Strings that bend, ears that ring A microphone, a song to sing A rowdy crowd gettin' loud and lit-up stages All night to play, tools of the trade Words that rhyme and an old train beat A heart that runs on melodies I get a brand new song every time it breaks I put it on a page, tools of the trade Steel and wood, put 'em in my hands Give me four on the floor and a five piece band Pourin' down my soul, travelin' down the same road My heroes paved It's a lot of miles, on a little sleep But it's worth it all when y'all stomp your feet I wouldn't trade the world for the choice I've made Or the dues I've paid, tools of the trade Come on! Steel and wood, put 'em in my hands Give me four on the floor and a five piece band Pourin' down my soul, travelin' down the same road My heroes paved Ain't nothing else I'd rather do Than stand right here, play for you Night after night, day after day I'm glad the good Lord made, tools of the trade Ladies and gentlemen