Back in the morning of August 4, 1901
A legend came into the world
From the Back o’ the Town, only son
Right from the start, life was swirled

Only me, my sister, and, momma
Growing up like a dog on the street
Living with prostitution drama
Hauling coal, trying to earn my keep

Some call it struggle, I call it life
Listenin' to bands, learnin' to play by ear
Living with Jews, we feeling the strife
Struggling, trying to make the whole world hear

The sound of Harlem,
The soul and the beat
The minorities starvin’
For equality on the street

Started playin’ the horn
My journey was started,
My star was born
Then my mentor departed

Though the King was gone
I steamed on
Those riverboats taught me how to play strong
One day I’d return to the side of the King, but not for long

Moved to the Windy City,
Put some wind in my sails
Career took off, started makin’ some Fifty’s
Started livin’ like a King myself, felt pretty nifty

No one could out-cut me
No one could out touch me
No one could just beat me
Call me Alicia Keys,
cause No One could be me

Left the Windy City for the Big Apple
Joined a new band, honed my skill
Started lookin’ and playin’ sharp as a scalpel

Copy cats wish they coulda played this ill
Listen to my jams, they cause quite a thrill
I'm the best there ever was y'all know the dill
I'll forever be remembered, leave it in the will.