Happy Rhodes - Play the Game lyrics

(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