I Was Only Joking - Rod Stewart

Ever since I was a kid in school

I messed around with all the rules

Apologized, then realized

I’m not different after all

Me and the boys thought we had it sussed

Valentinos all of us

My dad said we looked ridiculous

But, boy, we broke some hearts

In and out of jobs, running free

Waging war with society

Dumb, blank faces stared back at me

But nothing ever changed

Promises made in the heat of night

Creepin' home before it got too light

I wasted all that precious time

And blamed it on the wine

I was only joking, my dear

Looking for a way to hide my fear

What kind of fool was I?

I could never win

Never found a compromise

Collected lovers like butterflies

Illusions of that grand first prize

Are slowly wearin' thin

Susie, baby, you were good to me

Giving love unselfishly

But you took it all too seriously

I guess it had to end

I was only joking, my dear

Looking for a way to hide my fear

What kind of fool was I?

I could never win

Yeah, baby, woo

Now you ask me if I’m sincere

That’s the question that I always fear

Verse seven is never clear

But I’ll tell you what you want to hear

I try to give you all you want

But giving love is not my strongest point

If that’s the case, it’s pointless going on

I’d rather be alone

'Cause what I’m doing must be wrong

Pouring my heart out in a song

Owning up for prosperity

For the whole damn world to see

Quietly now while I turn a page

Act one is over without costume change

The principal would like to leave the stage

The crowd don’t understand