Play The Game Lyrics - Singles - Rhodes Happy

(6:26) 

Percussion and Keys: H. Rhodes 

Additional Percussion: Kevin Bartlett 

Boys...can I play the game 

Boys...can I play your game by my rules 

Yours don't apply to me 

Boys...I want to play the game 

Boys...I want to play your game by my rules 

And be who I want to be 

I don't think I can speak for anyone 

I don't think I can fight for anyone 

But I have to know where I stand 

As a person, not a woman or man 

And do believe me when I say 

What I need is respect 

If I have to be pretty to be liked 

Then I think I'm dead in the water 

I never want to have to be like the boys 

To be allowed to play with the toys 

I hope you take me as I am 

Masculine or feminine 

I cannot be a role player 

Boys...can I play the game 

Boys...can I play your game by my rules 

Yours don't apply to me 

Boys...I want to play the game 

Boys...I want to play your game by my rules 

And be who I want to be 

If I raise my arm for the role call 

Will I be present and accounted for 

And if I choose to walk with my brothers 

I will do it as a sister 

I've been influenced by society 

To paint my face and hate my body 

I don't think I'm any better for it 

Doesn't mean I'm more legitimate 

After all, isn't it what's inside that counts 

No matter what the gender be 

Boys...can I play the game 

Boys...can I play your game by my rules 

Yours don't apply to me 

Boys...I want to play the game 

Boys...I want to play your game by my rules 

And be who I want to be 

Now while we're all here, let's get this straight 

I'm not a man, but my voice is ten feet tall 

With these tiny little arms, see all that I can do 

Keep your eyes on me if you want to see some 

Mountains move 

Boys...can I play the game 

Boys...can I play your game by my rules 

Yours don't apply to me 

Boys...I want to play the game 

Boys...I want to play your game by my rules 

And be who I want to be 

If I raise my arm for the role call 

Will I be present and accounted for 

If I choose to walk with my brothers 

I will do it as a sister