I’ve been bunked.

I’ve been swindled.

Been laughed and lied to.

Captivated unawares

by lies I thought  true.

Been had by hangin’ drawers

who wears ‘em like a crown.

Educated by the whores

growin’ old in Chinatown.

Thought I was up when I was down.

That fittin’ in was hangin’ out.

That I’d win the Triple Crown

’stead of make the last out.

I thought I’d be a wheel

but I never learned to roll.

or how to keep it real.

Only learned to burn a hole

In the bloody sleeve

of my only Sunday best.

That trouble’d up and leave

If my chin was on my chest.

Discovered things are hardly ever

exactly as they seem,

and learned I’d probably never

get to realize the dream.

Never hit a hole in one

or see a perfect game,

That when all was said and done

I’d be the target of your blame.

So I learned to walk alone

on my side of the street.

Relinquish all I own

‘cept the blisters on my feet,

and the lessons that I’ve learned

for I’ve learned them very well,

and I’m not the least concerned,

be it Heaven.

Be it Hell.