[Chorus]
I had to learn the hard way
That love is not just a game
Even though love is a beautiful thing
I didn't know the pain it could bring
Oh, how I've cried, how I've cried

[Verse 1]
For a long time, I just didn't understand
That living and loving goes hand and hand
I realize now, it was all a mistake
Now knowing that love is give and take

[Pre-Chorus]
'Cause no one ever told me
That love could hurt you so
And when it happened to me
I just didn't know
Baby, I just didn't know

[Chorus]
I had to learn the hard way
That love is not just a game
Even though love is a beautiful thing
I didn't know the pain it could bring
Oh, how I've cried, how I've cried
[Verse 2]
Guess my father taught me everything he knew
But it wasn't enough to deal with you
You're leaving me was a blessing in disguise
You taught me a lesson and made me wise

[Pre-Chorus]
How you're back in my arms
I'm praying that you'll stay
'Cause I remember the price
I've had to pay
Baby, I've had to pay

[Chorus]
I had to learn the hard way
That love is not just a game
Even though love is a beautiful thing
I didn't know the pain it could bring
Oh, how I've cried, how I've cried
I had to learn the hard, hard way
That love is not just a game
Even though love, yes, is a beautiful thing
I didn't know the pain it could bring
Oh, how I've cried, baby, I've cried
I had to learn the hard way
That love, love, love is not just a game
Even though the love is a beautiful thing
I didn't know the pain it could bring
That's why I had to cry, yes, I had to cry
Sometimes for a long, long time