Once I was the young man with the world in my hand
But there were so many things I couldn't understand
You're moving backwards when you're standing still
And when you start climbing you're over the hill

So now I've reached bottom and the pride is all gone
But I've learned the lesson I'd like to pass on
You can't reach heaven on a free rolling wheel
Or when you start climbing you're over the hill

[ fiddle - steel ]
I'd give all my money and the wealth that I'd spend
For just one more chance of a love heaven sent
But the summer is over and I face winter's chill
Cause when you start climbing you're over the hill

So now I've reached bottom and the pride is all gone...
When you start climbing you're over the hill