Once I was the young man with the world in my hand But there were so many things I couldn't understand You're moving backwards when you're standing still And when you start climbing you're over the hill So now I've reached bottom and the pride is all gone But I've learned the lesson I'd like to pass on You can't reach heaven on a free rolling wheel Or when you start climbing you're over the hill [ fiddle - steel ] I'd give all my money and the wealth that I'd spend For just one more chance of a love heaven sent But the summer is over and I face winter's chill Cause when you start climbing you're over the hill So now I've reached bottom and the pride is all gone... When you start climbing you're over the hill