When the man in the hobnail boots asked me what war was going on

I didn't have the heart to tell him that peace had just begun

He didn't believe he said do or die

I couldn't deceive and so I said goodbye



Got a friend with a silver lady shows me many ways to laugh

It's a one-way love affair but she shines in his photographs

He don't like a crowd but don't get him wrong

He does his thinking aloud he makes it up as he goes along



I want to do right by you but you mustn't do wrong by me



Sitting in a lonely room with a friend with lots to tell

He doesn't ask me for advice but then I've got nothing to sell

We trade in a joke we've got nothing to hide

We're just simple folk it makes me feel good inside



I want to do right by you but you mustn't do wrong by me



So when we're having our last meal and I ask you for a light

Don't get me wrong because the last thing that I want is for us to fight

So get back to school and I'll do the same

But don't play the fool and we'll both win this game



I want to do right by you but you mustn't do wrong by me