The Key to Life

But when he died the preacher cried and said, "He's the lucky one
I fall to pieces and on the wings of a dove'
I made it from the beer joints to the Opry stage
He didn't care that everybody knew my name

I learned a few chords on the banjo as the key to life
'John Henry, ol' shep and faded love
But I'd love to hear the banjo ring for me tonight
And the pain of losin' him cuts like a Randall knife

And I will honor my father with these words I write down
My faith and common sense tell me the preacher's right

But in the eyes of a child, man, his fingers flew

I practiced and I practiced 'til I got it right
And the pain of losin' him cuts like a Randall knife
As long as I remember him he'll always be around
He said the only difference is what you're gettin' paid
Just a few chords on the banjo that was all he knew
He's walkin' hand in hand, in hand with God's only son"
He said it's all for nothin' if you don't stay the same
Packed up everything and just took off one night