I am not a wise man neither am I a fool But what I am the way the good Lord made me Though I need you more than you may ever understand I can't wear a face that will betray me Oh, If you're gonna love me, love the life I lead Need the things I need, don't try to change me If you're gonna take me, take me for what I am I can't be another man, I can't be free 'Cos The life I lead is the life I lead Money in my pocket never seems to last too long I've gambled on the way and drowned my sorrows Though God knows I can't pretend it's better on my own I can't promise you a new tomorrow Oh, If you're gonna love me, love the life I lead Need the things I need, don't try to change me If you're gonna take me, take me for what I am I can't be another man, I can't be free 'Cos The life I lead is the life I lead