[Intro-Spoken]

Now to understand the struggle

To understand payin dues

And the pain of my people and your people, all around the globe

You gotta feel me

Listen to the music--use it


[Verse 1]

What you know about juggling jobs and struggling hard and chasing dreams

What you know about havin no car and rent bein due and no bling bling

What you know about sacrificing all your wants for all your needs

What you know about lovin your child, just to find out it ain't your seed


[Chorus]

Until you know my joy, know my pain, and know my struggles

Until you've walked these shoes, paid my dues, and felt my troubles

Until you've shared my tears, known my fears, in all my years

Only til then, you only know what you think you know


[Verse 2]

What you know about hittin that block and dodging them cops to make ends meet

What you know about the lights bein off, the gas bein off and no food to eat

What you know about Goodwill clothes, while all your friends dressed fly in junior high

What you know about Grandma's words when she said One day, boy, you gon shine


[Chorus: x2]

Until you know my joy, know my pain, and know my struggles

Until you've walked these shoes, paid my dues, and felt my troubles

Until you've shared my tears, known my fears, in all my years

Only til then, you only know what you think you know


[Verse 3]

What you know about writin late at night, by candlelight til the shit is tight

What you know about late night prayers, and late night tears, hopin God (tell me what you know)

What you know about earning your keep, because you're dope and ???

Don't you know the last'll be first (Hey) and the first will be last


[Chorus: x2]

Until you know my joy, know my pain, and know my struggles

Until you've walked these shoes, paid my dues, and felt my troubles

Until you've shared my tears, known my fears, in all my years

Only til then, you only know what you think you know


[Adlib between choruses]


[Repeat chorus + adlib to end]


(Thanks to Victoria for these lyrics)