(6:26)

Percussion and Keys: H. Rhodes

Additional Percussion: Kevin Bartlett



Boys...can I play the game

Boys...can I play your game by my rules

Yours don't apply to me

Boys...I want to play the game

Boys...I want to play your game by my rules

And be who I want to be



I don't think I can speak for anyone

I don't think I can fight for anyone

But I have to know where I stand

As a person, not a woman or man

And do believe me when I say

What I need is respect



If I have to be pretty to be liked

Then I think I'm dead in the water

I never want to have to be like the boys

To be allowed to play with the toys

I hope you take me as I am

Masculine or feminine

I cannot be a role player



Boys...can I play the game

Boys...can I play your game by my rules

Yours don't apply to me

Boys...I want to play the game

Boys...I want to play your game by my rules

And be who I want to be



If I raise my arm for the role call

Will I be present and accounted for

And if I choose to walk with my brothers

I will do it as a sister



I've been influenced by society

To paint my face and hate my body

I don't think I'm any better for it

Doesn't mean I'm more legitimate

After all, isn't it what's inside that counts

No matter what the gender be



Boys...can I play the game

Boys...can I play your game by my rules

Yours don't apply to me

Boys...I want to play the game

Boys...I want to play your game by my rules

And be who I want to be



Now while we're all here, let's get this straight

I'm not a man, but my voice is ten feet tall

With these tiny little arms, see all that I can do

Keep your eyes on me if you want to see some

Mountains move



Boys...can I play the game

Boys...can I play your game by my rules

Yours don't apply to me

Boys...I want to play the game

Boys...I want to play your game by my rules

And be who I want to be



If I raise my arm for the role call

Will I be present and accounted for

If I choose to walk with my brothers

I will do it as a sister