One Short Life

My mama told me lots of things



About the life we lead



Told me it was too easy



To live a life of greed



She said you'll be a good man



And I'll be proud of you



'Cause you can't do no better



If that's all you learn to do



All we got is one short life



Far as we can find



And if you don't know how to live



The world will be unkind



No, no curse upon my name



No way I look at a bad guy



And think that I'm the same



No, I won't be blamed



I live without dishonor



I won't have to die ashamed



Old lady told me plenty



She told me what to do



How to act in society



How to make it through



She said always mind your manners



And don't you talk no trash



And if you hear somebody dissing you



Go over and kick his ass



One thing is for certain



By all we know and love



If you compromise your integrity



You should drown in your own blood



No, no curse upon my name



No way I look at a bad guy



And think that I'm the same



No, I won't be blamed



You live without dishonor



You don't have to die ashamed



So, even though I'm old and weird



I remember what she said



I always knew that she was right



So, I kept it in my head



I never tried to hurt the world



I never was drove by greed



Believe I mostly did my best



What more do you want from me?



All there is, is one short life



Far as we can find



And if you don't know how to live



You're gonna lose your mind



No, no dirt upon my name



No way I look at a bad guy



And thing I share blame



No, I'm not the same



As I live and die, I'm certain



I refuse to die ashamed