I've been bunked.
I've been swindled.
Laughed at and lied to.
Captivated unawares
by tales untrue.

I've 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.
Thought fittin' in was hangin' out.
Thought I'd win the triple crown
instead 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.
I learned that trouble'd up and leave
if my chin was on my chest.

I 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 throw 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 the wrong side of the street
and relinquish all I own
except the blisters on my feet,

and the lessons that I learned.
for I learned them very well.
And I'm not the least concerned.
Be it heaven.
Be it  hell.