[Verse 1: Akin]
Would you believe he once ran?
Shy from wisdom, dodge man
Heard he was up to no good but understand
Circumstance had him victim and caught in his grasp
But he was eager to blame, shame avoided his path—at last
Finding pleasure in pain, he feared change
He can't stay sober ‘cause he can't cope with sane
Now he can't call it—twenty-one years an alcoholic
Aim's what a young n***a need—f** money
Life risky. Can't let the life, police frisk me
My drunk words have all worn a half gla** of whiskey, tipsy
‘Til tomorrow come, or yet its sorrow spun
But you gotta find some beauty in illusion—losing
My religion, found fate—with a beat, I escape destiny's close gates
Closed gates, closed gates. Now open
Hoping fate wait, fate wait. It's time for change
[Hook: Akin] (x2)
As days go by, my world get colder
I'm older, experienced, got my heart bolder
Hold up. Better days ahead—that's what I hope for
There's beauty in the eyes of the beholder—I told ya
[Verse 2: Cise Star]
Can you believe I once ran?
But look at me now, beautiful child
Resurrected from the section n***as holding me down
Struggle through the puzzle of life, the pieces are found
So even when I'm down, I'm wearing the beautiful crown—smile
A new day dawned, a man moves on
A brand new song. Days are short but nights are long. Searching
Trial by fire, life high on the wire
Give me a piece of mind. I'm losing it like Mariah, see
Eye beholder come bringing it close
So, muthaf**a, you know my soul remains older
Stronger than anything, accomplish many things
The truth is the answer—my wisdom is everything
Concrete slabs over the green gra**
But a rose still grows from the rocks and outlasts
Concrete slabs over the green gra**
But a rose still grows from the rocks and outlasts
[Interlude: Akin]
Let's do it, black people
We wanna know life. How's ya's like?
Just do right and be good
Take over, get on it
Live your life, get power
And unite. We ready
Move over, let's do it
Let's do it, black people
[Verse 3: Akin]
Would you believe she once ran?
Birthed a child, but gave a damn
Who was the father? Why bother? Understand
Circumstance had her victim and caught in the grasp
The punch-drunk love got shorty playing the task of
Mom and pop, but he was a rolling stone
He couldn't stay home (From cell blocks, he phones home)
Damn. Now aingt sh** funny, see
Love's what a black girl need—f** money
Life's b**hy. Can't let this b**h life b**h me
Her baby came first—she neglected the system like
"I raised my child. Just look at his beautiful smile
We gotta make it together through the pain and trials
The day will come ‘cause night can't embrace the sun
It shine so bright y'all afraid to come
Out, out (And this is what life's about)
Shout, shout (‘Cause this is what life's about)”
[Hook: Akin] (x2)
As days go by, my world get colder
I'm older, experienced, got my heart bolder
Hold up. Better days ahead—that's what I hope for
There's beauty in the eyes of the beholder—I told ya