She walked into this world I made on a
Little park bench under the shade
Of a sweet gum tree whose leaves were red and brown
I looked up and I saw her face
That was full of fortitude and grace
She said, "If you don't mind, can I please sit down?"
See I've been working since the morning
When the sun starts settling in
That's when I walk across the town to where my second job begins
I got two kids I must feed, I've got no time to sit with them and read
The counselors keep on telling me my boy's got special needs

But don't we all got issues?
It's just the stuff we live through
Everybody's got their coffee stains
I ain't complaining, I'm just saying

That I ain't been to Harvard
And I ain't got no big degrees
Everything I know, I learned it on these bitter streets
And I, can't afford the good life
But only real love comes for free
And some days my head's up in the clouds
But I'm allowed to dream

As she got up and walked away
I said, "Goodbye," I gave a wave
And watched that lady fade into the crowd
And I thought maybe we're the same, hey
We both cry and we feel shame
And we both know there still some things
We've yet to figure out
See I've been writing since the morning
When the sun starts settling in
I cross the town to check the sound
Where my second job begins
I've got two kids to feed, some doubts and insecurities
I pray that I provide a life for everything they need

But don't we all got issues?
It's just the stuff we live through
Everybody's got their coffee stains
I ain't complaining, I'm just singing

That I ain't been to Harvard
And I ain't got no big degrees
Everything I know, I learned it on these crazy streets
And I, can't afford the good life
But only real love comes for free
And some days my head's up in the clouds
But I'm allowed to dream

Oh, woah-oh-oh

As I'm heading home, I think of how
Her shift is probably ending now
And I'll be on a plane this time tomorrow
Some folks are on an uphill climb
Some coast along on borrowed time
Still others need a little time to borrow

But don't we all got issues?
It's just the stuff we live through
Everybody's got their coffee stains
I can't forget, the words she said remain

That I ain't been to Harvard
And I ain't got no big degrees
Everything I know, I learned it on these bitter streets
And I, can't afford the good life
But only real love comes for free
And some days my head's up in the clouds
But I'm allowed to dream

Oh, woah-oh-oh
But I'm allowed to dream
I ain't been to Harvard
But I'm allowed to dream