The song "That Old Man of Mine" by Vince Gill tells the story of a troubled and abusive childhood at the hands of the protagonist's father. The lyrics describe the father as a mean and aggressive man, who used physical violence and alcohol (Jim Beam) to control and intimidate his family. The protagonist's mother constantly lived in fear due to the father's abusive behavior. The song mentions the bruises they all had to bear as a result of his anger. One night, the protagonist hears their mother cry, and feeling overwhelmed by anger and a desire for justice, they confront their father. They challenge him to settle their differences outside, indicating a readiness to fight back. Unfortunately, the father retaliates and starts choking the protagonist, attempting to kill them. In this moment of desperation and fearing for their life, the protagonist reveals that they had a pistol concealed in their jeans. They shoot their father multiple times, taking his life that night in Abilene. The protagonist's mother lies to protect them, claiming responsibility for the act, but later confesses the truth. As a result of their actions, the protagonist is now serving a prison sentence, referenced by the number on their back representing their inmate identification. Despite the guilt associated with taking a life, the protagonist admits to never feeling remorse. They believe that their father had it coming and that their actions were justified. Throughout the song, the protagonist reflects on the idea that everyone has their own burdens to bear (cross to bear), and in their case, their abusive father was their burden. Despite the consequences they now face, the protagonist was able to free themselves and their family from the tyranny of their father, leaving a sense of twisted justice in their story.
