What a fall from Grace, what a cruel deceit
What a lack of love behind the sociopathy
Used me for your secrets, used me for some dimes
Breaking blood upon this single mother's whipping hide
And this bitter wisdom makes me quiet and still

Peace and happiness in our heart and home
Just optimistic wishes from my blind and trusting hope
If only I had listened to that inner voice
I never would have carried out that people-pleasing choice
And this bitter wisdom makes me scared to trust again

I found out the hard way, I tasted the apple
Found out the hard way, abandoned the garden of innocence

Yes, I walked the aisle to make a man of you
But those very papers brought me unexpected truth
Crawling back to zero, these lessons in my life
Bring me closer to the tender mortal life am I
And this sober wisdom brings silver linings to light

I found out the hard way, I tasted the apple
Found out the hard way, I played in the lightning
Found out the hard way by pushing the boundaries
Found out the hard way, abandoned the garden of innocence

Found out the hard way, discovered a backbone
Found out the hard way, I learned to love myself
Found out the hard way, the payment for freedom
Found out the hard way, abandoned the garden of innocence