I've Been Down That Road Before

(album: Confessions Of A Broken Man - 1966)

Now friend if you'll just listen to me you'll get some good hard earned advice
Now I don't aim to meddle in your business I'm just trying to save you an awful price

You see these teeth that I ain't got and these knots on my bald head
I'll guarantee you boys I didn't get them there a lying home in the bed
Now take the smart alec in any town of him folks want no part
'Cause he acts like his head was only made to hold his ears apart

Now he might act like what I'm bout to say and my words would prob'ly make him sore
But I'm just trying to be helpful 'cause I've been down that road before
To bully folks and play mean tricks was once my pride and joy
Till one day I was toted home and mama didn't hardly know her little boy

My head was swelled up so doggone big I couldn't get it through my front door
Now I'm not just talking to hear myself I've been down that road before
A little fellow about my size got tired of being puched about
So he went to work and when he got through he'd knocked every one of my teeth out

One time too many I'd rubbed him wrong and he evened up the score
Now that's what happens when you get too big for your britches and I've been down that road before
Now when you get to thinking you're really smart there's somebody smarter than you
And no matter how much you boast and brag you can still learn a thing or two

Go get you some treatments just like I've had and you won't hanker for more
I've really learned the meaning of living and loving 'cause I've been down that road before
Now the man that walks this rocky road usually gets just what he deserves
'Cause he's just a helpless servant to a master that he serves

Now I've learned to slow my temper down and not to pick no scraps no more
Boys it's a lot easier on the head and eyes 'cause I've been down that road before