[Intro]
They said I’d fail, just a kid with a view
Told me, “Grow up, that won’t help you”
Dreams in my hands, they tore in two
Now the world eats off the things I used to do
[Verse 1]
Used to draw faces, fill notebooks fast
Cartoons, logos — said it wouldn’t last
Banged on desks, built beats in class
But they told me, “That won’t get you cash”
Filmed little skits, posted for fun
Wrote my own stories, shared ‘em with none
They said, “It’s cute, but get real soon”
So I boxed my passion and changed my tune
[Pre-Chorus]
Now I see kids livin’ the dream
Doing the things that once fueled me
Hard to watch, but it’s not new
They’re winning with the things I used to do
[Chorus]
Things I used to do, now they gettin’ paid
For every song, every sketch I made
Told me stop, said it wouldn't last
Now they run with what I left in the past
Things I used to do, now they call it gold
While I was told to do what I’m told
I gave it up to follow their cue
Now they shine off the things I used to do
[Verse 2]
Used to freestyle, write rhymes alone
Recorded hooks on a cracked up phone
Sewed my own tees, had style and name
They laughed and said, “That’s just a game”
Tried dance moves, taught myself how
Made flips go viral before it was allowed
They shook their heads, made me feel small
So I stepped back and let it all fall
[Pre-Chorus]
Now I scroll and it’s all right there
What I gave up is now everywhere
It’s not hate, it’s just the view
Of the world loving what I used to do
[Chorus]
Things I used to do, now they gettin’ paid
For every song, every sketch I made
Told me stop, said it wouldn't last
Now they run with what I left in the past
Things I used to do, now they call it gold
While I was told to do what I’m told
I gave it up to follow their cue
Now they shine off the things I used to do
[Verse 3]
I made beats from mouth, no gear, no guide
Built small brands they all denied
Scripts, designs, music and flair
They said, “Forget it, nobody cares”
So I buried it all, followed the plan
Now it’s all poppin’ in someone else’s hand
Can't go back, but I still feel
That everything I dropped was real
[Pre-Chorus]
Now I tell kids, “Hold on tight”
What they shame today might change your life
Don’t let go 'cause they laugh at you
I lived that pain — I know it’s true
[Chorus]
Things I used to do, now they gettin’ paid
For every song, every sketch I made
Told me stop, said it wouldn't last
Now they run with what I left in the past
Things I used to do, now they call it gold
While I was told to do what I’m told
I gave it up to follow their cue
Now they shine off the things I used to do
[Outro]
So dream your dream and make it through
Don’t let 'em kill the things you do
carltheboss101
