I've the tiniest confession
I distinctly loathe suppression
Since I only have one life, I wanna live it
While I've clowned around a lot
Well, I've found what hits the spot
If I've something good to give, I wanna give it
Now those censors say I'm naughty and no doubt
But I've heard it said what's naughty can be nice
It's not what I say, it's the way that I say it
That's all, brother, that's all
It's not what I play, but the way that I play it
That's all, brother, that's all
Now maybe they'd picture me as little Snow White
With seven dwarfs to entertain, I should do all right
But should I ask to concentrate on one dwarf a night?
That's all, brother, that's all
It's not what I tell, it's the way that I tell it
That's all, brother, that's all
It's not what I sell, but the way that I sell it
That's all, brother, that's all
They'd have me play that little girl all dressed in red
I'd make a good Red Riding Hood, somebody said
But should they find me with a wolf in my grandmother's bed?
That's all, brother, that's all
Now please don't misunderstand me
I take much of what they hand me
Though it cramps my style, I'll never be defeated
Since I've always found response
Well, I know what the public wants
And just as long as there's a West, it won't be cheated
While my censor friends are turning both thumbs down
Just like Minnie, I'll still kick that gong around
It's not what I wear, it's the way that I wear it
That's all, brother, that's all
It's not what I share, but the way that I share it
That's all, brother, that's all
I like a love scene that's as hot as can be
So they said Cinderella played one, something to see
But if they think a fairy prince can play games with me
That's all, brother, that's all
It's not what I know, it's the way that I know it
That's all, brother, that's all
It's not what I show, but the way that I show it
That's all, brother, that's all
They'd have me portray that maiden so sweet
The girlie with the mortgage due and little to eat
But should I call the butcher boy to bring me some meat?
That's all, brother, that's all