Lines I Love: That's Where I Grew Up by Kenny Chesney

There’s still marks on the pantry door of that little house
Where Mama used to measure us.
I’m proud to say, that’s my home where I was raised.
But that ain’t where I grew up.

See I gained a little on Father Time
The summer my Grand Daddy died
The first time I saw Mama cry, man that sure was tough.
Felt like I put on a few years
Watchin’ Dad wipe away her tears.
In my little coat and tie standin’ in that cemetery mud,
That’s where I grew up.


Senior year, a case of beer out on the river bank
Getting’ a head start on twenty-one.
That’s the place that made me feel just like a man.
But that ain’t where I grew up.

See I gained a little on Father Time
The night I crossed that center line
I bet I rolled a dozen times.
Next thing I knew I was wakin up, upside down, prayin’ God just get me out.
Then I hit my knees beside what was left of my truck,
That’s where I grew up.

You learn as you go.
That’s how you grow.

See I gained a little on Father Time
When me and her had our first big fight.
I said some things, I made her cry.
She packed all her stuff.
The boy in me said ‘Let her go.’
The man in me said ‘Pull her close.’
It was time to find out which one I was,
Standin’ in the doorway, holdin’ on to love.
That’s where I grew up.