[Verse 1: Chaka Khan]
I am a species born to die
Understanding this, I hardly cry
Growin' up and out, I'll marry you
I'll bear your kids and be your mama, too

[Chorus: Chaka Khan]
'Cause I'm a woman and I'm a backbone
I'm a woman and I'm a backbone
Everybody needs one

[Verse 2: Chaka Khan]
Goin' on I live from day to day
Give a little heart up for my life to pay
Smile and then I need to cry
Never knowin' if I lie or die

[Chorus: Chaka Khan]
I'm a woman and I'm a backbone
I'm a woman and I'm a backbone

[Instrumental Break]

[Interlude: Chaka Khan]
Oh, yeah
[Verse 3: Chaka Khan]
Understand you will not see me down
Both of my feet are on the ground
Come lay your head upon my chest
I'll love you hard, I'll give my best

[Chorus: Chaka Khan]
I'm a woman and I'm a backbone (Everybody needs one)
I'm a woman and I'm a backbone (Everybody needs one)
I'm a woman and I'm a backbone (Everybody needs one)
I'm a woman and I'm a backbone (Everybody needs one)
I'm a woman and I'm a backbone (Everybody needs one)
I'm a woman and I'm a backbone (Everybody needs one)
I'm a woman and I'm a backbone (Everybody needs one)
I'm a woman and I'm a backbone