(nickolas ashford/valerie simpson)

Roll down the gangway
So they'll see that it's me
I know they'll wonder about my recovery
Yes, i lost a love that promised happiness
What my heart wouldn't accept
Put me to the test

They keep a holding me down
But i rise
Yes it can be done
They keep a holding me down
But i rise
They can't make me run

Keep a holding me down
But i rise
Got my second wind
Keep a holding me down
But i rise
Tell 'em i'm back again

Just say
I ain't been licked
I ain't been licked
I ain't been licked
Tell 'em for me
I ain't been licked

Like outa nowhere my whole world fell apart
Till this day no one knows
What i felt in my heart
All those precious things
Inside me tried to still
Hands i thought would help
Pushed me over the hill

Keep a holding me down
But i rise
Yes, it can be done
Keep a holding me down
But i rise
They can't make me run

Keep a holding me down
But i rise
Got my second wind
Keep a holding me down
But i rise
Tell 'em i'm back again

Just say
I ain't been licked
I ain't been licked
I ain't been licked
Tell 'em for me
I ain't been licked

Keep a holding me down
But i rise
Just to start again
Rise
Show 'em that i can
Rise
Found a brand new dream
Rise
Just to prove one thing

Just say
I ain't been licked
I ain't been licked
I ain't been licked
Tell 'em for me
I ain't been licked

I want the world to see
I ain't been licked
Although my love is gone
I ain't been licked
Somehow i carry one

I ain't been licked
I'll find the strength somehow
I ain't been licked
I think i'm ready now
I ain't been licked

I ain't been licked
I ain't been licked
I ain't been licked