That's All
Watson Doc and Merle Lyrics

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You'd better change your way of livin' before the good Lord say that's all

Some people go to school to learn how to teach
Some people go to school tryin' to learn how to preach
If you can't preach without goin' to school
You ain't no preacher you're an educated fool
And that's all and that's all
You'd better change your way of livin' before the good Lord say that's all

Now a feller I know, well he's a mizer man, keeps tryin' to save all the money that he can
But when that ole undertaker lets him down
Where's he gonna spend that money under the ground
And that's all and that's all

Now man come from monkeys that's what some people say
But the Good Book brother just don't tell it that way
And if you believe that monkey tale like some folks do
Then I'd rather be that monkey, brother than you
And that's all and that's all
You'd better change your way of livin' before the good Lord say that's all.

Well my little song's finished, my little song's through
I didn't necessarily mean to sing this song for you
But If you don't like the way the little song goes
That's a pretty good sign I've been a-trumping on your toes
And that's all and that's all

You'd better change your way of livin' 'fore the good Lord say that's all
And that's all

Overall Meaning

The song "That's All" by Doc and Merle Watson is a cautionary tale urging listeners to change their ways of living before it's too late. The lyrics suggest that individuals need to reconsider their choices and beliefs in order to avoid facing negative consequences in the future. The song touches upon various themes, including education, materialism, evolution, and personal conviction.

The first verse addresses education and how some people attend school to become teachers or preachers. However, the lyrics argue that true preaching does not require formal education but rather genuine faith and understanding. The refrain "You'd better change your way of livin' before the good Lord say that's all" serves as a warning to reevaluate one's choices and actions.

In the second verse, the song criticizes a miserly individual who hoards money, emphasizing that in the end, money cannot be taken to the grave. This verse suggests that focusing solely on accumulating wealth is futile and that one should prioritize different aspects of life.

The third verse delves into the contentious topic of evolution. While some people believe in the theory that humans evolved from monkeys, the lyrics challenge this notion, aligning with a more religious perspective presented in the Bible. The line "Then I'd rather be that monkey, brother than you" is a playful way of expressing disbelief in the theory and asserting a preference for one's own beliefs.

The final verse acknowledges that the song may not resonate with everyone, indicating that if listeners take offense or disagree with the message, it might be a sign that the song has touched upon some uncomfortable truths. The song concludes with the repeated refrain, reinforcing the message to reconsider one's way of living before facing judgment.

Overall, "That's All" is a thought-provoking song that encourages introspection and the reassessment of one's beliefs and actions before it is too late.

Line by Line Meaning

You'd better change your way of livin' before the good Lord say that's all
It's important to amend your behavior before it's too late and the higher power deems it is the end.

Some people go to school to learn how to teach
Certain individuals attend educational institutions to acquire the knowledge needed for teaching.

Some people go to school tryin' to learn how to preach
There are individuals who pursue education to acquire the skills necessary for preaching.

If you can't preach without goin' to school
If one is unable to convey religious teachings effectively without formal education,

You ain't no preacher you're an educated fool
they cannot rightfully be called a preacher; rather, they are a misguided individual.

Now a feller I know, well, he's a mizer man, keeps tryin' to save all the money that he can
I am acquainted with an individual who is extremely frugal, always attempting to accumulate wealth.

But when that ole undertaker lets him down
However, when the inevitable moment of death arrives,

Where's he gonna spend that money under the ground
there will be no use for that amassed fortune, as it will be buried along with him.

Now man come from monkeys that's what some people say
Some individuals propagate the theory that humans originated from primates.

But the Good Book brother just don't tell it that way
Nevertheless, it contradicts the teachings of the Bible.

And if you believe that monkey tale like some folks do
If you choose to accept the notion of human evolution from primates, as some people do,

Then I'd rather be that monkey, brother than you
I would prefer to be identified with the monkey species rather than associating myself with your beliefs.

Well my little song's finished, my little song's through
The song I have sung is now drawing to a close.

I didn't necessarily mean to sing this song for you
Originally, my intention was not specifically directed towards singing this particular song for you.

But if you don't like the way the little song goes
However, if you do not appreciate the manner in which the song unfolds

That's a pretty good sign I've been a-trumping on your toes
It suggests that I have inadvertently offended or intruded upon your sensitivities.

And that's all and that's all
In conclusion, that is everything I have to convey.

You'd better change your way of livin' 'fore the good Lord say that's all
It is essential to alter one's lifestyle before the divine authority declares it is the end.

And that's all
That is the extent of my message.

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: MERLE TRAVIS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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