The House You Live In

Gordon Lightfoot

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 doin' 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 feelin' 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 learnin' 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 your gate