They all sat around in a circle
Laughing and all telling lies
Then the tall one, he bumped in a dollar
He said, "Boys, I've got nothing to hide"If the king and the queen stood together
Then the ace, he would not be to blame
And if the cards were all laid on the table
Then love could be more than a gameAnd if the stars didn't shine on the water
Then the sun wouldn't burn on the sand
And if I were the man she wanted
I would not be the man that I amAnd I have seen my share of long nights
And I have told my share of lies
And I have run into the darkness
When I saw the look in your eyesIf the night didn't lie in the darkness
Then the daylight would be hard to find
And if the truth didn't turn to a weakness
I would never have spoken my mindAnd if the stars didn't shine on the water
Then the sun wouldn't burn on the sand
And if I were the man he wanted
I would not be the man that I amSo if you're going out to California
Then don't linger in New Mexico
And if you think of the one there behind you
Then you might not feel so aloneAnd if the stars didn't shine on the water
Then the sun wouldn't burn on the sand
And if I were the man you wanted
I would not be the man that I am
And if I were the man you wanted
I would not be the man that I am