This ain't the life I thought I'd live
This ain't the home I hoped we'd make
This ain't the path I thought I chose
This ain't the sky I'd hoped we'd see
This ain't the tree I thought would grow
This ain't the god to which I pray
This ain't the song I thought I'd write
These ain't the words I want to say
I can't be your man

This ain't the flag I thought we'd raise
This ain't the wind I'd hoped would blow
This ain't the ship I thought would sail
This ain't the rose I'd hoped would bloom
This ain't the play I thought we'd stage
These ain't the hills I'd hoped we'd roam
This ain't the sword pulled from the lake
Yours ain't the heart I want to break
But I can't be your man

This ain't the end I thought it'd be
Are you someone I've loved before
In this the song the caged bird sings
Is there some law I choose to ignore
This is a faith I must defend
I've tried, I can't pretend
There is a hope I must contend
We'll find the thread with the strength to mend
I can't be your man

Least not this time around
And it's something unpredictable
Like where a leaf might fall
And it's something unrestrainable
Like a rooster's morning call
I can't be your man