I've just begun to understand I'm twenty-three and in my hand I hold responsibility to my friends and my family I've just begun to understand This boy is going to be a man This life, you'll see That nothing's gonna come for free This life, you'll find That nothing's gonna change my mind Tonight I've just begun to know for sure I'm thirty-three and in my store I stock the shelves with dignity for myself And my community I've just begun to know for sure That girl deserves a whole lot more I leave it up to you I don't know what to do I leave it in your hands I've just begun to understand I'm forty-three, I own this land I share responsibility with my wife for our posterity I've just begun to understand What it means to be a working man This life, you'll see That nothing's gonna come for free This life, you'll find Just looking; for some peace of mind Tonight