| Things just ain’t the way they used to be |
| Things I thought I remembered well look different now to me |
| For adult eyes can sure surprise a Childhood memory |
| No, things just ain’t the way they used to be |
| The windows at the school don’t seem as tall |
| As I remember neither do the fountains in the hall |
| And that fifth grade teacher wasn’t terrible at all |
| No, things just ain’t the way they used to be |
| The playground doesn’t seem as big somehow |
| And I could put a ball right through the office window now |
| And I know now why chewing gum in school was not allowed |
| No, things just ain’t the way they used to be |
| Butch Carter used to keep us kids afraid |
| He’d bust the lip of any kid who dared get in his way |
| I wish ole' Butch was standin' here in front of me today |
| 'Cause, things just ain’t the way they used to be |
| I wish I could have grown into the man |
| That I pictured as a child and filled those childhood plans |
| I’d do it right if only I could live my life again |
| But things just ain’t the way they used to be |
| Forbidden alleys unfamiliar streets |
| Places mama told me I should never set my feet |
| Well today I know exactly where those streets and alleys lead |
| 'Cause things just ain’t the way they used to be |
| Buck Painter is no longer unemployed |
| Uncle Dick has settled down with age and rarely gets annoyed |
| And now I hear Butch Carter’s gone to workin' for the Lord |
| No, things just ain’t the way they used to be |
| No, things just ain’t the way they used to be |