My boss man said you better get to work

Before I have to let you go

He just walks around and he pays no mind

To the sweat dripping off of my nose

But after 10 long years of him dogging me out

There's one thing I learned well

I'd rather be a hammer than a nail

My girlfriend she went out on me a hundred

And fifty one times

At least she was honest enough to admit it

When she wasn't too busy lying

But I came to a realization the last time

She kicked my tail

I'd rather be a hammer than a nail

If you've ever been on the receiving end

Then you know what it's like

A losing situation has been the story of my life

But I ain't gonna let it beat me down

And someday I'll prevail

I'd rather be a hammer than a nail

I climbed in the ring with Roberto Duran

And the punches began to rain down

He hit me with a dozen hard upper cuts

And my corner threw in the towel

I asked him why he had to knock me out

And he summed it up real well

Said I'd rather be a hammer than a nail

If you've ever been on the receiving end

Then you know what it's like

A losing situation has been the story of my life

But I ain't gonna let it beat me down

And someday I'll prevail

It's I'll

I'd rather be a hammer than a nail

I'd rather be a hammer than a nail