[Verse 1]
By the time I was your age, I'd give anything
To fall in love truly, was all I could think
That's when I met your mother, the girl of my dreams
The most beautiful woman that I'd ever seen
She said, "Boy can I tell you a wonderful thing?
I can't help but notice, you're staring at me
I know I shouldn't say this, but I really believe
I can tell by your eyes that you're in love with me."

[Chorus 1]
Now, son, I'm only telling you this
Because life can do terrible things

[Verse 2]
Now, most of the time we'd have too much to drink
And we'd laugh at the stars and we'd share everything
Too young to notice and too dumb to care
Love was a story that couldn't compare
I said, "Girl, can I tell you a wonderful thing?
I made you a present with paper and string
Open with care now, I'm asking you, please
You know that I love you, will you marry me?"

[Chorus 2]
Now, son, I'm only telling you this
Because life can do terrible things
You'll learn, one day, I'll hope and I'll pray
That God shows you differently
[Verse 3]
She said, "Boy can I tell you a terrible thing?
It seems that I'm sick and I've only got weeks
Please, don't be sad now, I really believe
You were the greatest thing that ever happened to me."

[Instrumental Interlude]

[Verse 4]
Slow, so slow I fell to the ground on my knees
So don't fall in love, there's just too much to lose
If you're given the choice, then I beg you to choose
To walk away, walk away, don't let her get you
I can't bear to see the same happen to you

[Outro]
Now, son, I'm only telling you this
Because life can do terrible things