Johnny’s got a quarter and the shirt on his back
A government paper says his mind’s off its track
He’s got a head full of smoke, and a heart full of doubt
He walks along the highway as the cars roll by
Wipes the truth on his sleeve as it leaks from his eye
He’s got a vision of life that will never work out
He thinks he’s better off living within than living without
Better of living within than living without
Johnny had a daddy had a look in his eye
Make the grass turn brown make a strong man cry
And with the back of his hand, taught what life was about
Johnny’s momma had a spirit too soon for the grave
She measured her worth by the love that she gave
And when it came to Johnny, her loving gave out
Now, he thinks he’s better off living within than living without
Better off living within than living without
Johnny had a shot at life once, but couldn’t make the grade
So he painted his world with some colors he liked
And then decided to live inside of what he’d made
Johnny’s got his quarter and the shirt on his back
Too ashamed to look up, too afraid to look back
Too young to know better, and too old to pout
Hollowed out dreams are what you come to expect
When your life’s a number on a government check
When the past’s always present, and the future is now
Maybe he’s better of living within than living without
Better off living within than living without
Better off living within, than always living without
Acoustic rhythm guitar, lead vocals: Steve Carlson
Acoustic rhythm and lead guitar: Dan Sebranek
Background vocals: Lynn Biddick
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