[Verse 1]
Be careful with the bottle
When you have your first drink
The pull it'll have on you is
Stronger than you think
Don't speed through a small town
Or push an empty tank
And when that farmer stops to give you gas
Be sure to tell him "Thanks"
Always check the oil
In your twenty year old car
Before you leave for college
You won't make it very far

[Chorus]
Things you learn the hard way
Some lessons you can't teach
Until you're livin' through 'em
The wisdom's out of reach
Things you learn the hard way
Things you learn the hard way

[Verse 2]
Don't get married in a church
Called Mother of our Sorrows
'Cause if it don't feel right today
It won't feel right tomorrow
A baby will not be enough
To get a man to stay
'Cause you can't change or fix someone
You gotta let them walk away
Don't go to a dry well
Looking for a drink
Never leave your wedding band
Too close to the kitchen sink

[Chorus]
Things you learn the hard way
Some lessons you can't teach
Until you're livin' through 'em
The wisdom's out of reach
Things you learn the hard way
Things you learn the hard way
[Instrumental Solo]

[Verse 3]
When someone's trust is broken
It's not an easy thing to fix
And when grandpa comes for dinner Lord
Don't bring up politics
Be sure to call your Momma
Every Sunday after Mass
You won't be ready when you lose her
And it happens way too fast
Sometimes the deepest healing
Comes through the darkest night
And you can't believe how often now
Your mother's words were right

[Chorus]
Things you learn the hard way
Some lessons you can't teach
Until you're livin' through 'em
The wisdom's out of reach
Things you learn the hard way
Things you learn the hard way

[Outro]
You ain't ever gonna forget
The things you learn the hard way
Things you learn the hard way