World's A Pen'
Incarcerated Reflections: Life's Bars and Humanity's Struggles
Lyrics
What’s my sin I asked god can I repent
Expressing introspection about personal wrongdoing and seeking repentance from God.
He said naw I’m full of flaws but still in all I was sent
Acknowledging personal flaws but recognizing a divine purpose in being sent to address societal issues.
To shed light upon the plight of WorldStar and ratchet fights
Highlighting the problems associated with platforms like WorldStar and the glorification of confrontational fights.
And young ladies thinking that maybe losing their clothes will be alright
Commenting on the misguided belief that exposing oneself might bring temporary acceptance or validation.
We’re just living for the moment ain’t no future that we’re focused on
Emphasizing a present-focused lifestyle without consideration for the future.
Money over EVERYTHANG I know that y’all done heard the song
Reflecting the prioritization of money over everything, referencing a familiar song.
Is it wrong or is it people driven up outta necessity
Questioning whether certain actions are driven by necessity or personal choice.
To put it in the pot whip it water and the recipe
Describing the illicit process of preparing drugs with a metaphorical reference to cooking.
And Texas be hating on ya waiting soon as you rock it up
Noting hostility from Texas, possibly in the context of drug-related activities.
Forgetting that they got a key and it's fitting the cell soon as they lock you up
Warning against forgetting the consequences, particularly imprisonment, in illegal activities.
They got you but we all know somebody that’s on paper
Acknowledging the prevalence of individuals under legal supervision (on probation or parole).
Gone and do your time man it’s getting greater later
Encouraging individuals to endure their legal consequences as it will lead to better opportunities in the future.
Ramen noodles eating spreads outside they’re do the same
Depicting the shared experiences of incarcerated individuals, such as eating ramen noodles and makeshift spreads.
Only difference is in there you’ve got a number for a name
Highlighting the dehumanizing aspect of incarceration, reducing individuals to numbers.
FreeWorld is no bars but the people still scarred
Contrasting life outside bars (FreeWorld) with the enduring psychological scars of the struggle.
‘Cause the struggle’s really real man my people got it hard
Emphasizing the harsh reality faced by the speaker's community.
I did eight years flat without no commissary
Personal experience of serving eight years in prison without receiving financial support.
But they call me “O.G.” it’s like I’m the very
Despite hardships, being recognized as an "O.G." or original gangster.
Same thang they try to be but that won’t make ‘em great
Rejecting imitation as a path to greatness.
The world is a pen but we can’t see that we’re some inmates
Metaphorically viewing the world as a pen, suggesting a lack of freedom or agency.
Taking penitentiary chances just to eat again
Taking serious risks, possibly illegal, for survival and sustenance.
Ain't no photos from my friends it’s like the walls are caving in
Feeling isolated, with no communication or support from friends (no photos).
Said a short prayer something like""Jesus wept""
Making a desperate plea or acknowledgment of a challenging situation with a reference to "Jesus wept."
We one-we two-we three and we FOUR STEP
Referencing a group or community (we one, we two, we three, we four step) in a unified struggle.
When I say pen it ain’t nothing that you’re writing with
Clarifying that "pen" refers not to writing but to the prison environment.
Excitement is shanks and chalky drank and all them fighting sticks
Defining excitement within the prison context as violence and the use of improvised weapons.
In light of this I’m up at the pantry I'm getting me a food box
Describing the speaker's need to access a food box from the pantry due to limited resources.
To get it free see people lining up for two blocks
Observing the desperation of people waiting in line for basic necessities.
Bills breaking us down plus the pandemic
Facing challenges from bills and the additional burden of the pandemic.
Got us doing time living like a planned sentence
Comparing life to a planned sentence, implying a lack of control over circumstances.
A few of us floating a cumulus cloud over our decisions
Reflecting on personal decisions with a metaphor involving a cumulus cloud.
Plotting escapes or a break from this prison
Considering options for escape or liberation from the metaphorical prison of life's challenges.
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