Lyrics

Tends to his garden nearly everyday
Work a little wood in his shop, his favorite hideaway
Took his lunch, a little break in the afternoon
Like he was still punching a clock, Lord there’s just so much to do

Back in Oklahoma he worked the mines
Sixty years ago loading dynamite
Took a welder’s trade at a gulf coast refinery
Working with his hands, his family would always have what they need

He called my momma sugar and all us young-uns too
Had a quiet gentle manner, a firm hand if he needed to
Never preached about right or wrong, his actions said it all
Just an honest man working with his hands, an example to us all

Never asked for much, but he gave a lot
Maybe supper on the table around six o’clock
Jalapeno with his dinner each and every night
“Give Us Grateful Hearts,” he was sure to recite

He used to tell me when he got on in years
If I close my eyes I can travel back to anywhere
To a time when the golden gloves was my boxing dream
Ran that ball, I was captain of my football team

He called my momma sugar and all us young-uns too
Had a quiet gentle manner, a firm hand if he needed to
Never preached about right or wrong, his actions said it all
Just an honest man working with his hands, an example to us all

(Bridge)
When came to vices I just remember one
A little Copenhagen between his cheek and gum
Quiet man, who rarely raised his voice
Only heard him cuss maybe once or twice

Couple of years from the day that he passed away
I was given the ring he wore nearly everyday
Every time some asks me of its origin
All these Memories, they come pouring in

He called my momma sugar and all us young-uns too
Had a quiet gentle manner, a firm hand if he needed to
I never preach about right or wrong, so listen as I sing
Everyday I’m proud to wear, my grandaddy’s ring