if the world had a front porch lyrics

It was where my mama sat on that
Old swing with her crochet
It was where Grand Daddy taught me
How to curse and how to pray

It was where we made our own ice cream
Those sultry summer nights
Where the bulldog had her puppies
And us brothers had our fights

There were many nights I'd sit right there
And look out at the stars
To the sound of a distant whippoorwill
Or the hum of a passin' car

It was where I first got up the nerve
To steal me my first kiss
And it was where I learned to play guitar
And pray I had the gift

If the world had a front porch, like we did back then
We'd still have our problems, but we'd all be friends
Treatin' your neighbor like he's your next of kin
Wouldn't be gone like the wind
If the world had a front porch, like we did back then

Purple hulls and pintos
I've shelled more than my share
As lightnin' bugs and crickets
Danced in the evenin' air

And like a beacon that old yellow bulb
It always led me home
Somehow Mama always knew
Just when to leave it on

If the world had a front porch, like we did back then
We'd still have our problems, but we'd all be friends
Treatin' your neighbor like he's your next of kin
Wouldn't be gone like the wind
If the world had a front porch, like we did back then

Treating your neighbor like he's your next of kin
Wouldn't be gone with the wind
If the world had a front porch, like we did back then