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