Knuckle Down
A Line My Father Told Me Many Times
When it comes to memories I have more and more every day
Doing well in school was not my strong point
So when my father thought I could do better
He felt I slacked off
I wasn't giving it my all
He wouldn't hesitate to call me out
No holding back
You can do better than this
So why aren't you ?
I responded with an honest answer
I am trying my best
I just don't get it
I can study during the day and night
Certain things don't come easy
For some reason he didn't think I was telling the truth
If you studied you would do well ?
Now that makes perfect sense
If you just open the book and dilly dally
Then of course that isn't going to work
You have to apply yourself
Listen to the teacher
Use your head for more than a hat rack
Kids today don't know how good they have it
I would listen intently
Whenever my father asked a question
You never answered with I don't know
That was a cop out
Being lazy and basically saying I don't care
I don't give a dam
As I got older there was no changing his mind
When I went to high school and stayed up late into the night
He would curse because he could see the light on
What are you doing up so late ?
Nobody stays up till three in the morning to study
Then has to get up at six thirty to go to school
I thought if I practiced harder it would come to me
It didn't
I did it any way
I never complained and stayed at it
The years of studying didn't get me any better grades
What it did do is prepare me for life
There were those people who didn't open a book
They were the same people who said they didn't study
I seen there A's and the B's
I wasn't jealous or envious of them
Because I know that wasn't good
I was happy for them
What did they know that I didn't ?
I didn't skip classes
I took notes
Some of my friends said I took too many notes
I studied too much
I don't believe that
I do believe we are all different
What some people are good at other people aren't
I enjoyed school
I got mostly in the seventies on tests or worse
That was as good as it gets
I didn't take it out on the teachers
They were just doing their job
I use to dream
One day I will find something that comes easy for me
When that day comes
I will shine in the light
Until that day
I will do what I know best
I am a slugger
I will keep on slugging away
To all those who are struggling with a problem in their life
I feel for you
I have been there
It will all work out in some strange way
Don't give up
Put a smile on your face
Feel that pat on the back
I am proud of you
It will only be a matter of time
Other people will be too
