By: Alan Jackson (Capo at 3rd fret) Intro: D - D - G - D - D D G After seventeen years, behind bars D And looking back on his mistakes D G He sat down and poured out, his heart Em A When his son came and seen him today Bm A G He spoke with a voice, that trembled Bm A G Trying to hold back the tears G F#m Em He said I ain't been much of a father G A Son I wish I could turn back, the years G D Cause life's like a river, And the water is deep A D Cross it with care, Or you'll end up like me G A D G (Hold for 4 beats) Let my mistakes, Be your steppin' stones Em A D And walk on the rocks, That I stumbled on D-D-G-D-D-G D G He said son stay away from, the bottle G D Watch out for the company you keep D G And hold on to those you love Em A Cause love is a man's greatest need Bm A G The right way may not be easy Bm A G The right road ain't always straight G F#m Em Son, please don't follow the footsteps G A That leads to where I am today Repeat Chorus: G - A - D - G (Hold for 4 beats) Em A D Tag: And walk on the rocks, That I stumbled on Outro: D - D - G - D - D - G - D