Apology, ©1969 by Gordon Lightfoot I remember everything I've learned about survival I've walked with fools and kings And even read the Bible There I came upon some lines Givin' me direction Gather not your gold on earth Your kingdom is in heaven But I chose to live instead Inside the shell they gave me 'Til in spite of everything Good fortune came to find me I tried my best to run away But I could not avoid the feelin' Soon I was reelin' on my feet I made a grab at anything The earth was gone and I was on A vicious circle then After I'd gone and let myself surrender I didn't want to die at all I thought I'd live forever Then she gave me everything A king could never borrow But I twisted all her gifts Her wisdom was my sorrow So I left her cryin' And roamed across the river The angels offered me their hands But I could not forget her So I came to where she was By river, road and reason I slept beneath her window In a moonlight summer season But I could not go inside I heard the sound of laughter And the rustle of her hair upon his skin I made a grab at anything The earth was gone and I was on A vicious circle then After I'd gone to cry down my sorrow I didn't want to live no more Nor face the bright tomorrow Then I remembered everything I've learned about survival Havin' walked with fools and kings I've even read the Bible I remember all those lines Givin' me direction Gather not your gold on earth It will not pass inspection And still I think when I'm alone Away from all night splendor If gold could buy one night with her I wish I had some to send her