I’ve been bunked.

I’ve been swindled.

Been laughed and lied to.

Captivated unawares

by lies I thought were true.

Been had by hangin’ drawers

who wears ‘em like some kind of crown.

Learned ’bout lovin’ from the whores

growin’ old in Chinatown.

Thought I was up when I was down.

That fittin’ in was hangin’ out.

Thought I’d wear the Triple Crown

’stead of make the last out.

I thought I’d be a wheel

but I never learned to roll.

Never learned to keep it real.

Only learned to burn a hole

In the bloodsoaked sleeve

of my only Sunday best.

That trouble’d up and leave

If my chin was on my chest.

Learned that things are hardly ever

exactly as they seem,

and I learned I’d probably never

get to realize the dream.

Never hit a hole in one

or get to see a perfect game,

and 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 everything 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.