This is why I am the way that I am,
This is why I am the way that I am, (this is why I am)
This is why I am the way that I am,
This is why I am the way that I am. (this is why I am)

You know I carry with me over twenty years of pity,
My whole personality was formed by others, not me,
When I look back on my life, one that's always filled with strife, I rode down a bad course - nobody's fault but yours.

This is why I am the way that I am,
This is why I am the way that I am, (this is why I am)
This is why I am the way that I am,
This is why I am the way that I am. (this is why I am)

My stepfather threw me right down the stairs, so forgive me when I do the same thing to you,
I know it must seem like you're daddy never cares,
If you knew what I've been through, you'd do the same thing too.

This is why I am the way that I am,
This is why I am the way that I am, (this is why I am)
This is why I am the way that I am,
This is why I am the way that I am. (this is why I am)

I can't make a move without dragging all my baggage,
My father always cussed, so forgive me for my language.

Please excuse me for yelling,
Pardon me for telling you to stop selling to me your God in Heaven.

This is why I am the way that I am, (this is why I am)
This is why I am the way that I am. (this is why I...)

If I can keep this up for the rest of my days, I may never have to take responsibility for my ways.