To Do What I Do

I've been a waiter, a roofer, a clerk
I've shoveled manure until my pride hurt
When you're starting out, it's all part of the work
To do what I do

I've been evicted for not making rent
Made my daddy wonder where my good sense went
For the price of a dream, my years have been spent
To do what I do

To stand here tonight with a six-string guitar
And be what I've always been in my heart
Just for the chance to play you my song
And the thrill when I hear you singing along
Has been worth everything I've been through
To do what I do

Now, I've played for empty tables and chairs
To drunks who won't listen
And crowds that don't care
I've been told countless times
"Boy, you ain't going nowhere"
To do what I do

So I hope the critics and the skeptics alike
All bought a ticket to this show tonight
And they'll see firsthand that I have survived
And what doesn't kill you makes you more alive
And I'm one of the fortunate few
To do what I do

There's so much joy this music can bring
So I count my blessings when I step up to sing
'Cause there's so many people who'd give anything
To do what I do

And we thank all of you
We can do what we do