Featured In

Credits

PERFORMING ARTISTS
David Johansen
David Johansen
Performer
COMPOSITION & LYRICS
Gerry Goffin
Gerry Goffin
Composer
Carole King
Carole King
Composer
B. Mann
B. Mann
Composer
R. Atkins
R. Atkins
Composer
C. D'Errico
C. D'Errico
Composer
Cynthia Weil
Cynthia Weil
Composer
PRODUCTION & ENGINEERING
Ron Nevison
Ron Nevison
Producer

Lyrics

In this dirty old part of the city
Where the sun refused to shine
People tell me there ain't no use in trying
Oh, little girl, you're so young and pretty
And one thing I know is true
You gotta die before your time is due
I see my daddy in bed and dying
See his hair been turning gray
He's been working and slaving his life away
He's been working, baby
Working, baby
Working, baby
It's been work, work, work, work
We gotta get out of this place
If it's the last thing we ever do
We gotta get out of this place
Girl, there's a better life for me and you
When you complain and criticize
I feel I'm nothing in your eyes
It makes me feel like giving up
Because my best just ain't good enough
Girl, I want to provide for you
Do all the things that you want me to
Oh-oh, oh no
Don't bring me down, oh, no, no, no, no
Please, oh no
Don't bring me down
Well, it's a hard world to get a break in
All the good things have been taken
But, girl, there are ways to make certain these days
Though I'm dressed in these rags, I'll wear sable someday
Hear what I say
I'm gonna ride the serpent
No more time spent sweating rent
In my command, I'm break loose
It ain't no use holding me down or stick around
And, baby (baby), remember (remember)
It's my life, and I'll do what I want
It's my mind, and I'll think what I want
Show me I'm wrong, hurt me sometimes
But someday I'll treat you real fine
It's my life, and I'll do what I want (it's my life)
It's my mind, and I'll think what I want (and I can do what I want)
It's my life, and I'll do what I want (you can't tell me)
It's my mind, and I'll think what I want (don't push me)
It's my life, and I'll do what I want (it's my life)
It's my mind, and I'll think what I want
Show me I'm wrong, hurt me sometimes
But someday I'll treat you real fine
Written by: B. Mann, C. D'Errico, Carole King, Cynthia Weil, Gerry Goffin, R. Atkins
instagramSharePathic_arrow_out