The Oak Ridge Boys - I Get To Lyrics
Lyrics
They used to make me go to church, clip-on tie, starch the shirt
I never heard the preacher's words slouched down in that pew
These days going to church is something I don't have to do, I get to
I used to have to hang with Dad, wash his car, and cut the grass
It took all day and I hated that 'til his heart attack last June
These days helping Dad is something I don't have to do, I get to
I get to wake up early, I get to go to work
I get to make an honest living, put my hands down in the dirt
I get hear grandma complain about all her little aches and pains
I get to rock my baby girl to sleep, spend my weekends coaching little league
There's a lot of things I don't have to do, I get to
I used to have to say those words, you always seemed to say them first
I dreamt one night you left this earth, I woke up and reached for you
Now I realize I don't have to say "I love you," I get to
Video
I Get To
Meaning & Inspiration
Released on January 1, 2012, as part of their album *Back Home Again*, The Oak Ridge Boys' song "I Get To" offers a profound invitation to reconsider our daily existence through the lens of gratitude. This composition serves as a gentle yet powerful reminder that much of what we perceive as obligation can, and perhaps should, be reframed as a privilege. It’s a narrative of spiritual and emotional transformation, moving from a childhood perspective of enforced duties to an adult understanding of cherished opportunities, often sparked by life's poignant moments. The song’s brilliance lies in its simplicity, illustrating how a shift in two small words can unlock a wellspring of joy and purpose in the seemingly mundane.
The central narrative of "I Get To" unfolds through a series of personal anecdotes, each illuminating a pivot from "have to" to "get to." The opening verse, for example, directly addresses a common experience: the childhood reluctance towards church attendance, marked by forced attire and inattentiveness. Yet, as the years pass, this changes; the singer finds himself in a place where attending church is no longer a mandate but a chosen engagement, a personal "get to." This resonates deeply with the scriptural call to worship in spirit and truth, not out of compulsion but out of a genuine desire and love for God (John 4:23-24). The Psalmist reminds us to "Serve the Lord with gladness; come before His presence with singing" (Psalm 100:2), an attitude only truly embraced when participation is perceived as a blessing, not a burden. This transformation in perspective suggests a spiritual maturity where faith practices become a source of comfort and connection rather than mere ritual.
Further examples within the song extend this theme to family responsibilities and everyday labor. The poignant account of helping his father, once a dreaded chore, becomes a cherished opportunity after a health scare. This powerfully illustrates how the fragility of life can sharpen our appreciation for the time we have with loved ones, transforming acts of service into expressions of love and respect. Scripture consistently emphasizes the importance of honoring parents (Ephesians 6:2-3) and serving one another with love (Galatians 5:13). Similarly, the chorus broadly embraces daily work, raising children, and community involvement—waking early, toiling in the dirt, comforting a complaining grandmother, rocking a baby, and coaching little league—all framed as privileges. This mirrors the biblical principle found in Colossians 3:23-24, urging us to "whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men," understanding that even in our daily tasks, we are serving a higher purpose. Finding joy and purpose in these ordinary moments aligns with a grateful heart that recognizes God’s hand in every aspect of life (1 Corinthians 10:31).
The culmination of the song's message arrives with the realization regarding uttering "I love you," once a presumed requirement, now a chosen expression following a sobering dream of loss. This powerful revelation underscores the preciousness of relationships and the importance of expressing affection not out of habit, but from a genuine wellspring of feeling. It reflects a deeper understanding of love as a gift, something freely given and deeply valued, rather than an obligation. The apostle John reminds us, "Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God" (1 John 4:7), emphasizing that true love flows from a divine source and is meant to be shared authentically. This shift in understanding how we approach our most intimate connections is perhaps the most profound aspect of the "I Get To" paradigm. It encourages us to live with intentionality, cherishing each moment and each person as a blessing. The song, ultimately, inspires a spirit of thanksgiving for all aspects of life, recognizing that a grateful heart is a joyful heart (1 Thessalonians 5:18), deeply rooted in the understanding that every breath and every opportunity is a gift from above.