John Petrucci - As I Am lyrics

[Verse 1] Don't tell me what's in, tell me how to write Don't tell me how to win This fight isn't your life, it isn't your right To take the only thing that's mine Proven over time, it's over your head Don't try to read between the Lines are clearly defined "Never lose sight of something you believe in" [Breakdown] Taking in the view from the outside Feeling like the underdog Watching through the window I'm on the outside Living like the underdog [Pre-Chorus 1] I've been trying to justify you In the end I will just defy you [Chorus] To those who understand, I extend my hand To the doubtful I demand, take me as I am Not under your command, I know where I stand I won't change to fit your plan, take me as I am As I am [Verse 2] Still running uphill, swimming against the current I wish I weren't so f**ed Feels like I'm stuck Lost in a sea of mediocrity ''Slow down, you're thinking too much. Where is your soul?'' You cannot touch the way I play Or tell me what to say You're in the way of all that I believe in [Breakdown] Taking in the view from the outside Feeling like the underdog Watching through the window I'm on the outside Living like the underdog [Pre-Chorus 2] I've been wasting my breath on you Open minds will descend upon you [Chorus] To those who understand, I extend my hand To the doubtful I demand, take me as I am Not under your command, I know where I stand I won't change to fit your plan, take me as I am As I am [Guitar Solo] [Chorus] To those who understand, I extend my hand To the doubtful I demand, take me as I am Not under your command, I know where I stand I won't change to fit your plan, take me as I am As I am [Instrumental Outro]