I Can Survive

My teacher told me, "Boy, you're no good

Just because you don't do what you should

You better shape up, or you're gonna fail."

But I said, "I'm leavin', 'cause this is a jail."

An' I know what you're thinkin'

But don't pity me, oh no

I'll be better off out on my own

I can survive

I can survive just fine

I can survive

I can survive on my own

They tried to tell me, they tried to sell me

Play music like this, if you want to be smart

But I said, "Listen, here's what you're missin'

Music's got to have a heart."

They put me through many changes

Faces and names are clear

But I'll just leave my music

Ringin' louder in their ears

Now you should know just what to do

Don't let other people take advantage of you now

Don't think twice, no don't hesitate

Shoot for the top, you gotta deal with fate

And I know that you'll understand

You got the power, baby, in your hands, yeah