Way back when I was a kid
My mother, she always said
There are those who will do you wrong
To make you feel as if you don't belong

Way back when I was a kid
My father, he always said
Be sure to speak your mind
Just be prepared to pay

Be prepared
Nothing comes without expense
Be prepared to face up to the consequence
Not everybody feels the same as you
There are those who will oppose
What you say and what you do

Now that I'm away and fully grown
Now that I'm out and living on my own
I have discovered that they we're right
I am thankful for their advice

I just do just what I do
Even at the risk of upsetting you
First, I must satisfy myself
Before I can please anybody else

Be prepared