Kerosene Kid

I know what it's like, growing up poor 
I remember that night walking home from the store 
Stopping every few minutes, sitting down that jug 
Blowing on my hands trying to warm them up 
And seeing that other kid from my homeroom class 
In that nice warm car, as he rode past 
And our eyes meeting as they sometimes did 
Reading my name on his lips 

Kerosene kid, don't let 'em get you down 
Just hold your head up and be proud 
Kerosene kid, they don't understand 
Everything that we got is a gift 
Kerosene kid 

I get home with that jug 
Mama filled up the heater 
And those kerosene fumes filled up the trailer 
Got all over everything like a blanket of dust 
On the sheets, on the bed, on the carpet, and on us 
Next morning at school in yesterday's clothes 
Somebody be laughing, some girl be holding her nose 
I'd sit there embarrassed, my face turning red 
Getting at her telling myself 

Kerosene kid, don't let 'em get you down 
Just hold your head up and be proud 
Kerosene kid, they don't understand 
Everything that we got is a gift 
Kerosene kid 

Every day when I look in the mirror 
I can't say enough 
About the little man back in my memory 
That never gave up 

Kerosene kid, they didn't get you down 
You held your head up, you stood proud 
Kerosene kid, yeah you understand 
Everything that you got is a gift 

Kerosene kid, don't let them get you down 
Hold your head up and stay proud 
Kerosene kid, we'll all understand 
Everything that we got is a gift 
Kerosene kid 

Don't let 'em get you down 
Kerosene kid