Mama locked the door last night for the first time in all of her years
I said mama you gotta be kidding me
She said things ain't like they used to be round here
You just wouldn't believe it, kids growing up without Jesus
Good thing your daddy ain't here to see this now
They stay higher than the water tower in this thirty five miles an hour town

She said it ain't the drugs, it ain't the booze
I've had a back road buzz or two, myself
It seems like heaven is slipping further away
The devil ain't got far to go when they raise hell
We used to burn a hole through midnight
Smoking a stolen Marlboro Light and on a good night might kill a fifth the Crown
But now there's a lower higher power in this thirty five miles an hour town

Oh we can't blame the babies for growing up lazy
And crazy it ain't them that let them down
If they ain't stealing, they're suing, why work when we'll give it to 'em
It's right there in the bible that we don't put out
Spare the rod and you'll sour a thirty five miles an hour town

The yes mam's gone and the pleases too,
It's out the door with the thank you in the evening
You don't see a front yard football game
The neighbor kids have done away with the shirt and skins
No one hits the front porch lights to get the kids to come inside
'Cause the streets ain't safe for a bike to ride down
Since they planted a prowler in this thirty five miles an hour town
No they're going nowhere fast tonight
No matter how fast they drive is thirty five miles an hour town