[Verse 1] Son, come on over here Sit up straight and listen close You got meat on that plate tonight And you eat it before dessert, most I know beans and greens can fight you But you were raised to finish strong When that plate comes back clean Then the sweet part won't be long [Pre-Chorus] Don't push it around Don't play with your food You learn this lesson now It'll do you good [Chorus] Meat first, pie later ( meat first, pie later ) Clean that plate right now Meat first, pie later ( meat first, pie later ) Dessert waits around [Verse 2] If you sit there pouting And that fork stays in your hand You won't get up from the table 'Til you understand A hard word from your father And a hand on your seat Then you come back honest And you finish what you eat [Pre-Chorus] No wasting a bite No leaving it cold A little discipline Builds a boy to grow bold [Chorus] Meat first, pie later ( meat first, pie later ) Clean that plate right now Meat first, pie later ( meat first, pie later ) Dessert waits around [Bridge] I ain't trying to be mean I'm trying to raise you right A man keeps his word And he eats what he got tonight You want that cobbler shining? Then take care of your meat Do it with a good heart And a full, steady seat [Final Chorus] Meat first, pie later ( meat first, pie later ) Clean that plate right now Meat first, pie later ( meat first, pie later ) Dessert waits around Meat first, pie later ( meat first, pie later ) That's how we do it down
