Get A Little Dirt On Your Hands
David Allan Coe · Other Songs - David Allan Coe
Dedication: To Whispering Bill Anderson and a friendship
I value as much as any other because of his talent
and also his inspiration. To Johnny Cash,
Merle Haggard, Porter Wagoner,
Ernest Tub, Hank Snow, Marty Robbins and Lefty Frizzell
for singing prison songs when I was still a prisoner.
WHEN I WAS A LITTLE BOY DADDY USED TO SAY TO ME, SON,
WE GOT A LOT OF LAND, WE GOT A LOT OF WORK TO BE DONE
GO GET YOUR MARBLES, PUT'EM IN THE HOUSE
TEAR DOWN YOUR CASTLES IN THE SAND
COME WITH YOUR POPPY TO THE COTTON PATCH
GET A LITTLE DIRT ON YOUR HANDS
GET A LITTLE DIRT ON YOUR HANDS, SON
IF YOUR GONNA GROW UP TO BE A BIG BIG MAN
A LITTLE DIRT ON YOUR HANDS
WELL I REACHED TWENTY ONE AND I THOUGHT I WAS A PRETTY BIG WHEEL
I LEFT THE COUNTRY FOR THE CITY, MET A SLICKER WITH A SHADY DEAL
HE SAID HOLD UP THE BANK BOY AND TAKE ALL THE MONEY
AND RUN AS FAST AS YOU CAN
THE ONLY WAY YOU'LL EVER GET ALONG IN THIS WORLD
IS TO GET A LITTLE DIRT ON YOUR HANDS
GET A LITTLE DIRT ON YOUR HANDS
WELL it's FOUR IN THE MORNING' AND THE WARDEN IS CALLING' MY NAME
HE SAID HE'S TEACHING' ME A LESSON NOW HE'S MAKING' ME GO WORK IN THE RAIN
DIG THAT DITCH BOY FILL IT UP
IM WANTING' YOU TO UNDERSTAND
THE 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
HEY DAVID GOT TO GET A LITTLE DIRT ON THOSE HANDS BOY
YEAH IF YOU WANT TO GROW UP TO BE A BIG BIG MAN
YOU BETTER REMEMBER WHAT OLD WHISPERING BILL TOLD YOU IN THIS SONG
GET A LITTLE DIRT ON THOSE HANDS
Get A Little Dirt On Your Hands
David Allan Coe's 'Get A Little Dirt On Your Hands' stands as a quintessential example of his signature country-rock style, blending honky-tonk rhythms with his distinctive, gravelly vocal delivery. The track exemplifies Coe's ability to craft songs that are both musically robust and lyrically direct, often exploring themes of rural life, hardship, and the gritty reality of the American South. Released during a period where Coe solidified his reputation as a major force in country music, the recording showcases his mastery of the genre's traditional instrumentation while pushing the boundaries of lyrical content. As part of his extensive discography, the song reflects the enduring appeal of his work, which has influenced countless artists in the country and rock genres. The track remains a staple for fans of Coe's catalog, capturing the raw energy and storytelling prowess that defined his career.