*(Chorus)*
I was lost in the struggle, heart full of pain,
Seen my brothers fall, couldn’t take the rain.
Mama told me, "Boy, you gon’ make it out,"
Now I’m spittin’ my truth, let the pain come out.
I was trapped in the cycle, the streets had a hold,
But the music saved my soul, now my story’s told.
For Jamal and my mama, I’m screamin’ their names,
Turned my tears into fire, now I’m winnin’ the game.
*(Verse 1)*
I was just a kid, pops dipped, left us alone,
Mama workin’ doubles, tryna make our house a home.
But the streets was callin’, I was lookin’ for a way,
Found a family in the gang, but it cost me to stay.
Seen my homies locked up, seen ‘em bleed on the pavement,
Every loss hit harder, couldn’t fight the enslavement.
Then my lil’ brother Jamal, he got caught in the fire,
Held him in my arms, watched his dreams expire.
He said, "Marcus, don’t let me go," I still hear his voice,
Every night I close my eyes, I ain’t got no choice.
Mama’s heart gave out, couldn’t take no more pain,
Now I’m standin’ here alone, tryna break these chains.
*(Chorus)*
I was lost in the struggle, heart full of pain,
Seen my brothers fall, couldn’t take the rain.
Mama told me, "Boy, you gon’ make it out,"
Now I’m spittin’ my truth, let the pain come out.
I was trapped in the cycle, the streets had a hold,
But the music saved my soul, now my story’s told.
For Jamal and my mama, I’m screamin’ their names,
Turned my tears into fire, now I’m winnin’ the game.
*(Verse 2)*
I was drownin’ in the darkness, couldn’t see no light,
Till I heard that melody cut through the night.
Neighbor playin’ guitar, it was soft, it was pure,
Felt somethin’ in my chest, like a key to the door.
Dug out that old keyboard, mama’s last gift to me,
Started playin’ through the pain, found my destiny.
Every note was a tear, every chord was a scream,
Turned my hell into a hymn, made my nightmares dream.
Wrote songs ‘bout my brother, ‘bout my mama’s fight,
‘Bout the friends I lost to the cold, dark night.
Now I’m standin’ on this stage, with my heart in my hands,
Tellin’ y’all my story, hopin’ you understand.
The streets tried to break me, but I’m stronger than before,
Every scar on my soul, I wear ‘em with pride, for sure.
This for the lost ones, the ones who ain’t here,
I’m just tryna make ‘em proud, let their voices be clear.
*(Chorus)*
I was lost in the struggle, heart full of pain,
Seen my brothers fall, couldn’t take the rain.
Mama told me, "Boy, you gon’ make it out,"
Now I’m spittin’ my truth, let the pain come out.
I was trapped in the cycle, the streets had a hold,
But the music saved my soul, now my story’s told.
For Jamal and my mama, I’m screamin’ their names,
Turned my tears into fire, now I’m winnin’ the game.
