Substantial - Exposition lyrics

HOOK (2x) The past is always present in the future VERSE Do remember, I am a true descendant Of people who were stolen and traded all for the riches But I can't play the victim, I'm told to just forget it While they dwell on 9-11 and celebrate independence But I'm suppose to clear my memory of all the lynching sh**, I cringe at the thought of giving my daughter whippings Plus I see the name that owned my family every time I write a check So how the f** am I s‘posed to forget When we ain't safe in churches or even when we comply The ones paid to protect us are making sure that we die They say we k** ourselves we still cheat and we rob But what's that have to do with these cops doing their job And if you really cared ‘bout the welfare of my people You'd make sure that the schools for all children were equal Fear competition so they had to rig the game Scared if we catch up that we'd do their a** the same Know they deserve it, but they ask what would Jesus do Bet my bottom dollar he wouldn't be down with you He was the wrong shade, you'd probably do'em the same Shoot'em seven times while tryin to give his name Right in front of his kids, body with the chrome Labeled a threat when all he tried to do is get'em home All I'm saying, a future minus our past can never exist Y'all make sure your baby listen to this! Wake'em up! HOOK (2x)The past is always present in the future (2x)The past [Born a King] is [Raised a slave] always [n******gs to Gods] present in the future [Cradle to grave] Born a King. Raised a slave n******gs to Gods. Cradle to grave Shall be redeemed. We shall be praised Never will scars outweigh our grace!