Paula Cole
"La Tonya"


(Didn't your Mama tell you how to behave, girl?
Didn't your Daddy tell you not to wear that little thing?)
Been told you never get something for nothing
My stepfather Dickie say I just might get hit
If I don't give

The girls all whisper 'hind my back
They try to break me with cruel attacks
The boys they want only one thing
And so I give it, don't complain

Daddy's gone, Mama lost her job
Our house ain't a home no more
Still my faith's unshaken in God

I feel so lonely for hope and company
I don't take much and I give everything for free
(So, don't you want me?)

The girls all whisper 'hind by back
My baby brother's smoking crack
The boys they want only one thing
And so I give it, don't complain

Daddy's gone, Mama lost her job
Our house ain't a home no more
Still my faith's unshaken in god

I dream I get a record deal
I'll buy a way out of here
Or maybe a new Lexus jeep
Or just a friend (Am I dreamin'? Am I dreamin'?)
There's Mr. roberts, Juan and Paul
All waiting for me down the hall
But then tomorrow they don't call
Still a moment's better than none at all

Daddy's gone (My name is La Tonya)
Mama lost her job (I am a sophomore)
Our house ain't a home no more (I'll be sixteen in August)
Since Mama broke her soul (I like to sing in chorus)
Daddy's gone (My name is La Tonya)
Mama lost her job (I am a sophomore)
Our house ain't a home no more (I'll be sixteen in August)

Still my faith's unshaken
Lord won't you please save me?
Is this the new slavery?
Here on the ghetto pavement?
But I believe in you baby
Yes, my faith's unshaken
In God