Jerry Jeff
was a maker of hats, Manny was much more than that He was the kind of guy, you and I would want for a Manny was a regular guy, an old soul look in his eye He was a man of word, and to himself to the end
Manny liked to and share a good story or two If he's a making you a hat, he needs to know some things you He'd say, "Set down, tell us what you're thinking about Your hat says something about you, you even open your mouth"
Manny had a funky hat shop, south of where everyone stopped To sit and chat, get a hat, and maybe get a new He loved to sit up front and greet Take their measurements and at their jokes
You couldn't stop by without staying all afternoon His wife she sat in the back, Sewing sweatbands in all of his She listened to the radio, times I'd sing her a tune
He made for a lot of great men But none finer then he made for a friend He made 'em the old way, steamed, and creased 'em by He'd take your old hat and make her new He'd shape it any way you him too He'd fix it up fine a porcupine-beaded hatband
You his hats were worn all over the world By real cowboy, and pearls He even made one for me he called "the old friend"
Well when old friends disappear, I wonder where I'd like to maybe there just somewhere round the bend But Manny's in heaven I bet, I'll go you one yet I'll bet money John B. and Manny are God into a hat
Old used to take me aside, He'd say Jerry Jeff you how to write Why don't you make up a hat song and do it the way that you do now that old Manny has gone, I finally made him up Manny's hat 'Cause the best way to keep your old friend alive in a room
Manny was a maker of hats, Manny was more than that He was the kind of guy, you and I want for a friend