Lyrics

I'll Keep My Hat
words & music: Ann Reed

When I found myself in Nashville scramblin' for a deal
Went & bought myself a brand new cowboy hat
Make it all seem real
& I sat across the desks from genuine powers that be
& they said "Now personally I like it but listen to me:

Write me a country song just like the one that's on
In the number one slot with a bullet & a dot
Write one like that
We could put you as an opener too to a big, big star if you'd
Put a cute dress on, dye your hair blond get rid of the hat."

Well I felt my hat & asked him after long careful thought
"Why would you want exactly the same as what you already got?"
This brought about a chuckle amused as could be
"Darlin' you don't know nothin' 'bout the bidness
Just leave it to me:

& write me a country song just like the one that's on
In the number one slot with a bullet & a dot
Write one like that
Now you sure won't last too long if you're gonna be this headstrong
So put a cute dress on, dye your hair blond, get rid of the hat."

Oh, we don't wanna change you 'cause it feels real good
Except for the way you write & how you look

I grabbed my hat & in my best hand wrote 'em all a little line
"Thank you for your kind attention & Givin' me the time
I'm goin' back home now I'm never lookin' back
I figure I'm pretty damn lucky, I escaped with my hat

This is your country song it's not like anything on
In the number one slot with a bullet & a dot
Not a thing like that
'Cause you wouldn't know a good tune
If it introduced itself to you
You go sucker someone else
I'll have better luck myself & I can keep my hat."

© 1992 Turtlecub Publishing