The Hard Way

[Verse 1]
I came up the hard way, I just about raised myself
You know I came up the hard way, I just about raised myself
I been in and out of trouble, but I never begged no one for help

[Verse 2]
I don't speak educated because, peoples, I have not none
Yes, I don't speak educated 'cause, my people, that I have none
But I'm done just about good else peoples, people who have some

[Verse 3]
They said 26 letters in the alphabet, peoples, I can't spell my name
They said 26 letters in the alphabet, peoples, I can't even spell my name
But you know I can go long so smoothly, people don't bother me just the same

[Verse 4]
After a few years passed, I soon learned how to sign my name
Yes, after a few years passed, I learned how to sign my name
Still each letter in the alphabet, they to me, seem the same

[Verse 5]
Some people call me the dumb boy, but that don't pay me no mind
Yeah, some people call me the dumb boy, but please don't pay them no mind
'Cause every number in the alphabet look the same
Maybe I don't revel rest to know mine