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 till the morning gets light
Out where that wild wind 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 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