My daddy had a small house up on the east side (alright)
Willy down the block threw me the peace sign (oh, yeah)
Moved to the big city
Now we sitting killing (alright)
My daddy growed up
When times was hard and gritty (oh, yeah)

Whether looking for love?
Are you looking for fame?
Before you go off
Better know the game

He said, tell it like it is (tell the truth)
Love how you live (I'm talkin' to you)
When you're doing what you do
Just tell the truth (tell the truth)

Tell it like it is (tell the truth)
Love how you live (I'm talkin' to you)
When you're doing what you do
Just tell the truth

I'm thinking 'bout my papa
Now that I'm a star (uh huh)
Lost in translation
People all across the nation (oh, yeah)
Just say it, plain and simple
Amongst the complications (no lie)

I'm packing all my sneakers
I never had a car
Before you drive off, boy
Better know who you are

He said, tell it like it is (tell the truth)
Love how you live (I'm talkin' to you)
When you're doing what you do
Tell the truth (tell the truth)

He said, tell it like it is (tell the truth)
Love how you live (I'm talkin' to you)
When you're doing what you do, ow!
Just tell the truth (tell the truth)
Just tell the truth (tell the truth)
Just tell the truth (tell the truth)
Ooh, ooh, ow!

Tell it like it is (tell the truth)
Love how you live (I'm talkin' to you)
When you're doing what you do
I said, just tell it like it is (tell the truth)
Love how you live (I'm talkin' to you)
When you're doing what you do
When you do it, be you, be you, be you