once a thief

so you've decided to set me free

i've paid my debt to society

fresh out of jail trying to make a new start

on the street with a bitter heart

but my past keeps on haunting me

there ain't no chance for a man with my history

once a thief

always a suspect

once a liar

never be believed

will they ever forget that

i was once a thief?

i was out in the cold

i was soaked to the skin

i needed a home

and your heart took me in

then i heard all the lies

and i lost my belief

you threw away my hope

and you called me a thief

so you've decided to set me free

i'm out of jail but you've still got the key

there was a time when i thought you respected me

but somehow you always suspected me

once a thief

always a suspect

once a liar

never be believed

will they ever forget that

i was once a thief?

instead of offering me charity

you should've tried to put some faith in me

instead of making me a better man

you kept reminding me of what i am

instead of offering me charity

you should've tried to put some faith in me

how many years must a criminal pay?

until he's old and his hair turns to gray

you smile at me

but i know underneath

you're thinking

once a thief always a suspect. once a thief

always a suspect

once a liar

never be believed

will they ever forget that

i was once a thief?