When I was only four years, old my daddy said to me:
"Son you know the world is cold you've got to get your heat,
and that's the only way that you can ever be."

When I was only five years old my mama said to me:
"Son you got to set your goals, honey nothings free.
No, nothings free, and that's the only way that you can ever be."

I've done my own thing and I've ended up fine

When I was only six years old, my teacher said to me:
"Son you've got to do what you're told, or you got to deal with me.
You got to deal with me, and that's the only way that you can ever be."

When I was only eight years old, my uncle said to me:
"There ain't nothing that can't be sold, money's what you need.
That is what you need, and that's the only way that you can ever be."

When I was only nine years old, my grandma said to me:
"Son you best not be so bold, 'cause there's a lot to see.
Yeah, a lot to see, and that's the only way that you can ever be."

Then when I was twelve years old, it was time to take a stand.
Said I could not be controlled, got to be my own man.
Yeah my own man, yeah my own man.
I'm sorry and I hope you understand.

I've done my own thing, and I've ended up fine.