| I think on these things
|
| And I never hide
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| From what life bring
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| Throughout all the lies
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| Though it feels like no one’s by my side
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| I rise
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| Despite
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| You need food for thought I’m preparing a meal
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| A savage in pursuit of happiness is never fulfilled
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| I don’t glorify the ghetto I tell you the real
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| I’d rather write it in a song than in a letter from jail
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| Like Donald Goines you enjoy my incredible tales
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| Resonate with those who walk similar paths
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| Your enemy has more honor than a man in the mask
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| And familiar voice asking «where is the stash?»
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| The year Mike Jordan had career high scoring
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| I put it all together and realize money
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| Causes attention, resentment a moral conviction
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| Even God calls him and exploit religion
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| Rappers tell you lies while glorifying the ghetto
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| They never speak of mothers' inconsolable cries
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| So the oppressive aggression of those sworn to serve and protect us
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| Harm us
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| Sean Bell the martyr was a father
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| I think on these things
|
| And I never hide
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| From what life bring
|
| Throughout all the lies
|
| Though it feels like no one’s by my side
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| I rise
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| Despite
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| We learn the hard way so the despair is what we know
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| Fixed incomes don’t repair broken homes
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| Often fatherless though a man hold his own
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| And his driven momma gotta take the wheel when he gone
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| Learn to cherish every meal on the stove
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| And the clothes she bought you though she couldn’t afford to
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| She did it
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| So you wouldn’t have to conform to
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| The streets
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| And she wouldn’t have to sit in no courtroom
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| When my narraties compete against law degrees
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| For freedom accompanied by attorney fees
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| I’m up late thinking of people in early graves
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| And how things changed since they’ve been away
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| A new dawn approaches, a different day
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| In my book of life, let’s just fill the pages
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| I’m God-given, hear my praise
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| In the face of adversity my shield is faith
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| I think on these things
|
| And I never hide
|
| From what life bring
|
| Throughout all the lies
|
| Though it feels like no one’s by my side
|
| I rise
|
| Despite
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| There are many I reminisce
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| In the lord’s hands or system’s grip
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| It’s oppressive
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| A mental whip
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| Leaving deep scars, slavery still exists
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| These imperialists see imprisonment as business
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| When the recession hits, they recidivists
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| I ain’t going back, only as a visitor
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| To see my people caught up in the pen
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| Want freedom but don’t know what it really is
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| A natural part of existing, not a privilege
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| Granted judicially they can shackle you mentally
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| When your mind’s not confined that’s when you’re free
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| Yeah yeah
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| I rise (x5)
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| Despite
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| I rise ‘till I get home |