I never had any reason
For ambition or drive
In fact, I never had anybody
That cared if I'm alive

But then one day she came my way
And I heard a voice within me say
Don't let her get away
Whatever you do

But I never thought
That this could be
That she would ever
Look at me seriously

[CHORUS]
And that's why
I've got to be somebody
I'm down on my knees
Begging please please please please
I've got to win her love for me

I grew up on the sidewalks
Got along the best I could
Mama worked all day long
And Papa was no good

I've never asked for much before
But here I am at Heaven's door
So help me please
Don't let her pass me by

'Cause I'd rather die than see
Her love turn into sympathy for me

(CHORUS)

Got to be somebody
Got to be somebody
So tired of being a nobody

I've got to be somebody
I'm down on my knees
Begging please please please please
I've got to win her love for me