[Verse 1]
Mama kept the light on
I kept the plate full
Ran with my chest tight
Trying to stay cool
Corner boys talk slick
I seen what that leads to
One foot in the mud
One eye on the east view
Little brother need shoes
Little sister need books
I learned how to count pain
By the look in they looks
I was out on that block
Trying to dodge that hook
Now I write these names down
Like a man with a plan should
[Pre-Chorus]
I bled for the table
I prayed for the door
I gave up the night
So they could want more
If I take one more hit
Then I take one less fall
I ain't chasing that life
I'm escaping it all
[Chorus]
For my family
I paid that price
For my family
I changed my life
From them streets
To a safer place
For my family
I made a way
For my family
I paid that price
For my family
I changed my life
No more running
No more shame
For my family
I said their names
[Verse 2]
I seen old friends fold up
On the same cold corner
Seen a good man vanish
Over pride and a warning
I could've been next up
Locked in that orbit
But I kept my head down
And I kept my porch lit
Took the long road home
With my hands all tired
Every scar on my back
Got my house one wire
Now the table got laughs
And the fridge got food
I don't need a block story
Just a life we grew
[Pre-Chorus]
I bled for the table
I prayed for the door
I gave up the night
So they could want more
If I take one more hit
Then I take one less fall
I ain't chasing that life
I'm escaping it all
[Chorus]
For my family
I paid that price
For my family
I changed my life
From them streets
To a safer place
For my family
I made a way
For my family
I paid that price
For my family
I changed my life
No more running
No more shame
For my family
I said their names
[Bridge]
I don't miss the sirens
I don't miss the smoke
I miss being young
But I won't lose hope
Every chain I broke
Turned into a key
Now my son's got peace
That was made by me
[Chorus]
For my family
I paid that price
For my family
I changed my life
From them streets
To a safer place
For my family
I made a way
For my family
I paid that price
For my family
I changed my life
No more running
No more shame
For my family
I said their names