Sly and the Family Stone
Underdog
Since the late '60s, Sly and the Family Stone have produced numerous hit songs, including “Everyday People,” “Thank You (Falletinme Be Mice Elf Again)” and “Family Affair.”
This song is the first track on Sly and the Family Stone's debut album, A Whole New Thing. It was recorded in 1967, live in the studio. The album title plays off of the phrase "New Thing," which, at the time, was a term applied to experimental jazz.
Hey, dig I know how it feels to be expect to get a fair shake But they won't let you forget That you're the underdog and you've got to be twice as good (Yeah, yeah) Even if you're never right They get uptight when you get too bright 'Cause you might start thinking too much, yeah (Yeah, yeah) I know how it feels when you know you're real But every other time You get up, you get a raw deal, yeah (Yeah, yeah) Say, I'm the underdog I'm the underdog Say, I'm the underdog I'm the underdog I know how it feels to get demoted When it comes time you got promoted But you might be movin' up too fast, yeah (Yeah, yeah) If you ever loved somebody of a different set I bet the set didn't let you forget That it just don't go like that (Yeah, yeah) I know how it feels For people to stop, turn around and stare Signify a lil' bit of low life, don't rate me, yeah (Yeah, yeah) I don't mind I'm the underdog No, I can handle it I'm the underdog I'm the underdog, yeah Underdog Said, I know how it feels to be played upon [Incomprehensible] But you're really, you're really all alone They just underestimate me (Yeah, yeah) I know how it feels when you're feelin' down And you wanna come up but you realize You're in the wrong part of town, yeah (Yeah, yeah) I know how it feels to have to go along With people you don't even know Simply because there happens to be A whole lot more of them, yeah (Yeah, yeah) Say, I'm the underdog I'm the underdog I don't mind, 'cause I can handle it Underdog, it's gonna be alright I'm the underdog