You've Got to Learn
Nina Simone Lyrics

You've got to learn to show a happy face
It may be difficult, but you should learn to put on a smile and be cheerful, even if you are suffering inside.

Although you're full of misery
Even if you are feeling unhappy or sorrowful.

You mustn't show a trace of sadness
Never let anyone see that you are sad or upset.

Never look for sympathy
Don't seek out pity or compassion from others.

You've got to learn although it's very hard
Even though it may be challenging and difficult to do.

The way of pocketing your pride
You need to learn how to swallow your pride and not let your ego get in the way.

Sometimes face humiliation
At times, you may suffer from shame or embarrassment.

While you were burning up inside
Even though you may be boiling with emotion internally.

Facing reality is often hard to do
In many cases, it is tough to confront and come to terms with the truth.

When it seems happiness is gone
Especially when it appears that you have lost joy or contentment.

You've got to learn to hide your tears
You ought to learn how to hold back your tears and not cry in public.

And tell your heart life must go on
Convince yourself that existence must go on, despite any difficulties.

You've got to learn to leave the table
You should try to move on from a relationship that is no longer working.

When love's no longer being served
When the love in a relationship is no longer present.

To show everybody that you're able
To let others know that you are capable of moving on and doing better.

To leave without saying a word
To exit gracefully and silently, without making a scene.

You've got to learn to hide your sorrow
You must learn to conceal your pain and sadness.

And go on living as before
Resume your life as it was before the traumatic event or loss.

What good is thinking of tomorrow
What is the point of continuously worrying about the future?

Who knows what it may have in store
There is no way to predict what the future will hold.

You've got to learn to be much stronger
You must aim to become more resilient and tough.

At times your head must rule your heart
There are moments when your logic and reasoning should override your emotions.

You've got to learn from hard experience
Learn from your difficult experiences, and use them to grow and improve.

And listen to advice
Take heed of the guidance and wisdom of others.

And sometimes pay the price
At times, there are consequences to your actions and choices.

And learn to live with a broken heart
Come to terms with a loss or heartbreak and find a way to move on and live your life.