{If all you keep hearing it so long
You will see me as a super star
And you'll have time to waste
With your minions and things} I see your face in front of me, still grainy
From that old black and white TV
My whole family silenced
Watchin' you shape destiny with your two hands
Faster than the eye could see Mesmerising You know what skinny little 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
And I racked 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, and I remain convinced of his invincibility
Athletic agility, virility, still a free spirit
Forever through eternity, stingin' like a bee, Mr. Muhammad Ali 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 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 And I knew someday people'll love me too
None of the hecklin' about my black skin got throug
I would 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 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 I, I, I, I
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