Song is in key of "B". Chord names are relative to capo on 2nd fret.
Intro: D - A - E - F#m - D - A - E - A (2)
A D A
The old man never chatted much he wasn't that kind of guy
A B E
He doled out chores and he missed my games and we never did see eye eye
A D A
On the day my bus was leaving the sky was ripe with snow
A E A
He tossed my duffle in the truck and he said you're good to go
A D A
Like a genie wreathed in camel smoke a ball cap wearing sage
A B E
Smoke stub hanging from his mug. He said son you've come of age
A D A
I can't give you no dang money nor a truck that's fit to drive
A E A
But I can leave you these few words and maybe help you stay alive
Refrain
D A E F#m
Never eat at a place called mom's. Don't play cards with a guy named doc
D A E A
If you find yourself in a high stakes game keep your big bills in your sock
D A E F#m
Be careful who you cotton to especially the girls
D A E A
If you find someone who loves you son, go ahead and give it a whirl
D A E F#m D A E A x2
A D A
Don't flirt too much with your wife's best friend or with your best friends wife
A B E
Don't drink and play with fire, cuz" it'll ruin a fellas life
A D A
Don't steal what don't belong to you and don't be afraid to give
A E A
Try to swing first in a bar room brawl and don't go in tentative
Refrain
A D A
Now once we drew up to the depot, he said tell me where you land
A B E
This snow won't hold the bus up and he held out his right hand
A D A
Now in case I've never told you this, I'm proud to call you son
A E A
But the best men carry pocket knives and than he gave me one
Refrain
second line in final refrain changes to:
If you're running around the wrong side of town, tuck your big bills in your sock