Your granddad didn't teach me much but what he taught me works
So I'll show all of that to you plus more of what I've learned
'Mongst the gamblers and the thieves and all those drifters on the road
I'd prefer you find polite people but just in case you don't

Don't play pool with a man named after a city
Always try to get at least twelve hours of sleep
Don't split a winning hand, call your mother whenever you can
And no matter how much fun it looks to you, do as I say, not as I do

I wish I was a better man so I could teach you right
But these things that I'm telling you, they'll help you to survive
So even if you never, ever listen as I talk
Please take this little piece of me with you when you fly off

Don't play pool with a man named after a city
Always try to get at least twelve hours of sleep
Don't split a winning hand, call your mother whenever you can
And no matter how much fun it looks to you, do as I say, not as I do

I hope you don't end up like me, but guess it could be worse
That long and broken winding road paid me more than I'm worth
But if you decide you need the sky and curse this filthy ground
I'll be right here to catch you if you ever come back down

Don't play pool with a man named after a city
Always try to get at least twelve hours of sleep
Don't split a winning hand, call your mother whenever you can
And no matter how much fun it looks to you, do as I say, not as I do
No matter how much fun it looks to you, do as I say, not as I do