And I racked up, respect from teachers, rednecks
And I knew someday people'll love me too
My whole family silenced
Your achievements defy belief, from the belly of the beast
Ten years old, suddenly bold
I want you to know
You are the original
Skills sublime, yours to mine
A young prince, and I remain convinced of his invincibility
I want you to know
You know what skinny little me, started to strut
From that old black and white TV
You are the original
I want you to know
You are the original
I want you to know
Risin' like yeast yo, my release from low self-esteem
Watchin' you shape destiny with your two hands
You are the original
Faster than the eye could see
You are the original
I want you to know
After fight night, I felt so cool 'cause I was the greatest too
I want you to know
Be smart, never give an inch, no retreating
None of the hecklin' about my black skin got throug
With your minions and things}
I want you to know
You are the original
I, I, I, I
I want you to know
And meritorious ways instilled in a young mind
I want you to know
And creatures who attack in a pack like insects
And my gratitude for those glorious days
I want you to know
You are the original
Forever through eternity, stingin' like a bee, Mr. Muhammad Ali
'Cause I resolved to live like my hero in the ring
Athletic agility, virility, still a free spirit
I see your face in front of me, still grainy
You are the original
Never, seen the like, not before or since
You are the original
Love of self born simply out of love for you
I would walked barefoot through Hell for you
It's how, I felt back then an I still do so will you
And you'll have time to waste
You are the original
Came when I saw you rappin' on my TV screen
Accept these humble words of praise
I want you to know
Mesmerising
Float like a butterfly that describe my walk to school