They're so tough
They like to make us feel little
They like to make us feel small
And keep us down
Till we feel no good at all

Then they tell us that we're stupid
That we got no sense at all
They'll keep away the spark
Keep us in the dark
Make us feel we have no vision at all

[Chorus]
No, no, no, I don't believe it has to be this way
No, I don't believe it has to be this way

Then they tell us to be patient
That our time will come
But I've stood outside their doors
And walked their floors
And I ain't gonna do it again

They'd like to make me their nigger
I say to hell with them
I'm not gettin' down on my knees
And beggin', please
Can you throw me a crumb now and then?

[Chorus]

I can't really speak to you
And I don't know about them
They must be out of their minds
Can't read between the lines
They can stick it where the sun don't shine

[Chorus]

They're so tough
They are so tough

Copyright: Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Writer(s): JOHN MELLENCAMP