Startin' With Me
Jake Owen Lyrics

I had a one night stand with my best friend's baby sister
I made a poor decision by sleeping with a family member of someone very important to me.

And to this day he still won't speak to me
My actions have caused a rift in my friendship and I have not been able to repair it.

I pawned my grandpa's old guitar in college
I made a foolish decision to trade something of sentimental value for temporary pleasure.

For a case of beer and a tank of gasoline
I gave away something that had meaning to me for something that would not last or benefit me in the long run.

I took a swing at my old man one Christmas
I acted violently towards a family member during a time when love and forgiveness should be emphasized.

I never dreamed that it would be his last
I did not realize that this moment would be the last interaction I would have with my father before his death.

I wish mom had rung my neck
I regret my actions and wish my mother had punished me more severely, as it might have helped me learn my lesson.

When she caught me with those cigarettes
I was engaging in unhealthy behavior that could lead to long-term health problems.

Which reminds me, I'm down to my last pack
I have not yet overcome my addiction and continue to engage in dangerous behavior.

If I had a dime
Reflecting on my past actions and how they have affected my present and future, I realize that I have made many mistakes.

For half the things I did
I have made so many mistakes that if I were paid for every one, I would have a lot of money.

That didn't make no sense at all
I can see now that many of my past actions were irrational and did not benefit me in any way.

I'd be living a little higher on the hog
If I had made better decisions in the past, I would be living a better life now.

If only I'd have known
Looking back on my life, I wish I had the knowledge and insight that I have now.

That later on down the road
I can see now, with experience and hindsight, the consequences of my actions and how they have affected my life.

I'd look back and not like what I see
I am recognizing that my past actions have not led me to the life I want, and I am not proud of who I was.

I'd have changed a lot of things
Knowing what I know now, I would have made different decisions in the past.

Startin' with me
I am taking responsibility for my past mistakes and recognizing that I can only change myself going forward.