[Instrumental Intro: acoustic guitar, soft piano and pedal steel, 4 bars] Verse 1 I never owned a big old ranch, Never struck a vein of gold. Most of what I’ve gathered here Can’t be bought or ever sold. I’ve worn this hat through rain and dust, These boots through joy and pain. And if I leave one thing behind, I hope love knows my name. Verse 2 I’ve held babies in these old hands, Held friends at their last breath. I’ve heard laughter fill a room, And stood face-to-face with death. Life will teach you mighty quick What’s worth holding on to— The things that matter most down here Are what love carries through. Chorus When they lay me down someday, Don’t count the things I’ve done. Don’t measure me by miles I’ve walked Or battles lost and won. Just tell ‘em that I loved Jesus, And I tried to love folks too. ‘Cause when this whole life’s said and done, That’s what He called me to. Verse 3 My hands ain’t quite as steady now, The mirror tells the truth. Time has traded black for gray, But can’t take what I’ve lived through. I still see her smiling Like the first time that we met. And if God gave me one more lifetime, I’d choose her all over again. Bridge I’ve learned forgiveness travels light, While bitterness wears chains. Pride can build a mighty wall, But mercy makes a way. The richest man ain’t always one With something left to prove— He’s the one whose family never had To wonder if they’re loved. Final Chorus When they lay me down someday, Don’t mourn for what is gone. Sing an old familiar hymn, Then help somebody on. And if I hear my Savior say, “Well done, My faithful one,” It won’t be for the things I owned Or all the things I’ve done. Just tell ’em that I loved Jesus, And I tried to love folks too. And every chance He gave this heart… I tried to let Him show through. Outro So when they lay me down… Don’t talk about what I had. Tell ’em Who I loved.
