Fence Post
Written & Recorded by Aaron Watson
Album: The Underdog (2015)

(No Capo)

Intro.: (D) x 2 bars

(Talken)
(D)Now this is a true story for the most part
That occurred on the top floor of this bigwig record executive's office in Nashville, Tennessee
Now understand I'm not poking any fun or disrespecting anybody
God knows I love country music with all my heart and soul, and I love the Grand Ole Opry
But I do have a problem with someone who can't even play a D chord on a guitar
Telling someone with a dream that they won't get far
So this song is dedicated to all those underdogs like me out there running around
Don't get discouraged if you have a dream, don't be afraid to chase it down, it's how it goes

(Verse)
He said, "(D)Son, don't get offended by what I'm about to say
I can see you have a passion for the songs you write and play
But you lack what we all call commercial appeal
And you just don't have --- what it takes to make it here in Nashville," ouch

(Talken)
Well my (D)heart felt like a train wreck, but I wore a smile on my face
I said, "Thank you for your time, sir," put my guitar back in its case
Our little conversation was like a revelation, redirecting my dreams
'Cause, God knows I'd never sell my soul --- to rock 'n' roll or rap, or wear those tight skinny jeans

(Chorus)
'Cause you know I'd (G)rather sing my own songs than be a (A) puppet on a string
I'll (Bm)wear what I want to wear, I'm gonna (G)sing what I wanna sing
Heaven knows all I need is my (A)faith, my fans, my friends and my fami-(Bm)ly
Besides I'd (G) rather be an old fence post in (A)Texas --- than the king of Tennes-(D)see

(Talken)
So I (D)loaded up my old pickup truck, and I drove back home to Amarillo
Got a gig off old route 66, at this ballroom called "The Armadillo"
And for the first thousand shows or so, not a soul showed up
I thought about quitting --- every other day, but I just kept on kicking that cup
Yeah, I kept kicking that can surrounded by blood, sweat, and beers
And wouldn't you know I became an overnight sensation in just over ten years
And now I'm packing out all the dance halls, and the rodeos every night
I got a pretty wife, --- a ranch, a band, a bus, a boat, I'd say I'm doing alright

(Chorus)
And you know I'd (G)rather sing my own songs than be a (A) puppet on a string
I'll (Bm)wear what I want to wear, I'm gonna (G)sing what I wanna sing
Heaven knows all I need is my (A)faith, my fans, my friends and my fami-(Bm)ly
Besides I'd (G) rather be an old fence post in (A)Texas --- than the king of Tennes-(D)see
Oh, how 'bout a little front porch picking, boys

Solo:  |(G) |(G) |(A) |(A) |(Bm) |(Bm) |(G) |(G) |
       |(G) |(G) |(A) |(A) |(Bm) |(Bm) |(Bm) |(Bm) |
       |(G) |(G) |(A) |(A) |(D) |(D) |(D) |(D) |

(Talken)
Well, (D)wouldn't you know that old record man showed up one night at this honky tonking bar
After my show he said, "Son, I believe you might be the next big country star"
He said, "We like how you keep it raw, we like how you keeping it real
And I think --- you may just have what we all like to call commercial appeal"
Huh, ain't that something

(Chorus)
Well, sir, I'd (G)rather sing my own songs than be a (A) puppet on a string
I'll (Bm)wear what I want to wear, and I'm gonna (G)sing what I wanna sing
Heaven knows all I need is my (A)faith, my fans, my friends and my fami-(Bm)ly
Besides I'd (G) rather be an old fence post in (A)Texas than the king of Tennes-(Bm)see

(Tag)
God bless Tennessee, (G) but I'd rather be just an old fence post in (A)Texas ---
Than sell my soul to rock 'n' roll or rap, or wear those tight fitting skinny jeans ---

Outro.:  (D) x 7 -----