If you think you've won a contest and the prize is lots of money,
Don't spend it 'til you're sure it's really true.
It will be a real temptation to buy all the things you've wanted
But it would be such a foolish thing to do.

Once I thought I'd won a bundle; It was several million dollars,
All my childhood dreams and wishes were fulfilled.
So I threw a great big party and invited friends and neighbours,
Never caring what it cost, 'cause I'd be billed.

I was lavish with the handouts; costly gifts for everybody,
Food and drink like they had never had before.
Everyone who came was welcome, though a lot were perfect strangers;
All were greeted at a friendly, open door.

I had always thought I'd like to drive a really sporty car,
So now that I was rich I had my chance,
And the vehicle of choice had always been a Jaguar;
A Ford or Chevy wouldn't get a glance.

I found the car I'd dreamed about, bright red with lots of chrome,
I signed the sales agreement right away,
Then I sat behind the steering wheel and drove my dream car home
And the looks on neighbours' faces made my day!

I thought the time had come to turn my ticket in for cash;
Have my picture taken for the winners list,
But there wasn't any money and I felt my spirits crash
When they told me that the deadline had been missed.

The deadline set to claim the prize had been the day before
And carelessly I hadn't checked the date,
My winning lottery ticket wasn't valid any more.
No reason left for me to celebrate!

Now sadly I am bankrupt, I have debts I'll never pay,
And although I had so many friends before,
My friends have all deserted me on this, my saddest day,
They've all left me, now that once again I'm poor!

This sad story has a moral, there's a message here for you.
It's not yours until it's really in your name!
Be sure you really have it, friend, and even when you do,
Don't waste it! There'll be none but you to blame!

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