[Verse 1] 41 shots And we'll take that ride Across this bloody river To the other side 41 shots Cut through the night You're kneeling over his body in the vestibule Praying for his life [Pre-Chorus] Well, is it a gun? Is it a knife Is it a wallet? This is your life It isn't no secret (It is no secret) No secret my friend You can get k**ed just for living in your American skin [Chorus] 41 shots 41 shots 41 shots 41 shots [Verse 2] 41 shots Lena gets her son ready for school She says, "On these streets, Charles You've got to understand the rules If an officer stops you Promise me you'll always be polite And that you'll never ever run away Promise Mama you'll keep your hands in sight" [Chorus] [Pre-Chorus] [Verse 3] 41 shots And we'll take that ride Across this bloody river To the other side 41 shots I got my boots caked in this mud Baptized in these waters (we're baptized in these waters) And in each other's blood (and in each other's blood) [Pre-Chorus]