[Verse 1]
Be careful with the bottle when you have your first drink
The pull it'll have on you is stronger than you think
Don't speed through a small town or push an empty tank
And when that farmer stops to give you gas, be sure to tell him "Thanks"
Always check the oil in your twenty year old car
Before you leave for college, you won't make it very far
[Chorus]
Things you learn the hard way
Some lessons you can't teach
Until you're livin' through 'em
The wisdom's out of reach
Things you learn the hard way
Things you learn the hard way
[Verse 2]
Don't get married in a church, called Mother of our Sorrows
'Cause if it don't feel right today, it won't feel right tomorrow
A baby will not be enough to get a man to stay
'Cause you can't change or fix someone, you gotta let them walk away
Don't go to a dry well looking for a drink
Never leave your wedding band too close to the kitchen sink
[Chorus]
Things you learn the hard way
Some lessons you can't teach
Until you're livin' through 'em
The wisdom's out of reach
Things you learn the hard way
Things you learn the hard way
[Instrumental Solo]
[Verse 3]
When someone's trust is broken, it's not an easy thing to fix
And when grandpa comes for dinner Lord, don't bring up politics
Be sure to call your Momma, every Sunday after Mass
You won't be ready when you lose her, and it happens way too fast
Sometimes the deepest healing comes through the darkest night
And you can't believe how often now, your mother's words were right
[Chorus]
Things you learn the hard way
Some lessons you can't teach
Until you're livin' through 'em
The wisdom's out of reach
Things you learn the hard way
Things you learn the hard way
[Outro]
You ain't ever gonna forget
The things you learn the hard way
Things you learn the hard way