I'm gonna live the life I sing about in my song
I'm gonna stand for right and I always shun the wrong
If I'm in the crowd, if I'm alone
On the streets or in my home
I'm gonna live the life I sing about in my song

Everyday, everywhere
On a busy thoroughfare
Folks may watch me; some may spot me
Say I'm foolish
But I don't care
I can't sing one thing and then live another
Be saint by day and a devil undercover
I've got to live the life I sing about in my song

If at day, if at night
I must always walk in the light
Some mistake me; underrate me
Because I want to do all right
I can't go to church and shout all day Sunday
Go out and get drunk and raise sand all day Monday
I've got to live the life I sing about in my song

Copyright: BMG Rights Management, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Writer(s): Thomas A. Dorsey