Walk on by, walk on by
I'll raise a glass to you, as winter breaks me in two
Your fancy car and that big hotel
I bet you get the best of both worlds
Well, I have worked and I have paid for you
And where the children used to sing,
is what my mother gave to me
and now I'm leaving that behind to
Whatever reasons, not so clear,
for what some girls and boys compete
Some are busy in the truth
Whatever you grow up to be
don't lose site of respect
Whatever you grow up to be
don't lose sight of that old friend
cause you'll be better off in the end
Walk on by, Walk on by
I know what you do
I see you're busy laying down your roots
You're standing there with that diamond ring,
giving that girl a lot of lip,
because she showed you white instead of blue
Your fancy car and that big hotel,
built on top of where we went to school
You just parked your car in the art room
But where the children used to sing
is what my mother gave to me
and now all it is, is a guest room for you
Whatever reasons not so clear,
for what some girls and boys compete,
some are busy in the truth
Whatever you grow up to be
don't lose site of respect
Whatever you grow up to be
don't lose sight of that old friend
Whatever you grow up to be
don't lose site of respect
Whatever you grow up to be
don't lose sight of that old friend,Respect
Oh baby you gotta have respect
Whatever you grow up to be
don't lose site of respect