"Is all ya keep hearin' it, so long. You no see me a superstar

Man, I don' have time to was'e with your minions an' ting'."

[Verse 1]

I see your face in front of me, still grainy

From that old black'n'white TV my whole family silent

Watchin' you shape destiny with your 2 hands

Faster than the eye can see...

Mesmerizing

Y'know what? Skinny lickle me, started to strut, ten years old

Suddenly bold 'cause I resolved to live like my hero in the ring...

Be smart, never give an inch, no retreating

An I wrapped up respect from teachers, rednecks

And creatures who attack in a pack like insects, never

Seen the like, not before or since, A young prince

An I remain convinced of his invincibility, athletic agility

Virility, still a free spirit. Forever through eternity

Stingin' like a bee...

Mr. Muhammad Ali

[Chorus]

I want you to know

You are the original

I want you to know

You are the original

I want you to know

You are the original

I want you to know

You are the original

[Verse 2]

Your achievements defy belief, from the belly of the beast

Risin' like yeast yo

My release from low self-esteem

Came when I saw you rappin' on my TV screen, float

Like a butterfly that describe my walk to school

After fight night, I felt so cool

'Cause I was the greatest, too

Love of self born simply out of love for you

An I knew someday people'll love me too

None of the hecklin' about my black skin got through

I woulda walked barefoot through hell for you

It's how I felt back then an I still do so will you

Accept these humble words of praise

And my gratitude for those glorious days

And meritorious ways instilled in a young mind

Skills sublime

Yours to mine

[Chorus]

I want you to know

You are the original

I want you to know

You are the original

I want you to know

You are the original

I want you to know

You are the original