Things Lyrics - The Statler Brothers

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