Words to Live By
Friend is a word….
That I don’t throw around
Though it’s used and abused. I still like the sound.
I save it for people who’ve done right by me
And I know I can count on if ever need be.
Some of my friends drive big limousines
Own ranchers and banks and visit with queens,
And some of my friends are up to their neck
In overdue notes and can’t write a check.
They’re signers or ropers or writers of prose
And others, God bless ‘em, can’t blow their own nose!
I guess begin’ friends don’t have nothin’ to do
With Talent or money or known’ who’s who.
It’s a comf’terbul feelin’ when you don’t have to care
‘Bout choosin’ your words or bein’ quite fair
‘Cause friends’ll just listen and let go on by
Those words you don’t mean and not bat an eye.
It makes a friend happy to see your success.
They’re proud of yer good side and forgive all the rest
And that ain’t so easy, all of the time
Sometimes I get crazy and seem to go blind!
Yer friends just might have to take you on home
Or remind you sometime that you’re not alone.
Or ever so gently pull you back to the ground
When you think you can fly with no one around.
A hug or a shake, whichever seems right
Is the high point of given’, I’ll tell ya tonight,
All wordly riches and tributes of men
Can’t hold a candle to the worth of a friend.
Baxter Black