Max E. - Louis Armstrong: The Life lyrics

Back in the morning of August 4, 1901 A legend came into the world From the Back o' the Town, only son Right from the start, life was swirled Only me, my sister, and, momma Growing up like a dog on the street Living with prostitution drama Hauling coal, trying to earn my keep Some call it struggle, I call it life Listenin' to bands, learnin' to play by ear Living with Jews, we feeling the strife Struggling, trying to make the whole world hear The sound of Harlem, The soul and the beat The minorities starvin' For equality on the street Started playin' the horn My journey was started, My star was born Then my mentor departed Though the King was gone I steamed on Those riverboats taught me how to play strong One day I'd return to the side of the King, but not for long Moved to the Windy City, Put some wind in my sails Career took off, started makin' some Fifty's Started livin' like a King myself, felt pretty nifty No one could out-cut me No one could out touch me No one could just beat me Call me Alicia Keys, cause No One could be me Left the Windy City for the Big Apple Joined a new band, honed my sk** Started lookin' and playin' sharp as a scalpel Copy cats wish they coulda played this ill Listen to my jams, they cause quite a thrill I'm the best there ever was y'all know the dill I'll forever be remembered, leave it in the will.