I learned a lesson
As I was waiting for the train
A gentleman of younger years
Ran past me, his face wrought with pain
He had blood on his jacket
It seemed his life was on the line
He turned back as I shouted after him
'If you want, you can leave all this behind'

(He said) 'I've been down this street a thousand times
I still carry a knife
Now you fill the air with your wise words
You ask if this is how I want to live my life?'

'No sir, it ain't, I think you'll find,
Finding a way out is all that's on my mind
So let's talk, realistically
Do you have another choice that you can offer me?
Will you heal my world with your idealist touch?
No? I thought as much'

I could see he meant it
Even though he knew it wrong
In a trap from which he can't escape
And he knows this isn't where he belongs
(I said) 'No one wants blood on the streets'
(He said) 'Surely you can see?
I'm in too deep, there's no way out
It's either them or me'

(He said) 'I've been down this street a thousand times
I still carry a knife
Now you fill the air with your wise words
You ask if this is how I want to live my life?'

'No sir, it ain't, I think you'll find,
Finding a way out is all that's on my mind
So let's talk, realistically
Do you have another choice that you can offer me?
Will you heal my world with your idealist touch?
No? I thought as much'

(Guitar Solo)

There's no way to save
Those who make their own path to an early grave
Those who seek to ensure violence remains on the streets
And bring the world so much pain
In truth, we have a second chance
So make sure this isn't you
Because this story is all fiction
But round here, it might as well be true

(He said) 'I've been down this street a thousand times
I still carry a knife
Now you fill the air with your wise words
You ask if this is how I want to live my life?'

'No sir, it ain't, I think you'll find,
Finding a way out is all that's on my mind
So let's talk, realistically
Do you have another choice that you can offer me?
Will you heal my world with your idealist touch?
No? I thought as much'