I tried hard to mend my wicked ways
Acted like a lunatic for years
Lord knows I try to be good
I'd keep my promises if only I could
You count your blessings that I can't rely on you

[Chorus]
And I tried [Repeat: x4]

Clutch your pictures of the Pope
Pray to God for love and hope
Bring the Virgin home for luck
Bolt the door down, keep it shut

I've done things I never thought I'd do
Sure it helps to lose myself in you
A little time and I'll be all right
c'mon sugar let's go out tonight
Forgive your trespasses
And all that we've been through

[Chorus: x2]

Clutch your pictures of the Pope
Pray to God for love and hope
Bring the Virgin home for luck
Bolt the door down, keep it shut

That sinking feeling
When you are leaving
All I believed in
Walks out my door

I tried hard to mend my wicked ways
The damage's done, there's nothing left to save

[Chorus]

And I tried [Repeat: x3]

Clutch your pictures of the Pope
(just like I told you)
Pray to God for love and hope
(just like I warned you)
Bring the Virgin home for luck
(just like I told you)
Bolt the door down, keep it shut
(just like I warned you).

Copyright: BMG Rights Management
Writer(s): BRYAN DAVID VIG, DOUGLAS ELWIN ERICKSON, SHIRLEY ANN MANSON, STEVE W. MARKER