Some people gotta learn the hardway I guess I'm the kinda guy that has to find out for myself I had to learn the hardway, Father I'm on my knees and I'm crying for help Now I've been high and I've been low I've been some places that you will not go I never thought there would come the day When I wished I never would've lived this way But I've been searching for a long, long time I thought the devil was a friend of mine I turned my back on everything that was true And wasted years that belong to you (repeat chorus) It took so long for me to see That I'm a victim of nature and me Left to myself I realize I am the maker of my own demise But you accept me every time and again And never mention just how selfish I've been Why must it always take me so long to see That I have fallen but you will forgive me? (repeat chorus 2x) The warning signs are like flares in the night Still I proceed my greed is in spite Of the fire I know that's bound to burn Why is it that I always gotta learn The hardway, the hardway, I had to learn the hardway The hardway, the hardway, I had to learn the hardway