[Intro — Telecaster and fiddle over a steady full band rhythm] [Verse 1] His band was playin’ Saturday; He laid the flyer by my plate. I’d planned to work the western fence And counted on him stayin’ late. He said, “I know that wire needs stretchin’, But I promised them I’d play.” I looked down at that supper table, Took his name off Saturday. [Chorus] My boy ain’t a hired hand, He’s a young man with his own plans. I can teach him how to set a post And show up when he needs me most. He’s got every right to find his way, To have a life beyond this place. I hope he knows just where I stand: My boy ain’t a hired hand. [Turnaround — piano and pedal steel] [Verse 2] We sat halfway up the bleachers When he plugged that guitar in. He was talkin’ with the drummer, Wearin’ half a nervous grin. Then he stepped up to that microphone, And his voice came strong and clear. The best thing I had done all week Was simply bein’ here. [Chorus] My boy ain’t a hired hand, He’s a young man with his own plans. I can teach him how to set a post And show up when he needs me most. He’s got every right to find his way, To have a life beyond this place. I hope he knows just where I stand: My boy ain’t a hired hand. [Instrumental — eight bars; Telecaster leads, fiddle answers] [Bridge — ease back to acoustic guitar, piano, and bass] We stretched that wire on Sunday, Took our time and did it right. He talked about the songs he’d written. I said, “Let’s hear one tonight.” [Final Chorus — full band returns; warm harmonies] My boy ain’t a hired hand, He’s a young man with his own plans. I can teach him how to set a post And show up when he needs me most. He’s got every right to find his way, To have a life beyond this place. He’ll always know just where I stand: My boy ain’t a hired hand. [Tag — lead vocal with harmony answer] I’ll be his dad wherever he lands. My boy ain’t a hired hand. [Outro — fiddle reprises the chorus melody; pedal steel and full band resolve] © 2026 Redneck Muslim. All rights reserved.
