Guilty – Gladys Knight & The Pips

Yes, I’m guilty of so many things
Of being desperate for the love and the joy
That I know life should bring

I’m guilty, guilty of doing without
Social acceptance, proper respect
And the essence of what life’s all about

I’m guilty of being born poor in a world
Where riches determine your worth
Not the measure of one’s character
As it should be down here on earth

So go on and sentence me or set me free
‘Cause I know that you cannot see
I’m guilty of just be me

I’m guilty of loving and hating
Just the same as anyone
I’m guilty of wanting the best life can offer
For my daughters and my sons

There are two strikes against me
When I come up to bat
One strike for being female
One strike for being black
So, I stand up tall, through it all
My head up high ’cause I know that
I’ll be female and black ’til the day I die

I’m guilty of watching society
Persecute and dehumanize my man
While I’m watching him struggle to survive
Among people who won’t lend a hand
If you walk a mile in my shoes
You’re gonna end up with the blues
Then you will see why I’m guilty
Guilty for just being me