Don’t Sleep On Me

Can you believe that cat
The things that people say
You did the work, you took a chance
You came to play

He stops you at the bar
And starts to speechify
He says that he was more impressed
With some other guy

You don't need that jive
Don’t listen to that cat
Why lose your head
Try this instead
To keep your mood
From falling flat

Just tell him nice and softly
Smooth as you can be
I thank you brother but...
Don't sleep on me

Work at it all night long
You try to do your best
The more you play
It gets away
You fail the test

You feel it in your bones
Like someone watching you
With all your zest, they're not impressed
With all the licks you do

But you don’t need that jive
Remember who you are
Don't lose your head
Try this instead
To polish up
Your inner star

Go stand and face the mirror
Say it firm and free
I sure ain't perfect but...
Don't sleep on me

I know just how it feels
Get caught in your own mind
You doubt your choices, doubt your sound
You're running blind

And when you start to play
No matter how you try
It isn't sounding deep or hip
Like those other guys

You don't need that jive
It's up to you alone
You know the stakes, got what it takes
Now let you voice be truly known

Stand up and let them hear it
Loud as you can be
Yes stand up and be open
For everyone to see
Stand up and be noticed
Say it confidently
You’ll feel like shouting
Don’t sleep on me