A Picker's Lament

Though we've just met, I must impose
I swear it's time the whole world knows
Would it bother you if I confessed here
I wish that I could play like Lester

Trends will come and trends will go
Newgrass, smoothgrass, grass with mambo
 Nonetheless, the last craze'll
 Make me wish I sang like Hazel

I 'd forego all worldly pleasure
Forfeit my stake of earthly treasure
And roam this world in my '81 Datsun
If I could just pick like Doc Watson

Comme ci, comme ca you're telling me
As any fool can plainly see
Kismet -so close, so far - still lingers
 If I could just have Earl Scruggs' fingers

 Birds would nestle in my hand
Lions might lay down with lambs
 And I'd be happy as five clams
 If I could sing like Jimmy can

 So I'll put on The Old Crossroads
And A Man Of Constant Sorrow
 It's heart and soul and steel on wood
That makes this music sound so good

Truth is I know I never will
Hold a candle to Ralph and Bill
 Still before I kick the bucket
 I wish I could pick like Riley Puckett