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