[Verse 1]

She walked into this world I made on a

Little park bench under the shade

Of a sweet gum tree whose leaves were red and brown

I looked up and I saw her face

That was full of fortitude and grace

She said, "If you don't mind, can I please sit down?"

See I've been working since the morning

When the sun starts settling in

That's when I walk across the town to where my second job begins

I got two kids I must feed, I've got no time to sit with them and read

The counselors keep on telling me my boy's got special needs

[Pre-Chorus]

But don't we all got issues?

It's just the stuff we live through

Everybody's got their coffee stains

I ain't complaining, I'm just saying

[Chorus]

That I ain't been to Harvard

And I ain't got no big degrees

Everything I know, I learned it on these bitter streets

And I, can't afford the good life

But only real love comes for free

And some days my head's up in the clouds

But I'm allowed to dream

[Verse 2]

As she got up and walked away

I said, "Goodbye," I gave a wave

And watched that lady fade into the crowd

And I thought maybe we're the same, hey

We both cry and we feel shame

And we both know there still some things

We've yet to figure out

See I've been writing since the morning

When the sun starts settling in

I cross the town to check the sound

Where my second job begins

I've got two kids to feed, some doubts and insecurities

I pray that I provide a life for everything they need

[Pre-Chorus]

But don't we all got issues?

It's just the stuff we live through

Everybody's got their coffee stains

I ain't complaining, I'm just singing

[Chorus]

That I ain't been to Harvard

And I ain't got no big degrees

Everything I know, I learned it on these crazy streets

And I, can't afford the good life

But only real love comes for free

And some days my head's up in the clouds

But I'm allowed to dream

[Post-Chorus]

Oh, woah-oh-oh

[Bridge]

As I'm heading home, I think of how

Her shift is probably ending now

And I'll be on a plane this time tomorrow

Some folks are on an uphill climb

Some coast along on borrowed time

Still others need a little time to borrow

[Pre-Chorus]

But don't we all got issues?

It's just the stuff we live through

Everybody's got their coffee stains

I can't forget, the words she said remain

[Chorus]

That I ain't been to Harvard

And I ain't got no big degrees

Everything I know, I learned it on these bitter streets

And I, can't afford the good life

But only real love comes for free

And some days my head's up in the clouds

But I'm allowed to dream

[Outro]

Oh, woah-oh-oh

But I'm allowed to dream

I ain't been to Harvard

But I'm allowed to dream