I Grew Up The Hard Way - Otis Spann

I came up the hard way, I just about raised myself

You, lord, came up the hard way, I just about raised myself

I been in and out of trouble

But I never begged no one for help

I don’t speak educated

Because peoples, I have not none

Yes I don’t speak educated, 'cause my people, that I have none

But I’m done, just about good else peoples

People who have some

They said 26 letters in the alphabet

People said I can’t must spell my name

They said 26 letters in the alphabet

People said I can’t even spell my name

But you know I can go long so smoothly

People don’t bother me just the same

After a few years passed

I soon learned how to sign my name

Yes, after a few years passed

I learned how to sign my name

Still each letter in the alphabet, they to me, seem the same

Some people call me the dumb boy

But that don’t pay me no mind

Yeah, some people call me the dumb boy

But please don’t pay them no mind

'Cause every number in the alphabet look the same

Maybe I don’t revel rest to know mine