Joseph Geffert Lyrics

JOSEPH GEFFERT — COMPLETE FIVE-SONG LYRIC BOOK What If [Verse 1] There's a picture in the hallway, I still stop there now and then, And for a moment you're still with me, And I'm talking to you again. I can hear you in the kitchen, I can see you down the hall, Funny how the smallest memories Are the ones that hurt the most of all. People say that time will heal you, Maybe that's the way it goes, But time has never answered All the things I'll never know. [Pre-Chorus] What if I'd called that night? What if I'd known? What if I'd held on tighter Before I let you go? [Chorus] What if I'd been there? What if I'd seen The hurt you kept inside you That you never showed to me? What if I'd said, "I love you," One more time before goodbye? What if I could've changed your road By changing one small night? A heart can spend forever Looking back for one more chance, But "what if" is a question With no answer in its hands. And I'd give everything I have For one thing I can't get— One more day with you Without asking... What if? [Verse 2] Every year when that day comes around, My sister sends a line, "Thinking of you, thinking of him," And it gets me every time. Just a few words on a little screen, But they take me back somehow, To the boy that I remember And the man I'm missing now. People think the hardest days Are birthdays and that date, But grief don't need a calendar To show up at your gate. It's a song you weren't expecting, Or a picture tucked away, It's reaching for the telephone, Then remembering you can't say— "Hey son, how've you been?" God, I'd love to hear your voice. There's a million things I'd tell you If heaven gave me one more choice. [Pre-Bridge] Some lost theirs to sickness, Some to choices they couldn't change, Some to one wrong turn one evening, Some still don't know who to blame. But however they were taken, There's a truth we all go through— The world keeps right on turning When yours has stopped with you. [Chorus] What if I'd been there? What if I'd seen The hurt you kept inside you That you never showed to me? What if I'd said, "I love you," One more time before goodbye? What if I could've changed your road By changing one small night? A heart can spend forever Looking back for one more chance, But "what if" is a question With no answer in its hands. And I'd give everything I have For one thing I can't get— One more day with you Without asking... What if? [Bridge] I've walked away from danger More times than I can count, I thought I knew what sacrifice And losing things was all about. But nothing ever taught me How a father carries this— All the things I should've noticed, Every moment that I missed. Was I gone when you needed me? Did I miss what I should've seen? Could one more call, one more night Have changed what came to be? Those questions don't get quieter. You just learn to live somehow, With a heart that's always reaching For a son who isn't here now. Maybe every grieving parent Has begged God to turn back time. But if love alone could've saved you... You'd still be here tonight. [Final Chorus] So what if you could hear me? What would I say? I'd tell you that I love you Every single day. I'd tell you I've forgiven Every road that brought us here, And I hope somehow you've forgiven me For the things I couldn't see from there. Maybe heaven holds the answers That this world never gives, Maybe somewhere past these questions There's a place where memory lives. Until then I'll carry you Through every sunrise I get, And I'll try to remember the love Instead of living in... What if. [Outro] There's a picture in the hallway, I still stop there now and then. And for a moment you're still with me... And I'm talking to you again. And when that message comes each year— "Thinking of you. Thinking of him." I type back, "Thank you." But what I really mean is— I don't go a day Without thinking of him. ======================================================================== The Middle Is Still America [Verse 1] There's a flag on the porch and a bill on the fridge, A kid needs braces and the rent's on the edge, Mama's working overtime, Daddy's working too, And Washington's arguing over red and blue. One says, "We're gonna save you," The other says, "We know how," But somewhere between the talking points We're just trying to make it now. We've got folks on the left, We've got folks on the right, But most of us are somewhere Just trying to do what's right. [Pre-Chorus] We're tired of being enemies For people we don't know, While the ones who keep dividing us Keep putting on a show. So turn off the television, Come sit down awhile— I bet we ain't as different As they keep telling us we are. [Chorus] We're not red, we're not blue, We're the me and we're the you, We're the ones who wave at strangers When there's trouble passing through. We can disagree on Sunday And still break bread on Monday, You can vote for who you want to And I'll still call you my friend. They can fight it out in Washington, We got better things to do— We're the heart of this country, And the middle's still America too. [Verse 2] My cousin Bobby's solid right, I'm somewhere in between, Get two Grecos talking politics And brother, that's a scene. We both come from the Greco clan, So crazy's in the blood, We can turn a Sunday dinner Into a presidential grudge. He says, "Joe, you've lost your marbles." I say, "Bob, you've lost a few." Then five minutes later we're laughing Like only family can do. [Band drops back] Bobby, I may think you're crazy... [Pause] But hell, I'm a Greco too. [Band returns] And that's the thing about family— You can argue till you're blue, But when somebody needs somebody, You know exactly what you do. Maybe that's the missing answer, Maybe that's the missing clue— We don't have to think alike To still take care of each other too. [Pre-Chorus 2] We're tired of all the shouting, Tired of the blame, Tired of politicians Turning neighbors into names. If loving this country Means we all must agree, Then somebody forgot to tell us What "free" was supposed to mean. [Chorus] We're not red, we're not blue, We're the me and we're the you, We're the ones who wave at strangers When there's trouble passing through. We can disagree on Sunday And still break bread on Monday, You can vote for who you want to And I'll still call you my friend. They can fight it out in Washington, We got better things to do— We're the heart of this country, And the middle's still America too. [Bridge] Maybe freedom ain't agreeing, Maybe freedom's knowing this: You don't have to change your neighbor Just because you don't agree with him. Maybe we're all just people Trying to find a better way, And the country doesn't need more sides— It needs us to say: [Almost a cappella] "I'm listening." [Pause] Not "I'm right." "Come on over." [Pause] Not "Goodbye." [Begin building] "We're Americans." That's bigger than Whatever letter's sitting next to our name tonight. [Breakdown] So if you're red, come stand with me. If you're blue, come stand with me. If you don't know what you are anymore— Well, buddy... You're probably standing with the rest of us. [Final Chorus] We're not red, we're not blue, We're the me and we're the you, We're the farmers and the factory hands, The teachers and the troops. We're the ones who hold the door open, The ones who stop when someone's broken, The ones who still believe that This old country can pull through. They can fight it out in Washington, Let 'em argue till they're through— 'Cause we're raising kids and paying bills And trying to make a dream come true. We don't have to hate each other, We don't have to all agree— We just have to remember We're a family. [Outro] So here's to red, Here's to blue, Here's to me, Here's to you. Here's to disagreeing And still coming through. They can keep the shouting. They can keep the show. We'll keep America. [Music nearly stops] And that's one thing they don't get to divide. No, that's one thing they don't get to divide. [Quiet] We're America. ======================================================================== Freedom Ain’t Free [Verse 1] Twenty years beneath that flag, Fort Campbell was my home, A duffel bag beside the door, Never knowing where we'd go. We were young and full of fire, Thought we'd live forever then, But somewhere down that dusty road, Boys grew into men. Then orders came for Iraq, We kissed our loves goodbye, Loaded up and headed out Beneath a foreign sky. Back home freedom's flying high, Red, white and blue for all to see, But I learned somewhere in that desert— Freedom sure ain't free. [Pre-Chorus] I've seen the names carved into stone, I've raised a glass to those who're gone, And every time Old Glory flies, I don't just see the stripes— I see their eyes. [Chorus] Freedom ain't free, somebody paid, Somebody stood when others were afraid. Somebody kissed their kids goodbye, Then raised their hand and drew the line. Some gave years, some gave blood, Some never made it back to the ones they loved. So when that flag starts waving high, Remember why those colors fly. Let freedom ring from sea to sea, For every soul who kept us free. If you wanna know what freedom means— Ask somebody who fought for it. Yeah, we're free— 'Cause somebody fought for it. [Verse 2] There's a picture on a mantle, There's a folded flag somewhere, There's an empty seat at Christmas, And a family saying prayers. There's a little boy who's growing up, Knowing Daddy through a frame, And a mother keeping memories So he'll always know his name. Some came home with medals, Some with wounds you couldn't see, Some still fight those battles With nothing but a memory. So when I hear our anthem play, I stand a little differently, 'Cause I know the price that has been paid For this land of liberty. [Pre-Chorus 2] It's more than fireworks in July, More than colors in the sky, It's every man and woman Who looked fear in the eye— And said, "Send me." [Chorus] Freedom ain't free, somebody paid, Somebody stood when others were afraid. Somebody kissed their kids goodbye, Then raised their hand and drew the line. Some gave years, some gave blood, Some never made it back to the ones they loved. So when that flag starts waving high, Remember why those colors fly. Let freedom ring from sea to sea, For every soul who kept us free. If you wanna know what freedom means— Ask somebody who fought for it. Yeah, we're free— 'Cause somebody fought for it. [Bridge] I made it home. Some didn't. Twenty years gave me memories That time will never change. But more than that... It gave me names. Names I still remember. Faces I still see. So when you ask me What that flag means to me— I don't see cloth. I see them. [Final Chorus] FREEDOM AIN'T FREE, SOMEBODY PAID! Somebody stood when others were afraid! Somebody kissed their family goodbye And walked straight into the fight! Some gave years, some gave blood, Some gave everything for the land they loved. So raise that flag and raise it high— Let everybody see those colors fly! Let freedom ring from sea to sea! For every soul who kept us free! From Fort Campbell to every hometown street, We're standing here because of their sacrifice! And if you ask what freedom costs— Look at the names Of the ones we lost. [Band stops] That's the price. [Full band] So raise that flag and let it fly! For every hero by our side! For every brother who didn't come home, You will never stand alone! We're free! Yeah, we're free! Because somebody fought for it! [Outro] Twenty years beneath that flag, Fort Campbell was my home. Some of us came walking back... And some never made it home. So when Old Glory catches wind, There's one thing that I see— The men and women who paid the price For you and me to be free. [Quiet] Freedom ain't free. ======================================================================== She Ain’t My Type [Intro] I like 'em sweet, I like 'em simple, That's what I always said... Then she walked through that door And messed with my head. [Verse 1] She's got boots that cost more than my truck payment, Sunglasses bigger than the state of Texas, Orders something at the bar I can't pronounce, Then takes one sip and says, "Baby, try this out." She's five-foot-something, full of trouble, Got a smile that'll get a good man in double trouble, I told my buddies, "Don't worry 'bout me, She's definitely not my type." They just laughed and said, "Yeah... right." [Pre-Chorus] She ain't country like the girls back home, She don't fish and she won't bait her own, But when she slides across that bench seat close... Lord, there goes everything I know. [Chorus] She ain't my type, That's what I keep telling everybody, She ain't my type, But she's wearing my shirt at the house on Sunday morning. She don't like my truck, She says my dog smells bad, She changed my radio station And hid my favorite hat. She drives me crazy, Keeps me up all night— Yeah, she ain't my type... She's just exactly what I like. [Verse 2] She says my dancing needs professional help, I said, "Honey, I've been doing fine by myself." She said, "Two left feet ain't dancing, Joe." Then grabbed my hand and said, "Come on, let's go." Now she's laughing while I'm missing every beat, Stepping on her boots with both my feet, I said, "You could've picked a better man." She kissed me and said, "I probably can." [Pre-Chorus] She don't laugh at half my jokes, Says I talk too much and drive too slow, But every time I think I've figured her out... She leans over and shuts my mouth. [Chorus] She ain't my type, That's what I keep telling everybody, She ain't my type, But she's wearing my shirt at the house on Sunday morning. She don't like my truck, She says my dog smells bad, She changed my radio station And hid my favorite hat. She drives me crazy, Keeps me up all night— Yeah, she ain't my type... She's just exactly what I like. [Bridge - playful breakdown] My mama loves her. My buddies do too. Even my dog finally came around... Well... Mostly 'cause she feeds him When I'm not looking. And yesterday she asked me, "Still think I'm not your type?" I said... "Baby, I was wrong." She said... "I know." [Final Chorus] She ain't my type, She's better than I ever knew I wanted, She ain't my type, She's the reason every other type is forgotten. She steals my covers, Takes forever getting dressed, Says she's almost ready When she ain't even started yet. She drives me crazy, But I wouldn't change my life— Yeah, she ain't my type... She's just exactly what I like. Yeah, she ain't my type... Thank God I wasn't right. [Outro] She looked at me and smiled, Said, "You finally figured it out?" I said, "Yeah." "What?" "You were my type all along." She said... "I know." ======================================================================== Country Looks Good on Me [Intro] I used to know the city Like the back of my hand, Neon lights and closing time Were pretty much the plan. Then a country girl walked in... And changed the whole damn map. [Verse 1] She had country in her smile, Little wild in her eyes, Boots underneath those blue jeans, Didn't even have to try. I was more downtown than dirt road, More last call than front porch swing, She looked around my city world Like she didn't need a thing. I said, "Girl, you're a long way From wherever you call home." She smiled and said, "Maybe you're the one Who's been gone too long." [Pre-Chorus] She had me laughing, Had me leaning her way, Had this city boy thinking Maybe country could stay. [Chorus] Country looks good on me With that country girl beside me, Hair blowing out the window, Singing every word beside me. She got me trading neon For a million country stars, A crowded room for two rocking chairs, Last call for her arms. Never thought a gravel road Could take me where I need to be— But country looks good... Yeah, country looks real good on me. [Verse 2] First time she got me on a back road, I said, "Where the hell are we?" She laughed and pointed straight ahead, Said, "Boy, just follow me." I was used to painted street signs, Traffic lights and city blocks, She was used to open fields, Dirt roads and unlocked doors. She said, "You city boys are funny, Think you know most everything." I said, "I know enough to know You look pretty good next to me." She rolled her eyes and laughed, Said, "Joe, you're something else." I said, "Amber, since I met you, I ain't quite been myself." [Pre-Chorus] She's got me laughing, Got me leaning her way, Got this city boy wondering Why I ever wanted to stay. [Chorus] Country looks good on me With that country girl beside me, Hair blowing out the window, Singing every word beside me. She got me trading neon For a million country stars, A crowded room for two rocking chairs, Last call for her arms. Never thought a gravel road Could take me where I need to be— But country looks good... Yeah, country looks real good on me. [Instrumental Break] [Upbeat fiddle and electric guitar] [Verse 3] Now I know a porch ain't wasted space, And sunrise beats last call, I learned you don't need city lights To have yourself a ball. I still don't know half the things She swears a country boy should know, But I'm getting pretty good At taking the long way home. She can make a Sunday morning Feel better than Saturday night, And somehow "Yes, ma'am" sounds pretty good When she's the one who's right. And when she gets that little grin, I know I'm losing either way— But losing to that country girl Ain't a bad way to spend a day. [Breakdown] She calls me her city boy. I call her my country girl. Two people from two different places Built themselves one little world. She didn't have to change me. Didn't have to make me choose. She just showed this city boy A different kind of view. [Bridge - playful] She can keep the back roads, I'll keep getting us lost. She can keep correcting me... Apparently she's the boss. [Band stops] Don't tell her I said that. [Band kicks back in] [Bridge - sincere build] Funny how one person Can change the things you see. She didn't make me country... She just brought the country out of me. And when the whole world's moving fast, She's where I wanna be. My Amberina... She's the country side of me. [Final Chorus] Country looks good on me With my country girl beside me, Still got a little city, She's still got that wild inside her. We got a porch light burning, And a million country stars, I don't miss those neon nights, 'Cause I know right where you are. I spent half my life believing Home was somewhere I should be— Then I found out home ain't somewhere... It's who's standing next to me. Country looks good on me, But baby, here's the truth— It only looks this good on me 'Cause I'm standing next to you. [Final Hook] Yeah, I'm still that city boy, And she's still that country girl. Funny how two different roads Can turn into one whole world. [Outro - band pulls back] After all this talk About country girls and city life... There's really only one thing You need to know— She's not just my country girl... She's my wife. [Pause] And that's one thing I got right. [Full band ending] ======================================== BAD IDEAS MAKE GOOD STORIES ======================================== [Intro] Well, here's the thing about getting older... You don't get smarter. You just get better at telling the story. One, two, three, four! [Verse 1] Friday afternoon, five o'clock whistle, Boss said, “You going straight home?” I said, “Absolutely, that's my plan,” Then my buddy called me on the phone. Said, “There's a little band down by the river, Cold beer, barbecue, and a six-piece sound.” I said, “I really shouldn't go tonight...” He said, “That's exactly why you need to come on down.” One cold beer turned into three, Three turned into somebody's old Chevy, Next thing I know we're heading down a gravel road With a canoe tied to the roof and the headlights getting heavy. [Pre-Chorus] We didn't know where we were going, Didn't really care where we'd been. When somebody yelled, “Let's do it!” We all yelled, “Do it again!” [Chorus] Bad ideas make good stories, That's the way it always goes. You might lose a little money, You might lose your Sunday clothes. You might wake up Monday morning Wondering what went wrong, But you'll laugh about it someday When somebody plays that song. Bad ideas make good stories, That's what we've learned along the way. If everything went perfectly, What would we talk about today? Yeah, we might've been a little crazy, But I'll tell you one thing's true— The best stories of my life Are the ones I probably shouldn't do! [Instrumental Break] Big guitar riff — fiddle — drums [Verse 2] Saturday morning, seven-thirty, Phone starts ringing on the nightstand. My buddy says, “You still got that boat?” I said, “Yeah, but it needs a little work, man.” He says, “Bring it down, we'll fix it up, We'll have it running by tonight.” Six hours later, parts are everywhere, And nobody can figure out which wire is right. My neighbor walks over, takes one look, Says, “You boys sure know what you're doing?” We looked at him... He looked at us... Nobody said a word. Then we all started laughing 'Cause we knew exactly what we were doing. Absolutely nothing! [Pre-Chorus] We had grease on our faces, Gasoline on our shoes, Three different opinions And absolutely nothing to lose. Somebody said, “I think it'll work.” Somebody said, “I know it will.” Somebody turned the key... And the whole thing went— KA-BOOM! [Chorus] Bad ideas make good stories, That's the way it always goes. You might lose a little money, You might lose your Sunday clothes. You might wake up Monday morning Wondering what went wrong, But you'll laugh about it someday When somebody plays that song. Bad ideas make good stories, That's what we've learned along the way. If everything went perfectly, What would we talk about today? Yeah, we might've been a little crazy, But I'll tell you one thing's true— The best stories of my life Are the ones I probably shouldn't do! [Bridge – Music Drops] Now I've learned a couple things Since I was seventeen... Don't buy a boat From a guy named Steve. Don't trust a ladder That's missing a rung. And don't race your buddy Just because he says you're scared. And here's the biggest lesson I've learned so far... When your wife says, “Honey, what happened?” Don't start with, “Well...” Just say... “I love you.” [Build] 'Cause there's gonna be a story... There's always gonna be a story... And twenty years from now We'll still be telling it... Probably wrong! [Big Final Chorus] BAD IDEAS MAKE GOOD STORIES! That's the way it always goes! Turn a little bad decision Into something everybody knows! You might lose a little money, You might tear your favorite jeans, But you'll have another story For the next time everybody meets! BAD IDEAS MAKE GOOD STORIES! Raise your glass and sing along! 'Cause the road ain't always pretty... But the ride can still be long! We ain't always been the smartest, We ain't always played it safe, But we've laughed a whole lot harder Than the folks who walked away! BAD IDEAS MAKE GOOD STORIES! Yeah, that's what life is for! You can plan it all you want to... But you never know what's coming through that door! [Final Tag – Fast] Bad ideas! GOOD STORIES! Long nights! GOOD STORIES! Wrong turns! GOOD STORIES! Bad decisions! BETTER STORIES! [Outro] So here's to all the crazy things We swore we'd never do... Here's to all the dumb mistakes That somehow got us through... And here's to tomorrow morning... When we'll probably do it again. Because bad ideas... Make damn good stories! [BIG GUITAR / DRUM HIT] HEY! LET'S DO IT AGAIN!