Michael McDonald
Playin’ by the Rules
[Verse 1]
Who are you?
Are you someone that I knew
Or did you come and go inside a dream?
Well, you look the same
Even though you say you've changed
You can't hide the shame of a guilty heart

[Chorus]
Well, I know there's a reason love don't always rhyme
So you think by leaving you're not wasting precious time
Love's not always happiness
Sad but it's true, girl
Every fool got to learn he got nothing to lose
Playing by the rules

[Verse 2]
What's your plan?
Will you try just one more man
And trade a thrill that's gone for a brand new start?
Will you love him only
Until you leave him lonely
When he tries to change and tame your restless heart?

[Chorus]
Well, I know there's a reason love don't always rhyme
So you think by leaving you're not wasting precious time
Love's not always happiness
Sad but it's true, girl
Every fool got to learn he got nothing to lose
Playing by the rules
[Bridge]
When you gonna learn
That a love is earned
Sometimes you got to fight
But, oh, baby, that's alright

[Instrumental Break]

[Chorus]
Well, I know there's a reason love don't always rhyme
So you think by leaving you're not wasting precious time
Love's not always happiness
Sad but it's true, girl
Every fool got to learn he got nothing to lose
Playing by the rules