[Verse 1: L-FRESH The LION]
I've performed on many stages from community shows to TV
I've been in front of thousands and been on big screens globally
And I've gotta be honest, I've never once felt stage fright
But there's been a few times where I've frozen from what I've seen beyond the stage lights
The looks, laughs and jokes sometimes pull me down
Coz they judge me and think they've figured me out before I open my mouth
As I flip these stereotypes, don't think that I can't see you
As I'm gripping this mic and holding it tight, don't think that I can't hear you
And if you tell me it's a joke again I'll no longer be a listener
Try living in a home where every day you're made to feel like a visitor
I've been patient many times but maybe I haven't tried enough
Maybe I should lighten up or maybe I just ain't white enough
Now tell me, wouldn't that phase you too?
I know that look, this ain't a zoo, what do I look like to you?
I'm not here for your amusement or here for you to abuse me
I'm an entertainer but to me this is so much more than music
Realise these are my insides that I'm pouring out
My heart's felt so much pain there's been times I've almost tore it out
And whilst I'm tryna change minds through rhymes when I'm performing now
I'm also trying to find my piece of peace, isn't that what war's about?
Nah, this fighting won't make it better
So I smile in defeat, walk away in retreat and stamp it like a letter
So tell me, where do the fed up end up when everything is through?
Who knows, but as I reach the exit, I keep my cool
[Chorus (repeat): L-FRESH The LION]
Breathe in
Breathe out
Be cool
[Verse 2: L-FRESH The LION]
Some battles aren't worth fighting, that's on my mind when-
I'm standing in line, awaiting a ride at this taxi stand
Reflecting on the show, I hope the crowd understood what I was there for
Removing doubts in my mind, as we pull up at the airport
It's all cool till security comes along while I'm waiting
And I get pulled aside from the queue, that's another random interrogation
There's countless examples like this, I couldn't add it up
It's like they enjoy playing with you just when you think you've had enough
Ever wonder what's like to feel caged like a prisoner
But when no crime has been committed and innocence must be proven
Coz guilt has been administered and when you're in need of witnesses
To have your back and clear your name, there's no one around to witness this
Sometimes it feels like it is futile
I can speak to thousands but my voice still gets treated like a child's
I ain't playing no more, I can no longer mess with this game
Don't even get me started with the looks I get when I step on this plane
Damn, just when I thought I saw the end of it
I take my seat and a deep breath before I begin to reflect again
This doesn't compare to the cards my ancestors were dealt
And that reminds me though, I don't just represent myself
In an industry where most strive for differentiation, I was gifted it
And knowing I was born to stand out, it makes me lift again
So I smile in victory and stand for what's true
When I close my eyes I prepare for tomorrow and keep my cool
[Chorus: L-FRESH The LION]