IF I HAD MY WAY... Jan. 7/86 Karl Rigelhof

I've paid my dues
I've played the blues
(I've) worn out/through my shoes
(But) what could I lose
Except my dignity

I've laid my bets
I've claimed/taken/had/made my/some debts
I have/('ve had) many/some/((a) few) regrets
(But) (it's) best to forget
(All of) those bad memories
((But/because) the best/worst is yet (to come))
((But) I (can) take what I (can) get)

CHORUS:
If I had my way
I'd be there today
(I'd be there to stay)/((but) now I'm here to stay)
No matter what they/anyone (have/has) (to) say(s)

If I had my say
I wouldn't/not play/
There would/'d/will come/be a day
Around in/this dismay
With(out) any/no delay
(I hate to lose)

I've been around
(From town to town)/(This big old town)
Searching for the sound
(But) it won't/can't bring/wear me down
Until/(I must) find my destiny

I know the ropes
(I've shown I can cope)/
(I've clawed/crawled and groped)
I('ll) haven't/never lost/lose hope
(Just) (because) it's an uphill slope/
I've seen the scope
To reach that/a perfect harmony/
Of the complexity (of life)