I've just begun to understand   I'm twenty-three and in my hand   I hold responsibility to my friends and my family   I've just begun to understand   This boy is going to be a man      This life, you'll see   That nothing's gonna come for free   This life, you'll find   That nothing's gonna change my mind   Tonight      I've just begun to know for sure   I'm thirty-three and in my store   I stock the shelves with dignity for myself   And my community   I've just begun to know for sure   That girl deserves a whole lot more      I leave it up to you   I don't know what to do   I leave it in your hands      I've just begun to understand   I'm forty-three, I own this land   I share responsibility with my wife for our posterity   I've just begun to understand   What it means to be a working man      This life, you'll see   That nothing's gonna come for free   This life, you'll find   Just looking; for some peace of mind   Tonight