[Verse 1]
Modesto heat on the pavement
Parklawn got that weight on it
South side boys at the corner store
Watchin' every face that came on it
Phony mouths talk loud, then fold
When the day gets mean and cold
Too many kids grew up too fast
Seen that same hard road unfold
[Pre-Chorus]
I seen pride turn to ashes
Seen the block turn on its own
If you livin' for the chaos
You might end up all alone
[Chorus]
Parklawn, keep your head low
Parklawn, let the truth show
Middle of the day, that fear talk loud
Parklawn, don't chase that smoke
Parklawn, don't play that role
One wrong move and the whole thing goes down
[Verse 2]
Heard them rumors in the wash
Heard them tires on the curb
Everybody got a story
But the fake ones lose they nerve
Mama cryin' through the screen door
Little ones watchin' from inside
Ain't no glory in the sirens
When your brothers keep their pride
[Pre-Chorus]
I seen pride turn to ashes
Seen the block turn on its own
If you livin' for the chaos
You might end up all alone
[Chorus]
Parklawn, keep your head low
Parklawn, let the truth show
Middle of the day, that fear talk loud
Parklawn, don't chase that smoke
Parklawn, don't play that role
One wrong move and the whole thing goes down
[Bridge]
Too many names on the wall now
Too many mothers hold pain now
If you want out, take the hard road
Live to see another day now
[Chorus]
Parklawn, keep your head low
Parklawn, let the truth show
Middle of the day, that fear talk loud
Parklawn, don't chase that smoke
Parklawn, don't play that role
One wrong move and the whole thing goes down