From just an Old Man

(David Munyon/S P Standley)


I was walking the streets of Nashville
Seemed like a good place to start
I found me a job as a shingler's helper
It was August and it was hot
They were hiring in the city
Put a new roof on the Rhyman Auditorium
I guess God smiled down on this picker
This was as close to show business
I had come


Well, Lord, it got too hot to hammer
The hide was torn off of both knees
I'd sweat 'til I just about passed out
I sat down poured me some ice tea
When I noticed Him looking
From underneath
An Ace Hardware Company hat
You look like you could use a helpin' hand
In a way that's kinda where I'm at


And humbly walking out from His garden
He said ,.How'd you like to try
And get your star''
Why choose me among all of these pickers
From just an old man
Just from the kindness of His heart


Well, I told Him that I was a songwriter
New in town by way of Baton Rouge
I felt like a flame on it's last flicker
He smiled and said "Sometimes dreams come true''
Take your tools and give them
To your foreman
Grab your songs and follow me
It ain't far to the stars if you walk fast
And He offered
"Do you know what I mean''


And humbly walking out from His garden...


Well, He'd helped one or two to get started
Patsey Cline, Hank Williams and his son
And the Beatles were often now his favorite
Don't forget every choir in every nation
So He sat me up an audition
Now audition is a funny word to sing
Still you know
Because we're all just pickers
Some like me Missin' one or two guitar strings


And humbly walking out from His garden...


So they hired me on at the Opry
It's steady and it sure pays the rent
And the country music fans
Are brilliant in themselves
And I love air conditionin'
When I look back from the window
Of the custom bus I'm headin' for Detroit in
I thank God for all of His kindness
And sending to help me that old man


And humbly walking out from His garden...


He said "How'd you like to try and get your star''
Why choose me among all of these Nashville guitar pickers
From just an old man
Just from the kindness of His heart


David Munyon: vocal, guitar
Chris Jones: guitars
Mike Silver: harmony vocals
Martin Großkurth: hammond organ
Hans-Jörg Maucksch: bass