The Hard Way

[Verse 1] 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 would've learned Without havin' to watch my Mustang burn Before my best buddy had to wind up hurt And his whole life changed [Refrain] That's a lesson I wish I didn't learn the hard way [Verse 2] Only a fool would keep a diamond ring In a box on the 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 would've learned Before standin' in the back row of that church Watching her daddy giving her To the man who took my place [Refrain] That's a lesson I wish I didn't learn the hard way [Bridge] Regret's been known to give a man a beatin' But I ain’t in the mood for fightin' back this evenin' [Verse 3] Only fools don't take the time of day They stay too busy runnin' To stop just once and tell their Dad Just how much they love him That's a lesson I wish I would've learned Before that phone call came, and it was her No, Momma never had to say a word I knew it was too late [Refrain] That's a lesson I wish I didn't learn the hard way [Outro] The hard way The hard way The hard way