playin' by the rules lyrics

(Michael McDonald & Ed Sanford)

Who are you
Are you someone that I knew
Or did you come and go inside a dream

Well, you look the same
Even though you say you've changed
You can't hide the shame of a guilty heart

[Chorus:]
Well, I know there's a reason love don't always rhyme
So you think by leavin' you're not wasting precious time
Love's not always happiness
Sad, but it's true, girl
Every fool's got to learn he's got nothing to lose
Playin' by the rules

What's your plan
Will you try just one more man
And trade a thrill that's gone for a brand new start

Will you love him only
Until you leave him lonely
When he tries to change and tame your restless heart

[Chorus]

When are you gonna learn
That a love is earned
Sometimes you got to fight
But, oh, baby-that's all right