The Hard Way

Only fools would race down Grist Mill Road,

Let alone in angry weather.

That's what I tell everyone I know,

Now that I know better.

That's a lesson I wish I woulda learned,

Without havin' to watch my Mustang burn.

Before my best buddy had to wind up hurt,

An' his whole life was changed.

That's a lesson I wish I didn't learn the hard way.

Only a fool would keep a diamond ring,

In a box on top of his closet.

He came so close, he almost asked:

It was right there in his pocket.

That's a lesson I wish I woulda learned,

Before standin' in the back row of that church,

Watchin' her Daddy givin' her,

To the man who took my place.

That's a lesson I wish I didn't learn the hard way.

Regret's been known to give a man a beatin',

But I ain't in the mood for fightin' back this evenin'.

Only fools don't take the time of day:

They stay too busy runnin'.

An' to stop just once an' tell their Dad,

Just how much they love him.

That's a lesson I wish I woulda learned,

Before the phone-call came an' it was her,

No, Momma never had to say a word:

I knew it was too late.

That's a lesson I wish I didn't learn the hard way.

The hard way.

The hard way.

The hard way.