My sister went off to college
Got herself a PhD
She's a professor now and owns her house
And she's bringing up three kids
My brother was never one for schooling
More the type to learn by doing
He learned a trade and spends the day
Fixing cars in our home town
When I was just 18 my folks turned to me
And asked me what was next
Guitar in hand, a one-woman band
This is what I said
I'm gonna be a folk singer
Gonna get me some calloused left-hand fingers
Gonna pick and strum and sing and hum
Gonna let my spirit free
Oh oh that's the life for me
I spend most nights playing open mics
Or bars that pay in drinks
I sell CDs at 5 a piece
And hope to make ends meet
I'm gonna be a folk singer
Gonna get me some calloused left-hand fingers
Gonna pick and strum and sing and hum
Gonna let my spirit free
Oh oh that's the life for me
I drive a beat-up car and play a Martin guitar
My priorities are in line
I might be broke as hell and not dress too well
But at least I can say I tried
I'm gonna be a folk singer
Gonna get me some calloused left-hand fingers
Gonna pick and strum and sing and hum
Gonna let my spirit free
Oh oh that's the life for me