Only fools would race down Grist Mill Road
Let alone in angry weather
That's what I tell everyone I know
Now that I know better

That's a lesson I wish I would've learned
Without havin' to watch my Mustang burn
Before my best buddy had to wind up hurt
An' his whole life was changed

That's a lesson I wish I didn't learn
The hard way

Only a fool would keep a diamond ring
In a box on the top of his closet
He came so close, he almost asked
It was right there in his pocket

That's a lesson I wish I would've learned
Before standin' in the back row of that church
Watchin' her daddy givin' her
To the man who took my place

That's a lesson I wish I didn't learn
The hard way

Regret's been know to give a man a beatin'
But I ain't in the mood for fightin' back this evenin'

Only fools don't take the time of day
They stay too busy runnin'
To stop just once and tell their dad
An' just how much they love him

That's a lesson I wish I would've learned
Before that phone call came an' it was her
No, momma never had to say a word
I knew it was too late

That's a lesson I wish I didn't learn
The hard way

The hard way
The hard way
The hard way