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