Really Real Out Here

[Chorus]

Mama, pray for me please, I'm going outside

I'll be on the corner where my father died

I just hope my honor isn't compromised

It's the only thing I own

Mama, stay for me please until I'm grown

I can't face the troubles of this world alone

A world up where they only wanna make you known

Such a heavy cross to bear, it's really real out there

[Verse 1: Black Thought]

Yo, yo I could still hear my mother's voice

Telling me what to do if I don't have another choice

To never give thе devil a reason he should rеjoice

You better than the ignorant heathen, so kill the noise

I've been down on my luck 'til I was rail-thin

I slid way out of touch into a tailspin, but I could tell you this much

Your reflexes come through in the clutch

As long as you don't ever fail them

Ayo, my moms used to make beds and vacuum

And pick up dirty towels in hotel bathrooms

I used to hear my stomach rumbling in the classroom

I used to wish I could run up and pull a fast move

Remember listening to Marley sing the belly full

When you shivering where you stand, they can tell you're cold

Sometimes you might have to crease, but just never fold

And if you sing for your supper, never sell your soul,  it's really real out there

[Chorus]

Mama, pray for me please, I'm going outside

I'll be on the corner where my father died

I just hope my honor isn't compromised

It's the only thing I own

Mama, stay for me please until I'm grown

I can't face the troubles of this world alone

A world up where they only wanna make you known

Such a heavy cross to bear, it's really real out there

[Verse 2: Common]

Mama, you wasn't privy to the shit we did

The drama of a gritty inner-city kid

The karma of the half-moons and pyramids

Gang life at the crib is inherited

'Cause when the shots'll lick off, you knew I could get picked off

For you to lose your only son would truly be a big loss

You kept me into sports and my thoughts on higher learning

On Reverend Wright sermons, a Black Christ returning

Desires burning, I was yearning for them thick girls

You dropped gems and quick pearls, said "Rash, there's a big world

For you to dance in, sing in, dream in it

Any room you enter, just be a king in it"

Back then it seemed vintage, I kept a team image

It's rules to this game, me and my team scrimmage

Now I see Bennet and the hood in a different way

My life's a gift I won't give away

[Chorus]

Mama, pray for me please, I'm going outside

I'll be on the corner where my father died

I just hope my honor isn't compromised

It's the only thing I own

Mama, stay for me please until I'm grown

I can't face the troubles of this world alone

A world up where they only wanna make you known

Such a heavy cross to bear, it's really real out there