[Verse 1]
I came up the hard way, I just about raised myself
You, lord, came up the hard way, I just about raised myself
I been in and out of trouble
But I never begged no one for help

[Verse 2]
I don't speak educated
Because peoples, I have not none
Yes I don't speak educated, 'cause my people, that I have none
But I'm done, just about good else peoples
People who have some

[Verse 3]
They said 26 letters in the alphabet
People said I can't must spell my name
They said 26 letters in the alphabet
People said I can't even spell my name
But you know I can go long so smoothly
People don't bother me just the same

[Verse 4]
After a few years passed
I soon learned how to sign my name
Yes, after a few years passed
I learned how to sign my name
Still each letter in the alphabet, they to me, seem the same

[Verse 5]
Some people call me the dumb boy
But that don't pay me no mind
Yeah, some people call me the dumb boy
But please don't pay them no mind
'Cause every number in the alphabet look the same
Maybe I don't revel rest to know mine