(Verse 1) Every road I take got a pothole waiting, Everybody got advice but they ain't paying. If I stay, they complain. If I leave, they won't. I'm damned if I do and damned if I don't. I work all week just to make ends meet, Still somebody got something to say about me. They judge my wins, they judge my faults, Can't please everybody, so what's the cost? (Pre-Chorus) I've been carrying weight that ain't mine to hold, Trying to satisfy hearts that's already cold. (Chorus) I'm damned if I do, I'm damned if I don't, People gon' talk whether I will or I won't. If I'm riding high, they say I changed. If I'm down too long, they call me strange. So I'm living my life the way I want, 'Cause I'm damned if I do and damned if I don't. (Verse 2) Help 'em with a dollar, now they need ten more. Tell 'em "No" one time, now they slam the door. Smile in your face, then gossip when you're gone, That's why I learned to stand on my own. Mama said, "Son, keep your head up high. You can't stop people from telling lies." So I keep on walking with my soul intact, Ain't wasting my peace trying to win 'em back. (Bridge) You can't make everybody happy, So quit carrying that load. The ones that's meant to walk beside you Will meet you on your road. (Final Chorus) I'm damned if I do, I'm damned if I don't, So I quit living by what other people want. I'm gonna laugh, I'm gonna love, Thank the good Lord up above. When they talk, let 'em talk—I know they won't stop. I'm damned if I do... damned if I don't.
