Lyrics: Self Esteem

[Chorus 1]
You got to believe in yourself
Don’t let nobody tell you what you can be
You got to believe in yourself
And everything else will work out, you’ll see
2x

[Chorus 2]
I think, I.., No, I know, I can 3x
I know I can 2x

You see my papa was a rolling stone
and my momma had problems of her own
but I still managed to make it out okay

although I’m hailed as a hometown hero
Still in my hometown I’m seen as a negro
but man that’s okay

There’s so many obstacles in life to overcome
and as soon as you jump over one
here come another one

But we got to be strong and set examples for our sons
If the sun don’t shine (it’s a gain? another day has begun?)

Chorus 1 repeat 2x
Chorus 2 repeat 3x

They say I’m old enough to go to war
But I ain’t old enough to play in the NBA no more
Now you tell me what’s wrong with that
I pledge allegiance all the way to Iraq
But ain’t nobody pledging to me when I get back
Tell my Uncle Sam he’s wrong for that

You see my self-esteem
I’m never leaving home without it
They told me I’d never make it
They told me I ain’t got it

(this verse is unclear for me)
Now tell me whoever made it
now tell me I ain’t got it
I’m sayin’ (??)
who’s sayin’ I ain’t (??)

Chorus 1 repeat x2

That’s right
You gotta believe it brother

Chours 2 repeat - 3x’s

Rock on Nelly
Rock on my brother
Keep your head up over the storm young fellow

Got a letter from the government
Opened it, read it
and told ‘em all to forget it

Because we believe in the future
Uncle Sam sends his man to recruit you
You still can’t trust it
But you came this far
end of discussion
When you know who you are

Chorus 1 repeat 2x

That’s right, believe
Com’on now
Don’t let nobody tell you
Nelly, tell ‘em now

That’s right, rockin’ in pos-i-tivity

Chorus 2 repeat 2x

You gotta believe
You gotta believe my brother
You keep doin’ your thing
That’s right, keep that head up
all the way into the future
that’s right
for the babies, baby