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
