HAVE A GOOD TIME (BUT GET OUT ALIVE)

You never fit quite right in school
Went out and broke all the rules
Talk so loud and act so cool - that's right
Only sixteen when you left home
Thought you could make it on your own
Because you were born with the right to roam the night
You said "don't put those chains on me
I am young and I am free
And I'll be what I want to be" - that's right
Have a good time but get out alive
Don't you know only the strong survive
Have a good time but get out alive
You always did what you wanted
It didn't matter who you hurt
But you didn't hurt no one like you hurt yourself
You took anything that you could get
Did it all with no regrets
You tried so hard but you can't forget your past
Don't you know this life is killing you
You act crazy but don't be a fool
Do what you want to do but keep in mind
Have a good time but get out alive
Don't you know only the strong survive
Have a good time but get out alive
After one long night
When Bobby was involved in a senseless fight
He woke up in jail with a broken old man
The old man was staring down at him
He said "boy you better wipe off that stupid grin
And learn something now while you still can"
Have a good time but get out alive
Don't you know only the strong survive
Have a good time but get out alive

By Joe Grushecky, from his album Have a Good Time But Get Out Alive. Performed once on 17 Jul 2004 at the Stone Pony, Asbury Park, NJ, with Joe Grushecky and the Houserockers. These are Grushecky's original lyrics.