I didn't mean to treat you so bad

You shouldn't take it so personal

I didn't mean to make you so sad

You just happened to be there, that's all

When I saw you say "goodbye" to your friend and smile

I thought that it was well understood

That you'd be comin' back in a little while

I didn't know that you were sayin' "goodbye" for good



But, sooner or later, one of us must know

That you just did what you're supposed to do

Sooner or later, one of us must know

That I really did try to get close to you



I couldn't see what you could show me

Your scarf had kept your mouth well hid

I couldn't see how you could know me

But you said you knew me and I believed you did

When you whispered in my ear

And asked me if I was leavin' with you or her

I didn't realize just what I did hear

I didn't realize how young you were



But, sooner or later, one of us must know

That your just doing what you're supposed to do

Sooner or later, one of us must know

That I really did try to get close to you



I couldn't see when it started snowin'

Your voice was all that I heard

I couldn't see where we were goin'

But you said you knew an' I took your word

And then you told me later, as I apologized

That you were just kiddin' me, you weren't really from the farm

An' I told you, as you clawed out my eyes

That I never really meant to do you any harm



But, sooner or later, one of us must know

That you a just did what you're supposed to do

Sooner or later, one of us must know

That I really did try to get close to you