Rise - Cormega, Maya Azucena

I think on these things

And I never hide

From what life bring

Throughout all the lies

Though it feels like no one’s by my side

I rise

Despite

You need food for thought I’m preparing a meal

A savage in pursuit of happiness is never fulfilled

I don’t glorify the ghetto I tell you the real

I’d rather write it in a song than in a letter from jail

Like Donald Goines you enjoy my incredible tales

Resonate with those who walk similar paths

Your enemy has more honor than a man in the mask

And familiar voice asking «where is the stash?»

The year Mike Jordan had career high scoring

I put it all together and realize money

Causes attention, resentment a moral conviction

Even God calls him and exploit religion

Rappers tell you lies while glorifying the ghetto

They never speak of mothers' inconsolable cries

So the oppressive aggression of those sworn to serve and protect us

Harm us

Sean Bell the martyr was a father

I think on these things

And I never hide

From what life bring

Throughout all the lies

Though it feels like no one’s by my side

I rise

Despite

We learn the hard way so the despair is what we know

Fixed incomes don’t repair broken homes

Often fatherless though a man hold his own

And his driven momma gotta take the wheel when he gone

Learn to cherish every meal on the stove

And the clothes she bought you though she couldn’t afford to

She did it

So you wouldn’t have to conform to

The streets

And she wouldn’t have to sit in no courtroom

When my narraties compete against law degrees

For freedom accompanied by attorney fees

I’m up late thinking of people in early graves

And how things changed since they’ve been away

A new dawn approaches, a different day

In my book of life, let’s just fill the pages

I’m God-given, hear my praise

In the face of adversity my shield is faith

I think on these things

And I never hide

From what life bring

Throughout all the lies

Though it feels like no one’s by my side

I rise

Despite

There are many I reminisce

In the lord’s hands or system’s grip

It’s oppressive

A mental whip

Leaving deep scars, slavery still exists

These imperialists see imprisonment as business

When the recession hits, they recidivists

I ain’t going back, only as a visitor

To see my people caught up in the pen

Want freedom but don’t know what it really is

A natural part of existing, not a privilege

Granted judicially they can shackle you mentally

When your mind’s not confined that’s when you’re free

Yeah yeah

I rise (x5)

Despite

I rise ‘till I get home