[Verse 1]
Some kids born with a silver spoon
I guess that I was born a little too soon

[Chorus]
Hard knocks
All I ever knew was hard knocks
And I'm telling you, I said you'd better beware
'Cause I've had my share

[Verse 2]
Some kids born as rich as a king
But I was born without a doggone thing

[Chorus]
Hard knocks
All I ever knew was hard knocks
And I'm telling you, I said you'd better beware
'Cause I've had my share

[Bridge]
I walked a million miles I bet
Tired and hungry and cold and wet
I've heard that lonesome whistle blow
From New York City down to Mexico
[Verse 3]
Some kids born fancy-free
Nobody never gave nothing to me but

[Chorus]
Hard knocks
All I ever knew was hard knocks
And I'm telling you, I said you'd better beware
'Cause I've had my share

[Bridge]
I walked a million miles I bet
Tired and hungry and cold and wet
I've heard that lonesome whistle blow
From New York City down to Mexico

[Verse 4]
Some kids born fancy-free
Nobody never gave nothing to me

[Chorus]
But hard knocks
All I ever knew was hard knocks
And I'm telling you, I said you'd better beware
'Cause I've had my share (hard knocks)
I said you'd better beware
'Cause I've had my share (hard knocks)
I said you'd better beware
'Cause I've had my share of hard knocks