The Statler Brothers - Things lyrics

Things just ain't the way they used to be Things I thought I remembered well look different now to me For adult eyes can sure surprise a Childhood memory No, things just ain't the way they used to be The windows at the school don't seem as tall As I remember neither do the fountains in the hall And that fifth grade teacher wasn't terrible at all No, things just ain't the way they used to be The playground doesn't seem as big somehow And I could put a ball right through the office window now And I know now why chewing gum in school was not allowed No, things just ain't the way they used to be Butch Carter used to keep us kids afraid He'd bust the lip of any kid who dared get in his way I wish ole' Butch was standin' here in front of me today 'Cause, things just ain't the way they used to be I wish I could have grown into the man That I pictured as a child and filled those childhood plans I'd do it right if only I could live my life again But things just ain't the way they used to be Forbidden alleys unfamiliar streets Places mama told me I should never set my feet Well today I know exactly where those streets and alleys lead 'Cause things just ain't the way they used to be Buck Painter is no longer unemployed Uncle Dick has settled down with age and rarely gets annoyed And now I hear Butch Carter's gone to workin' for the Lord No, things just ain't the way they used to be No, things just ain't the way they used to be