My mom woke my dad up. And said "It's time to leave! ". So they jumped into the old Caprice. And tore off into the night. On the 4th of July. They flew through the darkness. Driving like Jehu. And they rolled into Ottumwa. Before the sun began to rise. On the 4th of July. In walks Bob and Janice. Rachel's on her way. To peek in through the window. Hoping to hear her grandson cry. On the 4th of July. My mother watched the fireworks. From her hospital bed. And after it was all over. She held me for the first time. On the 5th of July. I've got my mother's brown eyes. And my dad's quiet way. And Grandma Rachel's love for music. The morning I arrived. On the 5th of July. Deep in Iowa country. In a Heavenly Hideaway. On the shores of Lake Rathbun. My folks brought me home. On the 5th of July. And that was when. Life began for me. And that was when. Life began for me. A teacher and a mechanic. Brought me into this world. They loved me with all their hearts. Since the day I opened my eyes. On the 5th of July. And that was when. Life began for me. And that was when. Life began for me