Gentlemen

Granddaddy said, "A gentleman of this land
Has an abiding sense of place"
But they'll zone Cabbage town shotguns for executives
The South town projects for retail space
Foreclose family farms from McDonough to Calera
For Stucco-mansion mazes called Heritage Trace

Granddaddy, are these really gentlemen
Who don't seem to give a damn about this place?
No, these whitewashin' boys
Don't give a good damn about this place
Oh, oh

Granddaddy said, "A gentleman of this land
Has a deference to women"
But they'll traipse through the Highlands, grabbin' ladies' bodies
Cussin' the spirit within 'em
Then Montgomery and Atlanta try to outlaw everybody
That fights back, transcends, or transitions

Granddaddy, are these really gentlemen
Who try to walk all over women?
No, these puffed-up little boys
Are just about scared to death of women
Oh, oh

Granddaddy said, "A gentleman of this land
Is from down-home, old-time folks"
But they'll brand people with the station of their birth
Try to put 'em to the bullwhip and collar yoke
And bathe Juliette's babies in coal-ash
And feed Tarrant City's children on slag and smoke

Granddaddy, are these really gentlemen
Who have it out for down-home, old-time folks?
No, these no-count boys will try to live off the sweat
Of down-home, old-time folks
Oh, oh

Boy, on that lightnin' day, the rivers all sing a rollin' hallelujah
Carry us down to the soft sands of God's balmy shore
I don't care to see cash or deeds, titles or degrees
But the only trophies I hope you'll have to show
Will be able hands, a fertile mind, a gentle soul

A gentleman of this land
A gentleman of this land
Gentleman of this land
A gentleman of this land
Gentleman of this land
A gentleman of this land