I often think of the life I've led 
It's a wonder I ain't dead 
Drinkin’ and gamblin’, stayin’ out all night 
Livin’ in a fool's paradise 

My mother told me, father told me too 
Someday, my child, it's gonna catch up with you 
Drinkin’ and gamblin’, stayin’ out all night 
Livin’ in a fool's paradise 

Though I've learned my lesson 
Like all fools I've met 
Yes, I’ve learned things in this world 
I’d remember to my dying days 

My father told me, mother said it right 
Said my, child, you're ruinin’ your life 
Drinkin’ and gamblin’, stayin’ out all night 
Livin’ in a fool's paradise 

My mother told me, father said it right 
Said, Charles Brown, you're ruinin’ your life 
Drinkin’ and gamblin’, stayin’ out all night 
Livin’ in a fool's paradise