(feat. GangStarr)



[Intro/Chorus: Guru]

Yo, you suckers is playin a role

You niggaz is out of control

This world could swallow you whole

The evil could snatch your soul



[Guru]

Yo nigga put the gun away, or you get done away

If not today there'll be a bullet for you one day

The gunplay used to be the forte

As a youth, bustin shots off the roof for horseplay

But once you get a glimpse of the shots, flyin at you

You think about the possibility of dying and that's true

You won't be stressin the gun my son

You'll be askin the Lord for a chance, just one

Trials and tribulations, critical situations

Read it in revelations, check the configuration

They poison our population no matter your occupation

No matter your congregation, this is a troubled nation



[Chorus x2]



[Guru]

I've seen the worst of the worst, I've seen the best of the best

Seems like the weight of the world is ridin on my chest

A universal pain, my soul has absorbed

Don't respect no phonies, don't pay attention to frauds

The Lord only knows the depths of my sorrow

And some don't follow because their brains are hollow

So swallow these words and observe the signs

Yo turbulent times, are distrubin the minds

of the youth, and ghetto life, is the proof

The only skills that's taught, is how to cock and to shoot

Poverty crack guns, hustlers stack ones

Take money is the motto cause we all lack funds



[Chorus x2]



[Guru]

Nobody owes you nuttin so you better get yours

My desire flows like sweat, from my open pores

My sores heal, but still the scars remain

A lot of niggaz gonna feel, much more pain

But yo I guess that's life, it don't make things right

Been through a lot of fights, cause ignorance makes me uptight

And cats be thinkin, that us rappers ain't real

And other cats be thinkin street life is all about steel

Some of this may be, but yo, look in my face

Cause can't none of y'all bitches ever stand in my place

Pop the Remi, some for L, Tah, 'Pac and Biggie

Really?  Niggaz wanna stop the jiggy?

Fuck a willie, still you know you gots to dig me

The city, rotten to the core, no pity

The crowds roar, scavengers are out to get me

I wanna live, I'm tryin hard to stay positive



[Chorus x2]



[Primo scratches]

"Brother do the math.." ".. stay alive.." ".. it's alright!"