Remember

Reminiscing on memories of a different time

Same person different body, a different mind

If u cruise down country roads, I’ll tell u what you’d find

I remember my uncle growing his own fruit, making his own wine

I remember riding my bike across town, I had to be home before the sun went down

I remember momma wearing bedroom shoes and night gowns

U better not open ur mouth while grown folk talkin

Mommas right was quick but the backhand shockin

I left Carolina at 19, I wish u coulda seen what I seen,

I remember hand me downs & the flea market,

Reebok classics & starter jackets, & sassy was ratchet

I remember herringbones & 3 finger rings

I remember clear fingernail polish over fake chains

But I can’t remember how easily things change…

Where I’m from, it was football or da jailhouse

I remember dreamin of different ways out

Options I weighed out, mentally played out,

Needin a bailout before I crash out, make money so I can pass out

I remember apprehension accompanied by doubt

The fear of the unknown, trying to understand what hasn’t been revealed

Focused on what’s perceived real, while actuality is internally concealed,

Preparing u for new ordeals

If you’re solid these hard times provide substance to live, ur catalyst to give

I left Carolina at 19, I wish u coulda seen what I seen,

It wasn’t a disappointment but it wasn’t the dream,

Not quite a nightmare, but not what it seemed,

I left Carolina chasing fantasies & dreams

See what I seen

Momma I remember countless sacrifices, u made difficult choice after choice

I didn’t no u had options but u chose us,

I remember the first time I seen u cry,

Ironically it was when ur mom died,

I was wipin ur tears when granny went to the promised land

42 years later, my tears r being wiped & my daughters holdin my hand

Finally 42 year old tears makes sense & I understand

I wish u coulda seen what I seen

I remember ur eyes filling with tears the 1st time I said I do

After heartbreak, u stayed up late while I cried on the phone with u

U prayed 4 me too…the best of me is thanks to u

I left Carolina at 19, I wish u coulda seen what I seen,

It wasn’t a disappointment but it wasn’t the dream,

Not quite a nightmare, but not what it seemed,

I remember when most beef ended with knuckles,

You know, a beat by Dre, before Dre Day, the Dr from N.W.A.

I remember cassettes from New York, cuzzo got the new Ron G,

I member Fab 5 Freddie, Julie Brown, and DJ Kid Capri,

I remember always having family with me,

If it popped off, there’s 5 country cousins you didn’t see,

Remember the dances at the neighborhood center…u couldnt wait till they turned the lights off, the fast girls showed off, the fast girls showed off, while their boyfriends hopin to get their rocks off

Remember when family cook outs were the place to b

Do u remember hide & go get it,

So many lost innocence only 2 b ignored after he hit it,

I remember back then, sometimes I miss it

I left Carolina chasing fantasies and dreams

I left Carolina at 19

What i seen