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?