From the recording Backroads and Backstories
Pocket Knife is a deeply personal country song rooted in memory, survival, and the quiet wisdom passed down from father to son. Written after almost losing his dad, the song reflects on the small, everyday moments that take on new weight when you realize how close you came to saying goodbye.
At the center is a familiar scene: a dad pulling out his pocket knife to fix something, open something, or make something work—always with the same line, “Every hillbilly’s gotta have a pocket knife.” What once felt casual and routine becomes a symbol of resilience, provision, and presence.
Warm, reflective, and grounded in real life, Pocket Knife honors the men who teach us through action more than words, and the ordinary sayings that turn into lifelong anchors when time reminds you how fragile it really is.
Lyrics
Dad handed me his pocket knife
Said Son you’ll use this all your life
Made pinewood derbies cut fishin’ lines
He got his wood from hills and pines
We worked on cars and fixed whats wrong
He showed me how to grow up strong
From taking out trash to mowing the lawn
He taught me to stand tall until the dawn
Dad showed me the way to survive
His love and wisdom filled my life
To carve their dreams and live their lives
Said Every hillbilly’s gotta have a pocket knife
He taught me to handle my money right
Said Save for rainy days and bright
To be faithful to my lovely wife
And cherish her every day of my life
He took me to church showed me the light
Said Son keep your faith burning bright
Through thick and thin he stood by my side
With his pocket knife our bond never died
Dad showed me the way to survive
His love and wisdom filled my life
To carve their dreams and live their lives
Said Every hillbilly’s gotta have a pocket knife
Every hillbilly’s gotta have a pocket knife
One day he’ll be in the clouds looking down
In heaven with Jesus wearing a crown
His lessons engraved deep in my soul
Guiding me through life’s highs and lows
Dad showed me the way to survive
His love and wisdom filled my life
To carve their dreams and live their lives
Said Every hillbilly’s gotta have a pocket knife