[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