I used to say Sticks and stones may break my bones But words would never hurt me But today, I can't deny the pain The knife, the crime, of all things they told me Society, economy That neighborhood, on the road to no good They said you'd never amount to nothin' (but I'm here to tell you) You are loved No matter what you've done No matter where you're from Or where you're goin' (you are loved) You are loved No matter what they said No matter what they did You gotta know this You are loved, you are loved Choices made, decisions that I wanna take back I they never happened, real life Abuse, no more, excuses The point is I'm still standin' Fathers leave the missing link Don't do what they should and you're left with no good And they said you would never amount to nothin' But I'm here to let you know All we need is love to make it right