[Verse 1]
If you only knew
All the problems that a man like me has to face
If you only knew
All the stupid things that keep a man from his place

[Chorus]
I wouldn't wanna steer you wrong
But if you wanna sing your own song
You're gonna have to lose a few
If you only knew

[Verse 2]
If you only knew
All the dealing that goes on in back of the store
If you only knew
How that one that's got a lot can't wait to get more

[Chorus]
I wouldn't wanna cramp your style
But if you wanna make it all worthwhile
You have to have your own breakthrough
If you only knew

[Saxophone Solo]
[Verse 3]
If you only knew
What could happen to a man for telling the truth
If you only knew
All the scruples that go down in gin and vermouth

[Chorus]
I wouldn't wanna steer you wrong
But if you wanna sing your own song
You're gonna have to lose a few
If you only knew

[Outro]
All the dealing that goes on
(If you only knew) In back of the store
If you only knew (Only knew)
If you only knew (Only knew)
If you only knew (Only knew)