Graduated yesterday now who's the fool
Got some real estate and sent the kids to fancy schools
Sold the rings and got a brand new cabriolet
And on your last business trip you drove it to L.A

Patiently deciding
If there's better timing
While the moment slips away
Now I hear you say

Livin' the life then it's all over
Such a surprise to lose
When you're playing strictly by the rules

Now that the kids are getting older
You've got nothing to lose
Singin' the blues
Strictly by the rules

Better safe than sorry, ain't that what you said
Now you're back in college for a class in special ed
Life ain't what it used to be, but you're the same
It's such a shame that they address you by your father's name

Patiently deciding
If there's better timing
While the moment slips away
Now I hear you say

Livin' the life then it's all over
Such a surprise to lose
When you're playing strictly by the rules

Now that the kids are getting older
You've got nothing to lose
Singin' the blues
Strictly by the rules

Livin' the life then it's all over
Such a surprise to lose
When you're playing strictly by the rules

Now that the kids are getting older
You've got nothing to lose
Singin' the blues
When you're playing strictly by the rules