(didn't your mama tell you how to behavegirl? 

Didn't your daddy tell you not to wear that little thing? )

Been told you never get something for nothing

My stepfather dickie say I just might get hit

If I don't give



The girls all shisper 'hind my back

They try to break me whith cruel attacks

The boys they want only one thing

And so I give itdon't complain



Daddy's gonemama lost her job

Our house ain't a home no more

Still my faith's unshaken in god



I feel so lonely for hope and company

I don't take much and I give everything for free

(sodon't you want me? )



The girls all whisper'hind by back

My baby brother's smoking crack

The boys they want only one thing

And so I give itdon't complain



Daddy's gonemama lost her job

Our house ain't a home no more

Still my faith's unshaken in god



I dream I get a record deal

I'll buy a way out of here

Or maybe a new lexus jeep

Or just a friend (am I dreamin'? am I dreamin'? )

There's mr. robertsjuan and paul

All waiting for me down the hall

But then tomorrow they don't call

Still a moment's better than none at all



Daddy's gone (my name is la tonya)

Mama lost her job (I am a sophomore)

Our house ain't a home no more (I'll be sixteen in august)

Since mama broke her soul (I like to sing in chorus)

Daddy's gone (my name is la tonya)

Mama lost her job (I am a sophomore)

Our house ain't a home no more (I'll be sixteen in august)



Still my faith's unshaken

Lord won't you please save me? 

Is this the new slavery? 

Here on the ghetto pavement? 

But I believe in you baby

Yesmy faith's unshaken

In god