Written by Merle Haggard
By Merle Haggard D G We left home when we was barely past eleventeen D A Been back and fourth and all around through hell and rain D G I've loved you half of your life and I?ll keep on lovin? you D A D But I can't change and live the way you want me to We spend a lot of time out on the highway Comin? from some town we played along the way After 30 years of knowing me the way you do You know I can?t change and live the way you want me to Chorus: But babe, A D That red bandana tied around your auburn hair A D You look like you ought to be somebody's wife somewhere D G You ain't never going to be no Bobby McGee but you?re tryin? to D A D But I can't change and live the way you want me to Every time you leave the stage I know you've had your fill And I wonder why you grew up and why I never will Hey, I'm 41 today still going on 22 But I can't change and live the way you want me to Chorus I can't change and live the way you want me to