THE HOUSE YOU LIVE IN
(Gordon Lightfoot)

As recorded Gordon Lightfoot 1976


Go first in the world, go forth with your fears
Remember a price must be paid.
Be always too soon, be never too fast
At the time when all bets must be laid.

Beware of the darkness, be kind to your children
Remember the woman who waits.
And the house you live in will never fall down
If you pity the stranger who stands at your gate.

When you're caught by the gale and you're full under sail
Beware of the dangers below.
And the song that you sing should not be too sad
And be sure not to sing it too slow.

Be calm in the face of all common disgraces
And know what they're doing it for.
And the house you live in will never fall down
If you pity the stranger who stands at your door.

When you're out on the road and feeling quite lost
Consider the burden of fame.
And he who is wise will not criticize
When other men fail at the game.

Beware of strange faces and dark dingy places
Be careful while bending the law.
And the house you live in will never fall down
If you pity the stranger who stands at your door.

When you're down in the dumps and not ready to deal
Decide what it is that you need
Is it money or love, is it learning to live
Or is it the mouth you must feed.

Be known as a man who will always be candid
On questions that do not relate.
And the house you live in will never fall down
If you pity the stranger who stands at the gate.

And the house you live in will never fall down
If you pity the stranger who stands at the gate.



(Transcribed by David Story - February 2013)