joe diffie

Crooked Grin
Lyrics By: Thomas W. Peterson AKA RedHeart 
©COPYRIGHT 12–1-2025 All Rights Reserved © 


[Intro: Acoustic guitar strumming, pedal steel guitar sighs in background]

[Verse 1]
I chew tobacco, leave stains on my shirts
Talk too loud at diners, forget folks’ names first
Got a truck that backfires like it’s got something to say
And I’ve walked out on more jobs than I’ve kept in a day

[Verse 2]
My dog don’t trust me, my landlord just sighs
Says, “You’re one missed rent check from sleeping ‘neath skies”
I ain’t proud of much—heck, I ain’t proud at all
Just good at falling short and standing too tall

[Chorus]
But then you looked at me with that crooked grin
Like my mess was worth the trouble I’m in
Said, “Boy, your eyes are sorry—but your heart’s still true”
And for once, I didn’t know what to do!

[Verse 3]
I tried to clean up—burned my old flannel shirt
Bought breath mints by the pack, even stopped cussin’ hurt
But you laughed and said, “Keep your rough around the seam
It’s the only thing that makes you feel real to me”

[Chorus]
‘Cause you looked at me with that crooked grin
Like my mess was worth the trouble I’m in
Said, “Boy, your eyes are sorry—but your heart’s still true”
And I finally knew just what to do!

[Bridge: Pedal steel swells, upright bass walks softly]
Ain’t no fairy tale, no white horse or crown
Just a grease-stained hand and you stickin’ around
When every other soul turned tail and ran
From this sorry-eyed, half-broke man

[Chorus]
Yeah, you look at me with that crooked grin
Like my mess is where your love begins
Said, “Boy, your eyes are sorry—but your heart’s still true”
And I swear I’ll spend my whole life provin’ it to you!

[Outro: Acoustic guitar fades, pedal steel lingers like a sigh]
(Spoken, warm chuckle)
Still chew tobacco… but I spit downwind now.

Crooked Grin 12-1-25

This is a revised version of the same named song

Ten Years A Waiting-REV

This song traces a journey marked by bruises, breakthroughs, and the quite courage it takes to return to the people who'll light the porch for you. It's a song about carrying every hard-earned scar back to the place where grace outlasts the damage. 

Dedicated with deep respect to the men and women of the United States Armed Forces--those who've borne the weight of battle, carried invisible wounds, and still found their way home. Your service, sacrifice, and strength are honored in every line. 

Ships Thats Don't Come In (Album Version)

Joe Diffie

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