I know how it feels when you ain't got a friend You're a long, lonesome way from your home And I know how it feels when you slave like a dog And you ain't got a thing that you own I know how it feels when you walk on the street And you don't see a face that you know And I know how it feels to work 'till you drop And it's 10,000 bills that you owe I know how it feels I know how it feels I know how it feels I know just how it feels ♪ I know how it feels when you ain't got a cent No, you don't got a nickel to your name And I know how it feels when they take you to the judge You're down begging God on your knees I know how it feels when you lay down at night And there's no lips to call your own You get up and walk 'til the morning gets light Out where that whirlwind blows I know how it feels I know how it feels I know how it feels I know just how it feels ♪ I know how it feels when you got calloused hands And blisters on both of your feet You can't pay the rent, so the men take your things And they throw you right out on the street I know how it feels to join a union Speak up like a man and fight I know how it feels to march and sing When you know that your fight is right I know how it feels I know how it feels I know how it feels I know just how it feels I know how it feels (I know how it feels) I know how it feels (I know how it feels) I know how it feels I know just exactly how you feel