Hung Straight on a Crooked Nail

Lyrics

My daddy built the cabinets
With a level and a prayer
Never took a bow for it
Never needed to be there
When the neighbors came to say
It was the finest work in town
He just tipped his cap and smiled
And he quietly looked down

Hung straight on a crooked nail
That's the way he lived
A little bent but holding strong
With all he had to give
He never needed trophies
Never asked for the applause
Just a job well done
And a sunset on the porch

Now I'm standing in my own kitchen
With a hammer in my hand
Hanging up the family photo
Like he taught me, firm and grand
It ain't perfect, it's a little off
But it's mine and it will stay
And I hear his voice behind me
Saying that's the proper way

Hung straight on a crooked nail
That's the way he lived
A little bent but holding strong
With all he had to give
He never needed trophies
Never asked for the applause
Just a job well done
And a sunset on the porch

Pride don't have to shout, honey
Pride can sit real still
It's a calloused hand on a shoulder
It's a quiet, steady will

My daughter's watching from the doorway
With her eyes so wide and clear
She says Mama, it looks lovely
And I wipe away a tear
I hand her down the hammer
Say you do the next one, dear
And the picture hangs a little crooked
But the love is crystal clear

Hung straight on a crooked nail
That's the way he lived
A little bent but holding strong
With all he had to give
He never needed trophies
Never asked for the applause
Just a job well done
And a sunset on the porch

And a sunset on the porch