| You better stop fooling if you want to get along with me
 | 
| We grew up on the block and we know about poverty
 | 
| So, tell all your high-falutin' friends we just can’t compete
 | 
| It’s only been a little while and I just got on my feet
 | 
| And I’m still a struggling man
 | 
| Doing the best that I can
 | 
| I can only take it, girl, I can only make it, girl
 | 
| Long as you, you understand that baby
 | 
| Stop your complaining 'cause I’m aiming to make the gray
 | 
| Forget those social plans, I’m the man and this is my parade
 | 
| Why should we prove to Mr. Jones that we’re doing fine?
 | 
| He’ll find out soon enough so let’s not pay him no mind
 | 
| And I’m still a struggling man
 | 
| Doing the best that I can
 | 
| I can only take it, girl, I can only make it, girl
 | 
| Long as you, you understand, yeah
 | 
| La la la la la la la la la la la
 | 
| La la la la la la la
 | 
| I know we can make it girl but I need the love you kill
 | 
| You just compared today to the way we used to live
 | 
| Those good times just won’t come unless we struggle and fight
 | 
| As long as you love me, girl, I know everything’s alright
 | 
| I’m still a struggling man
 | 
| Doing the best that I can
 | 
| I can only take it, girl, I can only make it, girl
 | 
| Long as you, you understand
 | 
| I’m still a struggling man
 | 
| Doing the best that I can
 | 
| Take it, girl, make it, girl
 | 
| Long, try and understand it, yeah
 | 
| I’m still a struggling man
 | 
| Doing the best that I can
 | 
| I can only take it, girl, I can only make it, girl |