The House You Live In, ©1976 by 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 doing 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 feeling 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 learning 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 
And the house you live in will never fall down 
If you pity the stranger who stands at your gate