Bridge Riding Uncle's old bike, to fetch the butcher’s meat, Plastic bag into the spokes .... threw me head-first to the street. Gouged my hands, and knees and feet, But gathered every pack.... Snuck inside so Mum and Dad .... Would never know the fact. Final Chorus Oh, the things that shaped my childhood, The hard yards that I did, From busted knees to busted pride -- Still just a determined kid. All those chores and memories, Every laugh and every skid .... Made me strong, made me steady -- Made me who I am .... When I was just a kid.