Will T. Massey @ the Chicago House, 1989
Will started writing & recording original songs while still in high school. Even after he moved to Austin and started making his musical way there, he returned to Tony Young’s studio in Christoval to record his 2nd independent cassette, Kickin’ Up Dust, which he released in 1988.
Having grown up in ranching country, Will had already experienced some hard, physical labor — and decided on a different career path for himself. As it turned out, by the time this song came out, Will was well on his way to becoming a working songwriter rather than the poor fellow described in this song.
I’ll be up with the rising sun,
I’ll be sweating till the evening comes
Just to keep a little money down
On a better day.
But the bills & the bank are taking
Everything I’m making,
And all I’m a-getting
Is tired of living this way.
I’m a little bit bitter
But I ain’t no quitter,
I keep a-doing the best I can —
I’m a hungry, hurtin’,
Hard working man.
Oh, baby, my back is aching
‘Cause all my obligations
Keep me hired, so tired,
Just wired to the old routine.
You know, I’ve already borrowed
From all of my tomorrows.
I’m a train trapped to the tracks
Running out of steam.
I’m a little bit bitter
But I ain’t no quitter,
I keep a-doing the best I can —
I’m a hungry, hurtin’,
Hard working man.
Well, my whole life through*
Just slipped through my calloused hands
I’m a hungry, hurtin’,
Hard working man.
And I’m a little bit bitter
But I ain’t no quitter,
I keep a-doing the best I can —
I’m a hungry, hurtin’,
Hard workin’ man.
*italicized text used for lyrics unclear to me
Buller's back porch 