I Had To Learn (The Hard Way)

(album: This Is Brook Benton - 1976)

I had to learn the hard way
That love is not just a game
Even though love is a beautiful thing
I didn't know the pain it could bring
Oh, how I've cried, how I've cried

For a long time, I just didn't understand
That living and loving goes hand and hand
I realize now, it was all a mistake
Now knowing that love is give and take

'Cause no one ever told me
That love could hurt you so
And when it happened to me
I just didn't know
Baby, I just didn't know

I had to learn the hard way
That love is not just a game
Even though love is a beautiful thing
I didn't know the pain it could bring
Oh, how I've cried, how I've cried

Guess my father taught me everything he knew
But it wasn't enough to deal with you
You're leaving me was a blessing in disguise
You taught me a lesson and made me wise

How you're back in my arms
I'm praying that you'll stay
'Cause I remember the price
I've had to pay
Baby, I've had to pay

I had to learn the hard way
That love is not just a game
Even though love is a beautiful thing
I didn't know the pain it could bring
Oh, how I've cried, how I've cried
I had to learn the hard, hard way
That love is not just a game
Even though love, yes, is a beautiful thing
I didn't know the pain it could bring
Oh, how I've cried, baby, I've cried
I had to learn the hard way
That love, love, love is not just a game
Even though the love is a beautiful thing
I didn't know the pain it could bring
That's why I had to cry, yes, I had to cry
Sometimes for a long, long time