I'll try to tell you about a man I know without being too sincere
He's still up north where we both were born he would never set his foot down here
It was 1981 turning 82 and the snow kept coming down
We were part of the chosen few in this long forgotten town
The days were short, the nights so long and change was not too swift
He said nothing happens fast up here it's more like the continental drift
And you'd better know if you're gonna stay there are rules you must obey
'cause they will cast to the dogs what they can't understand
You know it's always been that way
That's when you know you walk alone

So we passed the street where I used to live back in 1975
Now there's a shopping mall with a roundabout on every single side
He said this town will get you if you don't get out so you'd better run like hell
Why don't you write me back when you get somewhere
And you've got something great to tell
That's when you know you walk alone
That's when you know you walk alone

Keep it down, stay in line
Always know your place boy
And don't you ever forget that you can't do that boy, oh no
That's when you know you walk alone

I could tell you about mistakes I've made but maybe I just won't
You don't regret the things you do you regret the things you don't
Well I got out just in time and I never miss that place
I've been hurt along the way but the scars ain't in my face no!
That's when you know you walk alone
That's when you know you walk alone

Keep it down, stay in line
Always know your place boy
And don't you ever forget that you can't do that boy, oh no
That's when you know you walk alone
That's when you know you walk alone
That's when you know you walk alone
That's when you know
You walk alone