Well I do the best I can
Try to improve the way I am
I work hard but when things get slow
I please my love the only way I know

Now mama said it'll never pay
Get a proper job ­ it's the only way
But I keep reaching for the stars
But with my feet on the ground they just seem so far

We paint with different strokes
From time to time we're broke
But I'm a simple man
Take me for what I am

I didn't mean to keep the money I made
I really meant to pay you back some day
But how could I make you feel like a star
Without my credit card and my big flash car

Now mama said it'll never pay
Be like everyone else ­ it's the only way
But I believe in what you are
There ain't a man on the planet who don't wanna be a star

We paint with different strokes
From time to time we're broke
But I'm a simple man
Take me for what I am

We paint with different strokes
From time to time we're broke
But I'm a simple man
Take me for what I am - what I am