They're so tough They like to make us feel little (So tough) They like to make us feel small (So tough) They like to put us down And keep us down 'Til we feel no good at all Then they tell us that we're stupid (So tough) That we got no sense at all (So tough) They'll take away the spark Keep us in the dark Make us feel we have no vision at all No, no, no, I don't believe it has to be this way No, I don't believe it has to be this way Then they tell us to be patient That our time will come But I've stood outside their doors And walked their floors And I ain't gonna do it again They'd like to make me their n******g
(So tough) I say to hell with them (So tough) I'm not gettin' down on my knees And beggin' please Can you throw me a crumb now and then No, no, no, I don't believe it has to be this way No, no, no, I don't believe it has to be this way I can't really speak to you And I don't know about them They must be out of their minds Can't read between the lines They can stick it where the sun don't shine No, no, no, I don't believe it has to be this way No, no, no, I don't believe it has to be this way No, no, no, I don't believe it has to be this way They're so tough They are so tough