By Merle Haggard We left home when we was barely past eleventeen Been back and fourth and all around through hell and rain I’ve loved you half of your life and I?ll keep on lovin? you 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 That red bandana tied around your auburn hair You look like you ought to be somebody’s wife somewhere You ain’t never going to be no Bobby McGee but you?re tryin? to 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