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 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'

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

Now most of the time we'd have too much to drink
And we'd laugh at the stars and 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?'

Now son I'm only telling you this
Because life can do terrible things
You'll learn one day and I hope
And I pray that God shows you differently

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'

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 I'm begging you choose to walk away, walk away
Don't let it get you, I can't bear to see the same happen to you

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