Didn′t I raise my voice

High enough for you

I was running like a fugitive all the timeRisking rejection from my own people, yeah

Now that you got what you wanted

You don't even know my name

It′s so funny, we don't talk anymore

Be good to the people on your way up the ladder

'Cause you′ll need them on your way down

That′s the way it is (the way it is)

That's the way it is (the way it is)

That′s the way it is (the way it is)

That's the way it is, oh no (the way it is)

Didn′t I raise my fists high enough for you

I guess I can pat myself on the shoulder

For a job well done

Dodging bullets in the streets, I was there

Risking rejection from my own people

Now that you got what you wanted

You don't even know my name

Remember

Be good to the people on your way up the ladder

′Cause you'll need them on your way down

That's the way it is (the way it is)

The way it is, yeah (the way it is)

That′s the way it is (the way it is)

That′s the way it is (the way it is)

And that's the way it is (the way it is)

That′s the way it is (the way it is)

That's the way it is (the way it is)

That′s the way it is (the way it is)

The way it is (the way it is)

That's the way it is

Be good to the people on your way up the ladder

′Cause you'll need them on your way down

That's the way it is, oh no (the way it is)

That′s the way it is

Be good to the people on your way up the ladder

′Cause you'll need them on your way down

That′s the way it is (the way it is)

That's the way it is

Be good to the people on your way up the ladder

′Cause you'll need them on your way down