I've been a roofer, a waiter, a clerk
I've shoveled manure 'til my pride hurt
When you're startin' out it's all part of the work
To do what I do.

I've been evicted for not makin' rent
Made my daddy wonder
where my good sense went
For the price of a dream my years
have been spent
To do what I do

I stand here tonight with this six string guitar
To be somethin' I've always been in my heart
Just for the chance to play you my songs
and the thrill when I hear you singin' along
has been worth everything I've been through
To do what I do

I've played for empty tables and chairs
For drunks that don't listen
and crowds that don't care
Been told countless times,
"Boy, you ain't goin' nowhere"
To do what I do

So I hope the critics and skeptics alike
All bought a ticket to this show tonight
They'll see first hand that I have survived
And what doesn't kill you makes you more alive
And I'm one of the fortunate few
To do what I do

Well, there's so much joy this music can bring
So I countmy blessings before I step up to sing
'Cause there's so many people
that would give anything
To do what I do

And I thank you, I can do what I do