[Chorus: KRS-One] Get up! What we slowin down for? Pick it up, pick it up, pick it up, pick it up, pick it up! We got a whole nation to restore Pick it up, pick it up, pick it up, pick it up, pick it up! We gotta really love each other more Pick it up, pick it up, pick it up, pick it up, pick it up! When you see my CD in the store Pick it up, pick it up, pick it up, pick it up, pick it up!
[KRS-One:] It's the teacher, class is open G Let's get open on the concept of votin, we Begin the discussion by viewin democracy People power, a people ruled philosophy Democracy is a system of government Where the whole population is the sum of it Where the goverment can't move without it's people Where before the law everybody's equal But take a look at the police and how they treat you Take a look at these corporations that cheat you Democrats and Republicans are all see-through Now we votin for the lesser of two evils Man, don't let 'em deceive you This is an autocracy, not a democracy But to call this a democracy without mock interest In the laws of society, that's called hypocrisy!
[Chorus]
[KRS-One:] Democracy only happened one time In European history, now keep this in mind It was practiced in Athens overseas In 508 B.C. by Cleisthenes Citizens would get together on a hillside And decide how and if they was gonna ride But in 322 B.C. here's what happened Alexander of Macedon conquered Athens And that was the end of democracy Where the people had a say in their society Today, we gotta get more knowledge And learn about the function of the electorial college It doesn't matter who you vote for today The electorial college has the last say But that's another day, here's what I came to say RIIIIISE UP~!
[Chorus]
[KRS-One:] In corporate sponsored elections, who's winning? This the wrong direction from the beginning Every candidate got scandal, they all sinnin Tryin to convince you, tellin you what they been in But the real issues, they get avoided While our children still gettin exploited Heh, they call me Blastmaster Kris Edutainment, that's what my tactic is! Some criticize Kris, some laugh at Kris But you can't say Kris is not an activist Social justice, I got a PASSION for this Cause equal rights we still ASKIN for this? So when I do my tours it's not just rappin for Kris I'm givin you more than gun packin with this I'm openin doors, you should be askin 'bout this You listenin to them whores and them capitalists They game is tight, got you trapped into this It won't be long before the ring you like have to kiss That's why I'm a activist I help people not to get trapped in this The temptation? You gettin wrapped in this So get up, stop sittin like a PACIFIST Pick it up, pick it up, pick it up, PICK IT UP, PICK IT UP~!