All my life i've been runnin' scared

Feelin' shut out, no one cared

Not my mother, not my brother

Crazy beatings by my father

A-ooh a-ooh



Music's been my saving grace

Been my ticket to a better place

Brought me riches, brought me fame

Many people know my name

A-ooh a-ooh



My old friends who knew me when

Say "brian you've come a long, long way"

Thank you, thank you wo wo-o-o-oh



My cousins say i ain't the same

Criticize i change my game

They're not happy 'cause i'm different

More creative, independent

A-ooh a-ooh



My old friends who knew me when

Say "brian you've come a long, long way"

Thank you, thank you

Thank you, thank you



I've decided to change and grow

Taste the new and release the old

Those who love me, they know i'm tryin'

Livin' brave instead of dyin'

A-ooh a-ooh



I've decided to change and grow

Taste the new and release the old

Those who love me, they know i'm tryin'

Livin' brave instead of dyin'

A-ooh a-ooh