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