Ain’t Every Open Door an Invitation Bubba Patrick — Porch Wisdom with Bubba & Trigger [Intro — Martin guitar, piano turnaround] [Spoken] Trigger, come on back. That ain’t our garage. I don’t care how friendly their lawn mower looks. [Verse 1] We were headed down the sidewalk, Doing good till you turned right. Saw a neighbor’s open garage, Thought you’d drop in for a bite. Had your nose aimed at a cooler, Had your feet across the line. I said, “Son, we weren’t invited. Bring your little self outside.” [Verse 2] You could smell a bag of charcoal, Maybe burgers from last week. There were mysteries behind the toolbox You felt qualified to seek. Then the neighbor hollered, “Morning!” You went wagging toward his chair. I said, “Sorry for the visit.” He said, “Didn’t know we had a bear!” [Chorus] Ain’t every open door an invitation, Ain’t every passing truck your ride. You can wave and keep on walking, Leave a little room outside. If they call us, we can visit, Till then, let ’em have their day. Ain’t every open door an invitation— Come on, buddy, right this way. [Verse 3] Later on I heard some talking From the porch next door to mine. Caught a name I thought I recognized, Nearly leaned around the vine. Had a question getting ready, Thought I might go walking past. Then you scratched beside the screen door, And I caught myself at last. [Spoken] No, I wasn’t listening. I was… Checking the tomatoes. We don’t have tomatoes. [Verse 4] So I went and got my Martin, Found a chair out in the shade. You curled up beside my boot heel While I picked a tune I’d made. Didn’t learn the neighbor’s business, Didn’t have a thing to tell. Had a pretty pleasant evening— Their old porch did just as well. [Chorus] Ain’t every open door an invitation, Ain’t every passing truck your ride. You can wave and keep on walking, Leave a little room outside. If they call us, we can visit, Till then, let ’em have their day. Ain’t every open door an invitation— Come on, buddy, right this way. [Instrumental — Harmonica solo, fiddle answers] [Bridge] Now, if somebody calls for help, We can hurry over there. If they say, “Come have some coffee,” We can pull ourselves a chair. But a little bit of quiet Doesn’t need me dropping in. I can let folks have their afternoon And still be a good friend. [Verse 5] Friday came, that same old neighbor Called us over from his drive. Said, “I’ve got the grill fired up here. Y’all can stay a little while.” You sat down beside my left boot, Looking patient, looking proud. I said, “See? We got invited.” Then your stomach growled out loud. [Final Chorus] Ain’t every open door an invitation, But it’s nice when someone calls. We can bring a couple folding chairs, Help him get the plates and all. Till then, we can keep on walking, There’s a whole good day to see. Ain’t every open door an invitation— That’s some porch advice for you and me. [Tag] Keep your nose beside the sidewalk, Let that neighbor’s cooler be. When he hollers, “Y’all come over,” You can bring your appetite with me. [Outro — Spoken] Now, we’re guests here, Trigger. Use your manners. [Pause] And get your nose out of that lady’s purse. [Harmonica flourish and band finish]
