Boy, you need to grow up
My father said one eve
One day I will be gone
And where will you be?
If you don't pay 'em bills
And wear 'em shiny shoes
Your sweetheart's gonna leave you
Down-and-out with the blues

O Father I'm a sailor
Braving the seven seas
O Father I'm a tailor
A man of humble means

But if I was a wise man
I would tell my son that
His fate was in his hands
Yes, if I was a wise man
I would be the dad that
I never really had

O Father I'm a drunkard
Drinking each and every day
O Father I'm a dullard
A man whose youth is spent

But if I was a wise man
I would tell myself that
It's going to be all right
Yes, if I was a wise man
I would be the gramps that
Told stories about my long life

Pops, you were a teacher
That taught me how to be
A man of truth an' honor
The likes you'll never see
If you had been a preacher
And worn a simple robe
I still would not believe ya
'Cause all you bring is false hope

O Father I'm a believer
Praying for salvation
O Father I'm a dreamer
A man who's lost his way

But if I was a wise man
I would find my way back
Yes, if I was a wise man
I would find my way back
If I was a wise man...