[Verse 1]
Kid tried to patch up his garage last Tuesday
With vinyl spackle from the hardware store
No lathe, no scratch coat, just duct tape and "someday"
I drove to the Legion, couldn't watch anymore

[Chorus]
It's just three coats if you know the secret
Float it right
It's just three coats if you know the secret
Float it right

[Verse 2]
Galvanized lath on the studs in sections
Stapled secure with constructive affections
Portland and sand at two-to-one weight
Add the lime slow, keep the proportion straight

[Chorus]
It's just three coats if you know the secret
Float it right
It's just three coats if you know the secret
Float it right

[Verse 3]
Scratch coat needs three days in the August sun
Six when the winter winds whistle and whine
Brown coat goes on when day three is done
Cross-float diagonal, holding the line

[Chorus]
It's just three coats if you know the secret
Float it right
It's just three coats if you know the secret
Float it right

[Bridge]
My sons got the trucks and the city permits
But none of 'em own a decent hawk anymore

[Chorus - final]
It's just three coats if you know the secret
Float it right
It's just three coats if you know the secret
Float it right

[Outro]