Rise
I think on these things and I never hide
From what life bring throughout all the lies
Though it feels like no one's by my side
I rise despite
You need food for thought
I'm preparing a meal a savage in pursuit of
Happiness is never fulfilled
I don't glorify the ghetto I
Tell you the real
I'd rather write it in a song
Than in a letter from jail
Like Donald Goines you enjoy
My incredible tales
Resonate with those who walk similar paths
Your enemy has more honor than
A man in the mask
And familiar voice asking "where
Is the stash?"
The year Mike Jordan had career high scoring
I put it all together and realize money
Causes attention
Resentment a moral conviction
Even God calls him and exploit religion
Rappers tell you lies while
Glorifying the ghetto they never speak of
Mothers' inconsolable cries
So the oppressive aggression
Of those sworn to serve and protect us
Harm us, Sean Bell the martyr was a father
I think on these things and I never hide
From what life bring throughout all the lies
Though it feels like no one's by my side
I rise despite
We learn the hard way so the
Despair is what we know
Fixed incomes don't repair broken homes
Often fatherless though a man hold his own
And his driven momma gotta take
The wheel when he gone
Learn to cherish every meal on the stove
And the clothes she bought you
Though she couldn't afford to she did it
So you wouldn't have to conform to
The streets
And she wouldn't have to sit in no courtroom
When minorities compete against law degrees
For freedom accompanied by attorney fees
I'm up late thinking of
People in early graves
And how things changed since
They've been away
A new dawn approaches, a different day
In my book of life
Let's just fill the pages
I'm God-given, hear my praise
In the face of adversity my shield is faith
I think on these things and I never hide
From what life bring throughout all the lies
Though it feels like no one's by my side
I rise despite
There are many I reminisce
In the Lord's hands or system's grip
It's oppressive, a mental whip
Leaving deep scars, slavery still exists
These imperialists see imprisonment
As business
When the recession hit's, they recidivists
I ain't going back, only as a visitor
To see my people caught up in the pen
Want freedom but don't know
What it really is
A natural part of existing, not a privilege
Granted judicially they can
Shackle you mentally
When your mind's not confined
That’s when you're free
Yeah yeah i rise, I rise, I rise
I rise, I rise despite
I rise 'til I get home
