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