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 aquired a reputation
But I give credit where credit is due
Yes it's true I got a first rate education
'Cause everything I know about the blues
I learned from you