She didn't have to marry down so far
[?] with raising babies or driving older car
She didn't have to give so much and be so underpaid
Lord, I don't know how she's living with the choices she made

She didn't have to wear those bargain threads
[?] those dandy hands, moping floors and changing beds
She had a sweet on easy street, with her hand she could have played
But she threw out all her aces for the choices she made

She'll stand there in defiance of a logic she ignored
The springs lay peaceful smile upon her face
Using up her youth on some old cowboy
Would finally pay the bills on hope and faith

Time goes by, it doesn't change a thing
But she still thinks it's worth it all to wear that little ring
And I still lay beside her wishing I was worth the price she paid
All teary eyed and thankful for the choices she made