I learned to swim when daddy threw me in the river   The Army taught me how to shine my shoes   The years have shown me that nothin' lasts forever   But everything I know about the blues   I learned from you      I thought I'd seen my share of bad luck and hard times   But nothin' set me up for what you put me through   I learned a lesson that will hurt me for a lifetime   'Cause everything I know about the blues   I learned from you      I know that promises are things that just get broken   And you can't trust a woman's tears   And if love is what you place your hope in   All your hope may disappear      In certain circles I've aquired a reputation   But I give credit where credit is due   Yes it's true I got a first rate education   'Cause everything I know about the blues   I learned from you