Didn't I

There are times to remember and times that I wish to forget

Our time together was tinged with love and regret

Oh my girl, my sweet, sweet little girl

Didn't I try to tell ya

That life was for living

Oh, didn't I?

And wasn't I the guy who said

Stay away from that tribe

Oh, wasn't I?

And didn't I try to tell ya

That stuff's gonna kill ya

Oh, didn't I?

But you thought it was cool

And I was just an old fool

Oh, look at ya

You left home for the city with Hollywood stars in your eyes

Now your mother God bless her cries herself to sleep every night

Oh my girl, my sweet, innocent girl

Didn't I search the streets

For the beggars, pimps and cheats

Oh, didn't I?

And didn't I try to guide ya

Through a baptism of fire

Oh, didn't I?

And didn't I try to warn ya

About them folk in California

Oh, didn't I?

But you said daddy, please, don't worry

I got friends out there who love me

Now look at ya

Oh baby come back home, we can work this out

There is no blame

I wanna hold you close and stroke your hair

And share your pain, yeah

Didn't I do the best for you

Tried to make you stay in school

Didn't I?

Once I was your hero

But I went from ten to zero

Oh, didn't I?

Now listen

For a roll of the dice

You nearly paid the ultimate price

Oh, didn't ya?

Now I stand by your bedside

Watching you fight for your life

Where's the innocence?

Where's the future?

Where's the beauty?

Where's the promise?

There are times to remember

And times that I wish to forget