After seventeen years behind bars And lookin' back on his mistakes He sat down and poured out his heart When his son came to see him today He spoke with a voice that trembled Tryin' to hold back the tears He said I ain't been much of a father Son, I wish I could turn back the years 'Cause life's like a river And the water is deep Cross it with care Or you'll end up like me Let my mistakes Be your steppin' stones And walk on the rocks that I stumbled on He said son stay away from the bottle Watch out for the company you keep And hold on to those you love 'Cause love is a man's greatest need The right way may not be easy The right road ain't always straight Son, please don't follow the footsteps That lead to where I am today 'Cause life's like a river And the water is deep Cross it with care Or you'll end up like me Let my mistakes Be your steppin' stones And walk on the rocks that I stumbled on Walk on the rocks that I stumbled on