I learned to swim when daddy threw me in the river The army taught me how to shine my shoes The years have shown me that nothin' lasts forever But everything I know about the blues I learned from you I thought I'd seen my share of bad luck and hard times But nothin' set me up for what you put me through I learned a lesson that will hurt me for a lifetime 'Cause everything I know about the blues I learned from you I know that promises are things that just get broken And you can't trust a woman's tears And if love is what you place your hope in All your hope may disappear In certain circles I've acquired a reputation But I give credit where credit is due Yes it's true I've got a first rate education 'Cause everything I know about the blues Everything I know about the blues Everything I know about the blues I learned from you