intro: instrumental music: verse: When I was just a kid My mama taught me to do my best, don't be like the rest and Do the Right Thing When I was just a boy Yea, my daddy caught me stealing money from his drawer I never gave a thought to Do the Right Thing Chorus: I can understand what they said, was what I needed to learn, to give in return the guiding love to help me grow and Do the Right Thing And every day I practice what I preach So I can teach, my own kids some day instrumental music: verse: When I was seventeen still wet behind my ears I got in trouble with my girl had nowhere to turn, but Do the Right Thing Then I became a man married with children Although the times have changed I'm proud of the way I did the right thing Chorus: I can understand what they said, was what I needed to learn, to give in return the guiding love to help me grow and Do the Right Thing And every day I practice what I preach So I can teach, my own kids some day bridge: Now I'm old and gray life is just a circle and through thick and thin I'll take it on the chin and Do the Right Thing instrumental music: It's not wrong to do the right thing it's not wrong to do the right thing no it's not wrong, to Do the Right Thing .