(feat. Lula Dawit) [Akin:] Would you believe he once ran? Shy from wisdom, dodge man Thought 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 Find the 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 nigga need, fuck money Life's risky, can't live the life, police frisk me My drunk words have all worn a half glass of whiskey, tipsy Til tomorrow come, or yet its sorrow spun But you gotta find some beauty in illusion Losin, my religion find fate wit a beat I escape, destinies close gates Close gates, close gates, now open Hopin fate wait, fate wait It's time for change [Cise Star:] As days go by my world get colder I'm older, experience got my heart bolder Hold up, better days ahead that's what I hope fa There's beauty in the eyes of the beholder I told ya [repeat] Can you believe I once ran? But look at me now, beautiful child Resurrected from the section niggaz holdin me down Struggle through the puzzle of life, the pieces are found So even when I'm down, I 'm wearin the beautiful crown Smile, a new day dawned, a man moves on A brand new song, days are short but nights are long Searchin, trial by fire, life high on the wire Give me a piece of mind, I'm losin it like Mariah See, I over hope to come bringin it close So muthafucka 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 grass But a rose still grows from the rocks and outlasts Concrete slabs over the green grass But a rose still grows from the rocks and outlasts 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, be ready Move over, let's do it Let's do it, black people [Akin:] Would you believe she once ran? Birth of the child, but gave a damn Who was the father, I bother, understand Circumstance had her victim and caught in the grasp The punch drunk love got shorty playin 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 ain't shit funny see Love what a black girl need, fuck money Life's bitchy, can't let this bitch life ditch 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, (yeah, this is what life's about) Shout, shout (cuz this is what life's about) [Cise Star:] As days go by my world get colder I'm older, experience got my heart bolder Hold up, better days ahead that's what I hope fa There's beauty in the eyes of the beholder I told ya [repeat] Just be, who you are Trust me, we all, are superstars Like sheep we're not knowin The night we fight and we'd like to see Tomorrow again, please shine