Get a Little Dirt on Your Hands
Bill Anderson · The First 10 Years: 1956-1966 [2011]
When I was a little boy
My daddy used to say to me son
We got a little big land
And a lotta hard work to be done.
Go get your marbels put 'em in the house
Tear down your castles in the sand
Come with your pappy to the cotton patch
And get a little dirt on your hands.
Get a little dirt on your hands boy
Get a little dirt on your hands
If you're gonna grow up
To be a big big man.
(You gotta) get a little dirt on your hands
(You gotta) get a little dirt on your hands.
Well, I got to be twenty
And I thought I was a pretty big wheel
Left the country for the city
Met a slicker with a shady deal.
He said hold up the tavern take all the money
Run as fast as you can
If you're gonna get along in this big bad world
You gotta get a little dirt on your hands.
Get a little dirt on your hands boy
Get a little dirt on your hands
If you're gonna grow up
To be a big big man.
(You gotta) get a little dirt on your hands
(You gotta) get a little dirt on your hands.
Well, it's four in the morning
And the warden is a calling my name
Says he's teaching me a lesson
Gonna send me out to work in the rain.
Dig that ditch boy, chop that corn
I gotta make you understand
Only way to straighten out a guy like you
Is to get a little dirt on your hands.
Get a little dirt on your hands boy
Get a little dirt on your hands
If you're gonna grow up
To be a big big man.
(You gotta) get a little dirt on your hands
(You gotta) get a little dirt on your hands...
Get a Little Dirt on Your Hands
Bill Anderson's 'Get a Little Dirt on Your Hands' stands as a quintessential example of his country storytelling prowess, capturing the gritty reality of rural life with warmth and authenticity. Recorded for his compilation 'The First 10 Years: 1956-1966,' the track exemplifies the honky-tonk and western swing influences that defined Anderson's early career. The song's narrative invites listeners into a world of hard work and camaraderie, reflecting the era's musical spirit through Anderson's distinctive vocal delivery and acoustic instrumentation. As part of his extensive discography, this recording remains a testament to his ability to blend traditional country themes with a fresh, relatable perspective that has resonated with audiences for decades.