be proud of who you are
try your best, that's enough
live how you want to live
love who you want to love
be proud of who you are
but you look a little pale
your teeth aren't shining
your hair is limp and frail
try your best, that's enough
but you're slacking off too much
the real world is tough
don't be lazy, do something, get up
live how you want to live
although that dream is impractical
you should try for a real job
play it safe, don't get irrational
love who you want to love
not him, i don't like his mother
your boyfriend doesn't have a job?
i thought i raised you better
be proud of who you are
though your looks should always matter
that outfit is horrendous
did you wear that out of the house?
try your best, that's enough
do your homework, help clean up
pay the bills and raise a child
but you should go out once in a while
live how you want to live
but we raised you in this home
how could you leave us
now you want to up and go?
love who you want to love
but not a boy of color
he’s different than the rest of us
you'll end up a single mother
you say be proud of who i am
yet i'm never quite enough
the critiquing never ceases
but you say it's out of love
you say just try, that's enough
but i'm lazy when i can't get up
i slack off when days get tough
But you say it's just a nudge
you say live how i want
but what i want doesn't matter
who i am is irrelevant
i can't mess up your so-called pattern
you say to love who i love
and i've finally found a good one
but he doesn't fit your mold
so to you he’ll never be welcome
be proud of who i am
try my best, that's enough
live how i want to live
love who i want to love
