I build houses and barns and a birdhouse or two
Studied my blue prints and plans
I like wood that don't argue, nails that drive straight
Tools that don't skin up my hands

I have followed my call from Texas to Maine
Bangin' out churches and chairs
Struttin' the snow and the sun and the rain
Bangin' out rafters and stairs

And I'm slow, but I'm steady
I prize the work more than the pay
I'm rough and I'm ready
Livin' the carpenter's way
Livin' the carpenter's way

Tomorrow you'll find me up on some roof
Watchin' the sun play the hill
Rye in my coffee, love in my heart
Doin' what carpenter's will

I'm slow, but I'm steady
I prize the work more than the pay
I'm rough and I'm ready
Living the carpenter's way
Living the carpenter's way
Living the carpenter's way