I was seventeen with dust on my boots A small town dream and a worn out truth Everybody said just play along Smile real wide and keep it calm But I never fit in that painted frame Could not trade my heart for fame Mama said son just stay who you are Even if it does not get you far I got a long road in my veins More than money more than chains If I lose the crowd tonight At least I keep my soul alight I would rather be broke but true Than rich in a lie I never knew Got my windows down let the wind decide I got nothing to hide inside If the world wants something new It will have to take me as I am too I am not perfect but I am real And that is a deal I will never seal City lights and neon lies Everybody wears disguise But I drive slow past the noise Holding on to my only voice I got scars that shine like gold Every story that I told May not make the headlines bright But I sleep just fine at night I would rather be broke but true Than rich in a lie I never knew Got my windows down let the wind decide I got nothing to hide inside If the world wants something new It will have to take me as I am too I am not perfect but I am real And that is a deal I will never seal If I fall I fall my way If I win I still will stay Same old heart same old name Not a shadow in the flame I would rather be broke but true Than rich in a lie I never knew Every mile I ride it through Is proof that I stayed brand new If they ask me what is real I will show them how it feels I am not perfect but I am real And that is a deal I will never seal