Written by Harlan Howard 



An old guitar picker had run out liquor

So I sat down beside him and bought him a drink

I bought him another and finally some color

Returned to his cheeks as he said with a wink 

I worked with Red Foley, knew Hank and ole Lefty

I worked on the Opry back when it was strong

But in showbiz, you know, sometimes it gets slow

So buy us another and I'll sing you a song



Be careful who you love

For love can be untrue

Be careful who you love

Be sure she loves you too



Well, you like that, I see, that's pleasing to me

Son I've wrote hundreds and some you know well

I've wrote 'em and sold 'em, they've bought 'em and stole 'em

Paper is cheap, they're just tunes what the hell



And then he offered to sell me the song he just sung me

I told him that song is a piece of your soul

Keep your song, here's some money

He said "thank you son" and I heard him say as I walked out the door



Be careful who you love

For love can be untrue

Be careful who you love

Be sure she loves you too



Well that was about a year ago, now wouldn't you know

It's a big hit some superstar claims he wrote

He sings it and grins and money rolls in

It's a wonder the lyric don't stick in his throat



And I think of that writer named Arthur and wonder

Just how many children he sold in his time

And how many great men take the gift that God gave 'em

And throw it away on the pretty red wine



Be careful who you love

For love can be untrue

Be careful who you love

Be sure she loves you too



Be careful who you love

For love can be untrue

Be careful who you love

Be sure she loves you too

Be sure she loves you too