Back Alley Chess

I came in with a dented crown

Shoes got mud from the brown brick town

Pay phone dead, still I make my rounds

Small room, big talk, I don't back down

Mama said, "Boy, keep both hands clean"

But rent got sharp, and the night got mean

I learned quick where the weak ones lean

Where a smile can hide a whole routine

I don't fold when the floor gives way

I move slick through the break of day

Cold coffee, same coat, same lane

Still I write my name in the windowpane

Count my scars like change

Still I don't break

Stack that weight on me

I still make space

Back alley chess

I move, I move

Back alley chess

What you gonna do?

Back alley chess

I don't lose my cool

Back alley chess

I play by the rules

Corner store glow on a cracked glass shelf

Old man nod like he know himself

Kids on the stoop with the busted belt

Talking too loud like the whole block felt

I seen friends turn fast for a cheap gold shine

Seen pride get sold on a hard-up line

Seen a good day's work get split in mine

So I keep my word and I keep my spine

No grand stage, just a hard brick floor

Every "yes" got a "what for" after more

Every door got a chain and a hidden score

Still I came through like I came before

Count my scars like change

Still I don't break

Stack that weight on me

I still make space

Back alley chess

I move, I move

Back alley chess

What you gonna do?

Back alley chess

I don't lose my cool

Back alley chess

I play by the rules

When the room go quiet, I hear my name

Not the one they call, but the one I claim

Made from scrape marks, sweat, and flame

If I lose one round, I learn the game

Back alley chess

I move, I move

Back alley chess

What you gonna do?

Back alley chess

I don't lose my cool

Back alley chess

I play by the rules