The Kinks - Once A Thief lyrics

So you've decided to set me free I've paid my debt to society Fresh out of jail trying to make a new start On the street with a bitter heart But my past keeps on haunting me There ain't no chance for a man with my history Once a thief Always a suspect Once a liar Never be believed Will they ever forget that I was once a thief? I was out in the cold I was soaked to the skin I needed a home And your heart took me in Then I heard all the lies And I lost my belief You threw away my hope And you called me a thief So you've decided to set me free I'm out of jail but you've still got the key There was a time when I thought you respected me But somehow you always suspected me Once a thief Always a suspect Once a liar Never be believed Will they ever forget that I was once a thief? Instead of offering me charity, You should've tried to put some faith in me Instead of making me a better man, You kept reminding me of what I am Instead of offering me charity, You should've tried to put some faith in me How many years must a criminal pay? Until he's old and his hair turns to gray You smile at me But I know underneath You're thinking Once a thief always a suspect. Once a thief Always a suspect Once a liar Never be believed Will they ever forget that I was once a thief?