Welding Burns - Slaid Cleaves

My father was a welder

Down at the navy yard

Up on the North Atlantic

Where the winters come down hard

A union job, some overtime

Nobody would complain

He went to work with a humble pride

Through the snow and rain

Some things you’re born to

Some things you gotta learn

My father built his world on bone, muscle and blood, and welding burns

After work he did some drinking

He’d get a little rough

Just to take the edges off

But he never got enough

He’d hang his coat up by the door

And light a cigarette

Mama’d take his supper out

Turn off the TV set

Some things you’re born to

Some things you gotta learn

My father built his world on bone, muscle and blood, and welding burns

I can see ‘em down at Leigh’s Mills Pond

With the August sun warming her brown skin

He promised he’d take her away

But I think he knew, even way back then

Mama said, «They're hiring, no need to graduate

Maybe your dad could make a call to the 788.»

I always thought I’d get away

I thought I could rise above

I don’t remember anymore

What I was dreaming of

Some things you’re born to

Some things you better learn

My father was born bone, muscle and blood, and welding burns

Some things you’re born to

Some things you gotta learn

My father built his world on bone, muscle and blood, and welding burns