Used to chase that boy home from school

We called him frekled-faced, red-headed fool

He was different...he wasn't cool like me

Sticks and stones didn't break any bones

But we never left well enough alone

And one day he ran away from home, you see

And I passed him as he walked away

And in his eyes I heard him say



One of these days you're gonna love me

You'll sit down by yourself and think

About the times you pushed and shoved me

And what good friends we might've been

And then you're gonna sigh a little

Maybe even cry a little but

One of these days you're gonna love me



Patty Sue was a small town beauty

I took one look at her and had to pull her to me

Lord knows she should've seen right through me

When I promised her the world

But at 17, you only want one thing

I left her standin' with my high school ring

Innocent tears in the pourin' rain



As I walked away

And I still see her in my dreams

And to this day she's whispering



One of these days you're gonna love me

You'll sit down by yourself and think

About the time you turned from me

And what good friends we might've been

And then you're gonna sigh a little

Maybe even cry a little but

One of these days you're gonna love me



Now everybody stands up

The congregation sings

It's a song of sweet forgiveness

And as the chorus rings

The wind blows clear my memory

The pages start to turn

Then suddenly I'm singin'

The moment that I learn



One of these days I'm gonna love me

And feel the joy of sweet release

One of these days, I'll rise above me

And at last I'll find some peace

Then I'm gonna smile a little

Maybe even laugh a little but

One of these days I'm gonna love me