[Verse 1]
You're crying 'cause he treated you so bad
But that old boy's the best friend I ever had
And I'd like to thank that guy for telling you goodbye
They ought to put his statue up in the city park
I'd like to shake the hand of the man that broke your heart

[Chorus]
The man that broke your heart and set you free
Will never know when he done you wrong how much he did for me
And if I met him, what the heck? Well, I'd hug his old red neck
You might feel like taking him apart
But I'd like to shake the hand of the man that broke your heart

[Piano Solo]

[Verse 2]
He broke your heart but I ain't gonna break his face, no, no
I really would like to thank him for letting me take his place
And I always will be grateful that he treated you so hateful
'cause he gave us a brand new place to start
And I'd like to shake the hand of the man that broke your heart

[Chorus]
The man that broke your heart and set you free
Will never know when he done you wrong how much he did for me
And if I met him, what the heck? Well, I'd hug his old red neck
You might feel like taking him apart
But I'd like to shake the hand of the man
Yeah, shake the hand of the man
I'd like to shake the hand of the man that broke your heart