How long can a bell ring? Just as long as it knows its tone Just as long as it knows its tone I'm here to tell you that's how long That a fool can go wrong How long can a bird sing? Just as long as it knows its song (spoken): You gotta know your song How long can a bird sing? Just as long as it knows its song See I'm here to tell you that's how long That a fool can go wrong I learned my lessons from people You know in all walks of life You know in all walks of life I know if a person mistreats you once they're Bound to misuse you twice (That's why I said) how long can a bell ring? Just as long as it knows its song Just as long as it knows its song I'm here to tell you that's how long