“Drinking My Beer”

  

c. 2026 Rod Ice

All rights reserved

(7-26)

 

 

There’s war in Middle Eastern lands, that I cannot pronounce

And conflicts ‘round the neighborhood, in every trailer house

It’s hard to make enough to pay the bills that I retain

But one thing keeps me going that I don’t need to explain

I’ve got a stash that’s cooling down, inside my family fridge

And it will be there waiting when I’m done working my shift

When the world is spinning wild, from a fateful flash of fear

I’ll be outside in the yard just, drinking my beer

 

I’m not concerned with many things, least of all my name

My reputation long ago got muddied up with shame

I’m a humble man without the things on which trophies are made

But that effect don’t worry me, I’ll be living just the same

I built my homestead with bare hands, and a back put to the task

I worked my way up from the ground, had no favors to ask

When the kingdom comes, I’ll be a sinner in arrears

Hoping the Lord will join me here, just drinking my beer

 

You might think it funny that I sound so unconcerned

Not at all inclined to mourn the bridges I have burned

Right, wrong, or indifferent, I accepted it all as mine

Those scales of justice evened out, at the end of time

I mean the words I say, of that there is no doubt

And if you need a friend believe, I won’t be stepping out

I’ve done my time in darkness, now it’s for the light I cheer

When you want to find me I’ll be, drinking my beer

 

If I felt more blessed by luck, I might have played to win

And spun the wheel of fortune till my shoe-leather was wearing thin

But I am nothing more than a member of the crew

I show up early for my job, and keep on pushing through

I never thought it special, to answer a call to work

Every one has their place, from a doctor to a clerk

It’s the union of those people that play the songs we hear

And when that gig is over I’ll be, drinking my beer

 

God gave me the breath of life, and can take it all away

I know that he runs the clock and I’m, glad to be saved

The worries of famous folk don’t concern me in the least

All I need is a chicken dinner, fried up in bacon grease

I’ll feed my heart on kinship and the pride of freedom, fine

I’m content with my position, as a worker on the line

If you seek a better life, I think we’ve got it here

Don’t go chasing chance, just join me drinking beer

 

A loving wife and a pickup truck, for me that is enough

A roof over our heads and a shed to store our stuff

Children playing in the fields and a Bible by the bed

All those things matter more than a crown upon my head

I come from a mountain brood, raised among the pines

The descendants of pioneers, from another time

I’m proud to say their sacrifices made it plainly clear

That the best way I can toast them is by, drinking my beer

 

When my eyes go closed at last, I won’t be sad at all

The seasons come and go, spring and summer to the fall

Hair turns gray and bones are bent, but not without a cause

Forgive me if this fine young lad now looks like Santa Claus

I’ve had a good run through the hills, a horseback ride for fun

With a keen sense of direction, right toward the setting sun

When I finally get there, without shedding a tear

I’ll sit with friends in eternity just, drinking my beer