John Hardly's lyrics and the lyrics in the Digital Tradition are close to the original, but here's what's in the CD booklet for the Si Kahn retrospective album, In My Heart

WHAT YOU DO WITH WHAT YOU'VE GOT
(Si Kahn)

You must know someone like him,
He was tall and strong and lean,
Body like a greyhound,
Mind so sharp and keen
But his heart, just like a laurel,
Grew twisted on itself,
'Til almost everything he did
Brought pain to someone else.

CHORUS:
It's not just what you're born with,
It's what you choose to bear;
It's not how large your share is,
But how much you can share;
It's not the fights you dream of,
But those you really fought;
It's not just what you're given,
But what you do with what you've got.


For what's the use of two strong legs,
If you only run away?
What good is the finest voice,
If you've nothing good to say?
What good are strength and muscle,
If you only push and shove?
What's the use of two good ears,
If you can't hear those you love?
CHORUS

Between those who use their neighbor
And those who use a cane,
Between those in constant power
And those in constant pain,
Between those who run to evil
And those who cannot run,
Tell me, which ones are the cripples,
And which ones touch the sun?
CHORUS

Copyright Joe Hill Music
filename[ BORNWITH
DC

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The Eddi Reader recording uses an interesting tune that is completely unrelated to Si Kahn's tune. I like the Si Kahn version better, but it's the one I've known for years.
-Joe-