[Verse 1] Don't quit the piano f** working on your Handel Smoke papers, recognize you really can't save n***as '04, remain seated after Tim's fadeaway against the Lakers Learn to fight, write, then rewrite When they say "revolution", don't believe the hype Go see PE live that night Don't talk business around GG and Black Mike Matter fact, keep them dudes in the corner of your eyesight Avoid DC when you graduate. Better yet, graduate degree And say something to your father before he leaves That's the last time you'll ever see him And that's not a lot of money, fam, that's a couple G's And I probably don't need to tell you this, but ride clean When she asks you straight up, say what you mean It's never as bad as it looks or as good as it seems Protect your mother Even though he won't listen, tell Ko, "THEM DUDES IS UNDERCOVERS!" Kiss Summer. Your time's short. Build forts Steel doors reinforced in a world full of sore losers and bad sports It's always the away games. Stay with home court Forgive bitter battles fought Tell your sister you miss her from the heart Sip tea in '83 with terrible men War in the air as you play with your friends Enjoy it while you can [Hook] You already know. (x8) [Verse 2] Rappers are f**ing idiots Nah, that's not a knock on they brilliance You don't need the extra cheese on that Sicilian Steer clear of simpleton Your cla** valedictorian won't be the first to touch a million But you won't either, and that's okay Great Escape. Remember the look on your mother's face when you left She was right. You weren't ready. Live your life Pops quiet in your corner. Hold him closer Learn to work with your hand. Secure a plan Peep how most women are often broken Hopes and dreams alone won't cut it Love for s**as. You in luck with strangers Before they slap the cuffs tight, please control your anger Black boy born with a balled fist. That's a hard kid Never got the hype, but his balls big Got a good crew. Keep your word bond At twelve, kissed your first blonde That story never made it past your lawn And yours didn't, either. Michelle may have loved you Tree is truly a keeper. Folks feel at ease when you smile Adrienne's child. Radiant. Proud Speak your mind. Shine blind on the shadiest Quit being so goddamn lazy. Cowards quick to call you crazy Even when it's free, it ain't free Most won't measure up to what you need them to be Water under bridges Save a little extra paying for your last two semesters Beer's not for breakfast. Groggy session Endless loops induce reflection 90 on the FDR Sun, moon, and stars breaking through fog at the same time Rays cut like gla** shards. Spar harder It's all honor [Hook]