Lay down, momma, get some rest
Ain't much more that you can do
We're gonna lose the house, pop ain't coming back
God and luck, mom, will see us through

I'm almost 18 and school ain't workin' out
Never did much for me anyhow
I'm gonna find some work
There's gotta be life left in this town

I beat the street all day long
They all got death in their eyes
There ain't no work and it don't look good
We gotta compromise

There was a man last week
Down at the school with a real nice uniform
Said I could sign my name and be reborn

Some folks live in the black and white
Folks like us survive in the gray
There's a voice out in the distance
That says we're gonna be okay

So keep that cross around your neck
And remember what we say
All good things come with the light of day

I'm gonna pack you up and send you out
To uncle Jack's near Abilene
Said they'd put you up 'til I get back
Though I don't know when it'll be

But don't you cry or worry too bad
I'll be a lion from a lamb
Trust me, momma, this ain't no Vietnam

Some folks live in the black and white
Folks like us survive in the gray
There's a voice out in the distance
That says we're gonna be okay

So keep that cross around your neck
And remember what we say
All good things come with the light of day

Gonna head downtown to meet the bus
Today I'm bound for Caroline
Keep me deep in your heart
And know you live in mine

Some folks live in the black and white
Folks like us survive in the gray
There's a voice out in the distance
That says we're gonna be okay

So keep that cross around your neck
And remember what we say
All good things come with the light of day