I learned a lesson
As I was waiting for the train
A gentleman of younger years
Ran past me, his face wrought with pain
He had blood on his jacket
It seemed his life was on the line
He turned back as I shouted after him
If you want, you can leave all this behind
(He said) Ive been down this street a thousand times
I still carry a knife
Now you fill the air with your wise words
You ask if this is how I want to live my life?
No sir, it aint, I think youll find,
Finding a way out is all thats on my mind
So lets talk, realistically
Do you have another choice that you can offer me?
Will you heal my world with your idealist touch?
No? I thought as much
I could see he meant it
Even though he knew it wrong
In a trap from which he cant escape
And he knows this isnt where he belongs
(I said) No one wants blood on the streets
(He said) Surely you can see?
Im in too deep, theres no way out
Its either them or me
(He said) Ive been down this street a thousand times
I still carry a knife
Now you fill the air with your wise words
You ask if this is how I want to live my life?
No sir, it aint, I think youll find,
Finding a way out is all thats on my mind
So lets talk, realistically
Do you have another choice that you can offer me?
Will you heal my world with your idealist touch?
No? I thought as much
(Guitar Solo)
Theres no way to save
Those who make their own path to an early grave
Those who seek to ensure violence remains on the streets
And bring the world so much pain
In truth, we have a second chance
So make sure this isnt you
Because this story is all fiction
But round here, it might as well be true
(He said) Ive been down this street a thousand times
I still carry a knife
Now you fill the air with your wise words
You ask if this is how I want to live my life?
No sir, it aint, I think youll find,
Finding a way out is all thats on my mind
So lets talk, realistically
Do you have another choice that you can offer me?
Will you heal my world with your idealist touch?
No? I thought as much