Now to understand the struggle, to understand payin' dues
And the pain of my people and your people all around the globe
You gotta feel me, listen to music, use it
What you know about juggling jobs
And struggling hard and chasing dreams?
What you know about havin' no car
Rent bein' due and no bling bling?
What you know about sacrificing
All your wants for all your needs?
What you know about lovin' your child
Just to find out that ain't your seed?
Until you know my joy, know my pain and know my struggles
Until you've walked these shoes, paid my dues and felt my troubles
Until you've shed my tears, known my fears in all my years
Only 'til then, you only know what you think you know
What you know about hittin' that block
And dodging them cops to make ends meet?
What you know about the lights bein' off
The gas bein' off and no food to eat?
What you know about goodwill clothes
While your friends dressed fly in junior high?
What you know about grandma's words
When she said, "One day, boy, you gon' shine"
Until you know my joy, know my pain and know my struggles
Until you've walked these shoes, paid my dues and felt my troubles
Until you've shed my tears, known my fears in all my years
Only 'til then, you only know what you think you know
Until you know my joy, know my pain and know my struggles
Until you've walked these shoes, paid my dues and felt my troubles
Until you've shed my tears, known my fears in all my years
Only 'til then, you only know what you think you know
What you know about writin' late at night
By candlelight 'til the shit is tight?
What you know about late night prayers
And late night tears, hopin' God?
What you know about earning your keep
Because you don't bend, break or ask?
And don't you know the last'll be first
Hey and the first will be last?
Until you know my joy, know my pain and know my struggles
Until you've walked these shoes, paid my dues and felt my troubles
Until you've shed my tears, known my fears in all my years
Only 'til then, you only know what you think you know
Until you know my joy, know my pain and know my struggles
Until you've walked these shoes, paid my dues and felt my troubles
Until you've shed my tears, known my fears in all my years
Only 'til then, you only know what you think you know
Hey and those who know my struggle
And those who know my pain
Put one finger in the air
Until then, I said until then, yeah
Until you walk in my shoes, paid my dues
(Until you, until you, until you)
Know my struggles, know my troubles
(Until you, until you, until you, until you)
Until you know, until you know, until you know
Until you know, until you know, until you know
Until you know, until you know
Until you know my joy, know my pain and know my struggles
Until you've walked these shoes, paid my dues and felt my troubles
Until you've shed my tears, known my fears in all my years
Only 'til then, you only know what you think you know