When I hit rock bottom and I slip into the night
When I leave behind my wife and kids and I drink to feel all right
When the sadness gets me, and I slip into despair
When I close my eyes and curl up tight, and I beg to be left there
Find me where I'm hidin', look me in the eyes
Do whatever else it takes to make me tell you why
Listen with compassion, while I sit and stare
Ask me how it happened, show me that you care
But please don't leave with comfort ringin' in my ears
Please be sure and say the words you know I need to hear
Tell me to stop mournin' for the tragedy of me
Tell me to start thinkin' about someone else in need
Tell me 'bout my wife and kids and then tell me 'bout my mom
Tell me I'm an asshole to ignore them while I'm gone
When I hit rock bottom, do not think that tellin' me
That "everything will be all right" is anything I need
But when I hit the big time, and they're callin' on the phone
With record deals and spinnin' wheels that take me far from home
When of fame and fortune I am chasing what is mine
And my family is at home alone again most of the time
Shoot me in the femur with the handgun in your purse
Tell me what you're goin' to do hurts me but hurts you worse
Or maybe use the shotgun if I seem really stuck
Take me home in a wheelchair in the flatbed of your truck
And then tell me that you're savin' me from my so-called good luck
It'll be all right; it'll be all right
Cause when the cops they ask you to explain crossin' that line
You can show them this here letter, and say love, love is not a crime