Born and raised

I was the first of three sisters
My older brothers would treat me like a princess
Sporting flattops and hightop sneakers
My feet too small for my brand-new adidas
7 in the evening when my mama calls
Were playing dodge ball up against the berlin wall
That's how i was born and raised
Now mama, look at where i am today

[pre-chorus]
(it's alright) even though we had to struggle
(sometimes) even if we stumbled
(it's all good) cause i learned how to stay on my feet
(it's alright) even though we had to struggle
(sometimes) even if we stumbled
(it's all good) cause i learned how to do for me

[chorus]
If my life's like your life, then i want for you to know
There's not a thing in the world you can't achieve
If your life's like my life, you got to keep on keeping on
Cause there's so much more you can be

16 when i first left home
Already hard headed thinking i was grown
Berlin girl, half african, half caucasian
Imagine conflicts i'm facing
Skipped school, went clubbin with them black gi's
Arguments on the phone would make my mama cry
I fell in love with this thug, daddy threw a fit
Only took one year, that nigga's doing a bid
This is back when p.e. gave us identity
A young girl in the streets of west germany
That's how i was born and raised
Now mama, look at where i am today

[pre-chorus]

[chorus]

Hip hop soul was the brand new rage
Became my real love with mary j.
I took my first steps on a spot lit stage
It was clear i was here to stay
See it wasn't always easy on this path i chose
When it starts getting sleazy don't know friend from foe
That's when i learned to discern and stand up for me
And took control of my own destiny

[chorus]