Yeah
Used to ball on a budget, now the budget need a GoFundMe
Everything high — except my paycheck, that’s ugly
Man I walked in the store just to grab me some eggs
Saw the price, hit a stutter-step, broke both legs
Cart looking skinny like it’s doing keto
Two bags deep, still cost me a C-note
Milk went up, bread went up
Gas so high I’m riding shotgun in my own truck
Dollar menu? That’s a folklore myth
Now it’s “$3.89” plus tax and a tip
I remember five bucks filled half a tank
Now five bucks get you fumes and a prayer at the bank
Rent due? That’s a horror flick
Landlord smiling like he just hit a lick
Utility bill looking like a phone number
AC off — now I’m sweating through the summer
Trying to grill but the steak too steep
So we barbecuing hot dogs cut in half this week
Inflation nation, my wallet on vacation
Every time I blink, prices jump a generation
Used to swipe calm, now I hesitate
Tap my card praying it don’t say “insufficient” straight
Inflation nation, math ain’t mathing
I need a side hustle for my side hustle’s gas and
Laugh so I don’t cry at the register line
Used to buy steak — now it’s ramen time
Went out to eat, that was bold of me
Menu prices looking like a sold-out show to me
Fifteen bucks for a burger and fries?
For that price it better sing lullabies
Subscription stacking like a Jenga tower
Streaming, gym, cloud space, data power
Cancel one? They raise another
Feels like bills multiplying undercover
Car note high, insurance higher
Breathing too deep probably cost me a wire
“Convenience fee” for convenience? Wow
I’m paying extra just to pay right now
Grocery aisle doing mental gymnastics
Generic brand drip — financially elastic
Name brand? That’s a luxury flex
I’m rocking “Toasted O’s” instead of Chex
Even fast food acting five-star fancy
Drive-thru price got me driving off antsy
App said “deal!” I clicked with hope
Still paid thirty bucks for fries and a Coke
Inflation nation, my wallet on probation
Every checkout beep sound like an accusation
Used to live large, now I calculate
If I buy this cheese, can I afford my fate?
Inflation nation, jokes but it’s tragic
Bank account disappearing like it’s doing black magic
Laugh through the pain, crack jokes on the grind
If broke was a sport, I’m ahead by a mile
(Bridge – rapid fire)
Gas up — stress up
Rent up — debt up
Eggs up — bread up
Everything up except my check stub
Sale sign? That’s cap
“Rollback” still a trap
Buy one get one free
But the first one triple-taxed
So I’m budgeting tight like a drumline snap
Coupon king with a barcode app
Flipping loose change like I’m making it rain
But it’s pennies and nickels — economic pain
We gon’ hustle, we adapt, we survive
Making memes just to keep hope alive
If laughing free, that’s the plan I choose
‘Cause humor don’t come with a processing fee bruise
Yeah
Cost of living wild but we still out here
Fast-paced life in the price-hike year
If rich is a dream, I’m hitting snooze
‘Til groceries stop acting like luxury shoes
ConcreteHalo
