I thought it happened when I took that first sip Out of a tall boy Thought, "Boy, ain't you tough?" They couldn't tell me nothin' When I got the keys to somethin' That could take seventeen me where that drag strip was But loose gravel don't love trucks Thought I was all grown up But I found out fast that life'll put you back in your place Ready or not, man, the real world's right in your face When you're down upside, it's too late to hit them brakes Damn near died, but a man was born that day In that smoky college bar I saw her on his arm And that seeing red whiskey said "Throw the first punch." Next thing ya know, I woke up Thought I could take anyone But I found out fast that life'll put you back in your place Ready or not, man, the real world's right in your face Found out real quick why sometimes you walk away Swallow your pride, but a man was born that day Yeah, we had it planned out Names written down And a room half-rolled in blue paint Aw, but in the kitchen that day I found out fast that life'll put you back in your place Ready or not, man, the real world's right in your face Tears welling up in her eyes, that'll make a heart break No pink lines, but a man was born that day