After seventeen years behind bars And lookin´ back on his mistakes He sat down and poured out his heart When his son came to see him today
He spoke with a voice that trembled Tryin´ to hold back the tears He said I ain´t been much of a father Son, I wish I could turn back the years
´Cause life´s like a river And the water is deep Cross it with care Or you´ll end up like me Let my mistakes Be your steppin´ stones And walk on the rocks that I stumbled on
He said son stay away from the bottle Watch out for the company you keep And hold on to those you love
´Cause love is a man´s greatest need The right way may not be easy The right road ain´t always straight Son, please don´t follow the footsteps That lead to where I am today
´Cause life´s like a river And the water is deep Cross it with care Or you´ll end up like me Let my mistakes Be your steppin´ stones And walk on the rocks that I stumbled on