[Verse 1]
Daddy worked like a mule minin' Pike County coal
Fucked up his back, couldn't work anymore
Said: One of these days you'll get out of these hills
Keep your nose on the grindstone and out of the pills

[Verse 2]
See, the ways of this world, they just bring you to tears
Keep the Lord in your heart, you ain't nothin' to fear
Live the best that you can and don't lie and don't steal
Keep your nose on the grindstone and out of the pills

[Chorus]
Daddy, I've been tryin', I just can't catch a break
There's too much in this world I just can't seem to shake
But I remember your words, Lord, they bring me the chills
Keep your nose on the grindstone and out of the pills

[Verse 3]
Keep in mind that a man's just as good as his words
It takes twice as long to build bridges you've burnt
And there's hurt you can cause only time cannot heal
So keep your nose on the grindstone and out of the pills

[Chorus]
Daddy, I've been tryin', I just can't catch a break
There's too much in this world I just can't seem to shake
But I remember your words, Lord, they bring me the chills
Keep your nose on the grindstone and out of the pills
Keep your nose on the grindstone and out of the pills