So hear me out now (Verse 1) Had a mama and a papa, a home, safe and sound Why I became a wanderer, I'll never know, just driftin' around Had a house and a pretty sweetheart, loved me true and deep But life's storms rolled in, took it all, left me nothin' to keep (Chorus) I held life's winnin' hand, aces and kings, the royal flush All the gates stood open, but I turned away, in a foolish rush (Verse 2) Left home, hit the road, left that happy life behind The wide-open road called to me, with its twinklin' lights, so kind Money went, friends faded, felt the sting of regret Hid my sorrow, though it cut deep, no peace I could get (Chorus) I held life's winnin' hand, aces and kings, the royal flush All the gates stood open, but I turned away, in a foolish rush (Verse 3) Now I'm a prodigal son, lost and lonely, searchin' for a friend This bitter road of life stretches on, gotta see it to the end Regret don't do no good now, nothin' left to mend Mama and papa, beneath the cold ground, my sweetheart with another man (Chorus) I held life's winnin' hand, aces and kings, the royal flush All the gates stood open, but I turned away, in a foolish rush I held life's winnin' hand, aces and kings, the royal flush All the gates stood open, but I turned away, in a foolish rush The royal flush The royal flush
