I'm gonna live the life that I sing about in my song
I'm gonna stand up for right and always shun the wrong
If I'm in a crowd, if I'm alone, on the streets or in my home
I'm gonna live the life that I sing about in my song

Everyday, everywhere, on a busy thoroughfare
Folks may watch me; some may spot me
Say I'm foolish but I don't care

I can't sing one thing and then live another
Be saint by day and a devil undercover
I've got to live the life that I sing about in my song

If by day, if by night, I must always walk in the light
Folks berate me; some mistake me, because I want to do what's right
I can't go to church and shout all day Sunday
Go out and raise hell and get drunk on a Monday
I gotta to live the life that I sing about in my song

I gotta live the life that I sing about in my song
I gotta stand up for right and I always shun the wrong
If I'm in a crowd, if I'm alone, on the streets or in my home
I gotta live the life that I sing about in my song
Yes, in my song

(Written by Thomas A. Dorsey - 1941)