You Cannot Win (If You Do Not Play) - Steve Forbert

I was sittin’by the road, my head in a cloud,

wishin’that I had some wings;

wishin’for a scooter, a-wishin'for a train

or any kin’o’movin’thing.

Well, I looked at the trees,

I looked at the sky,

I seen it was a lovely day.

I looked up the road, I looked at my feet,

I picked it up an’walked away.

Well, you cannot win if you do not play.

No, you cannot win if you do not play.

Well, I went to the fair, lookin’for fun.

I think the whole world was there.

I saw a fat man, I saw a thin man.

I saw a little teddy bear.

Well, I said to myself,

«I know what I want.

I gotta get a bear some way.»

I heard a loud voice.

It said a few words.

It said, «You gotta take a chance an’pay.»

Well, you cannot win if you do not play

No, you cannot win if you do not play

Pretty young Pam, you’re bringin’me down baby,

All ya do is make-uh me blue.

I’m under the trees, I’m waiting alone,

Tryna sing a song to you.

Well, the night is so clear, the moon is so bright;

you’re wastin’it all away.

You’re up on a hill, I’m down here below.

I’m tryna tell ya babe, it aint okay.

Well, you cannot win if you do not play.

You cannot win if you do not play.