Only fools would race down Grist Mill Road,
Let alone in angry weather.
That's what I tell everyone I know,
Now that I know better.
That's a lesson I wish I woulda learned,
Without havin' to watch my Mustang burn.
Before my best buddy had to wind up hurt,
An' his whole life was changed.
That's a lesson I wish I didn't learn the hard way.

Only a fool would keep a diamond ring,
In a box on top of his closet.
He came so close, he almost asked:
It was right there in his pocket.
That's a lesson I wish I woulda learned,
Before standin' in the back row of that church,
Watchin' her Daddy givin' her,
To the man who took my place.
That's a lesson I wish I didn't learn the hard way.

Regret's been known to give a man a beatin',
But I ain't in the mood for fightin' back this evenin'.

Only fools don't take the time of day:
They stay too busy runnin'.
An' to stop just once an' tell their Dad,
Just how much they love him.
That's a lesson I wish I woulda learned,
Before the phone-call came an' it was her,
No, Momma never had to say a word:
I knew it was too late.
That's a lesson I wish I didn't learn the hard way.

The hard way.
The hard way.
The hard way.