[Chorus]
Carry your own load
If you wanna get ahead
Carry your own load
That's what my mama and my daddy said

[Verse 1]
Boy, you're going out into this world alone
It's filled with misery and pain
Nothing's gonna walk into your life
You got to work for everything

[Chorus]
You got to carry your own load
If you wanna get ahead
Carry your own load
That's what my mama and my daddy said

[Verse 2]
Mama said, "Son, try to be a man
Hold your chin up high
When things get tough and you feel you've had enough
A little prayer will get you by"

[Chorus]
So go ahead and carry your own load
If you wanna get ahead
Carry your own load
That's what my mama and my daddy said

[Break]

[Chorus]
Go ahead and carry your own load
If you wanna get ahead
Carry your own load
That's what my mama and my daddy said
[Verse 3]
I normally listen to my mom and dad
I could never go wrong
They would never turn their backs on me
'Cause to them I belong

[Chorus]
You got to carry your own load
If you wanna get ahead
Carry your own load
That's what my mama and my daddy said
Sing it for me, children
Carry your own load
If you wanna get ahead
Carry your own load
That's what my mama and my daddy said
Carry your own load
If you wanna get ahead
Carry your own load
That's what my mama and my daddy said