Written by Harlan Howard

An old guitar picker had run out liquor
So I sat down beside him and bought him a drink
I bought him another and finally some color
Returned to his cheeks as he said with a wink
I worked with Red Foley, knew Hank and ole Lefty
I worked on the Opry back when it was strong
But in showbiz, you know, sometimes it gets slow
So buy us another and I'll sing you a song

Be careful who you love
For love can be untrue
Be careful who you love
Be sure she loves you too

Well, you like that, I see, that's pleasing to me
Son I've wrote hundreds and some you know well
I've wrote 'em and sold 'em, they've bought 'em and stole 'em
Paper is cheap, they're just tunes what the hell

And then he offered to sell me the song he just sung me
I told him that song is a piece of your soul
Keep your song, here's some money
He said "thank you son" and I heard him say as I walked out the door

Be careful who you love
For love can be untrue
Be careful who you love
Be sure she loves you too

Well that was about a year ago, now wouldn't you know
It's a big hit some superstar claims he wrote
He sings it and grins and money rolls in
It's a wonder the lyric don't stick in his throat

And I think of that writer named Arthur and wonder
Just how many children he sold in his time
And how many great men take the gift that God gave 'em
And throw it away on the pretty red wine

Be careful who you love
For love can be untrue
Be careful who you love
Be sure she loves you too

Be careful who you love
For love can be untrue
Be careful who you love
Be sure she loves you too
Be sure she loves you too