Survive
Survive: Resilience in the Face of Injustice
Lyrics
You don't know where I've been
You are unaware of the experiences I've faced.
You don't know the pain that I've been through
You are unfamiliar with the pain and challenges I've endured.
Walk around inside my skin
Empathy is encouraged; try to understand my perspective.
And watch all of the judgement they gone show you
Witness the judgment and criticism that others readily display.
You don't know what I had to do to survive
Emphasizes the repeated theme of the undisclosed struggles and actions taken for survival.
You don't know what I had to do to survive
-You don't know what I had to do to survive
-A black man working hard to stay alive
Highlights the additional challenges faced by a black man striving to survive.
They say this the land of the free
Raises questions about the proclaimed freedom and bravery in the supposed land of opportunity.
Ain't this suppose to be the home of the brave
-Why you tryna chain me down
Expresses frustration about attempts to restrict and undermine, especially when standing up for oneself.
And kick me down when I stand up to the plate
-I won't let em take control
Declares resistance against external control and a commitment to maintaining personal integrity.
I won't ever sell my soul no no
-The devil tryna get a hold on me
Describes the constant struggle against negative influences and pressures.
Really tryna take a toll on me
-As I walk through the valley In the shadow of death
References challenging times, seeking guidance and protection while navigating through adversity.
I'm just praying to the lord that he orders my steps
-Crazy how some people say they wanna serve and protect
Criticizes the paradox of those who claim to protect but contribute to harm and injustice.
Then turn around and put that noose on ya neck
-No remorse or regret
Asserts a refusal to be silenced, promoting transparency and an end to violence.
You wont ever buy my silence
-Let's put an end to all the violence
Calls for collective action to stop violence and promote peace.
Despite the scars on my skin and my soul
Despite visible scars, resilience is maintained, symbolized by remaining vibrant.
Through it all they gone still remain vibrant
-You don't know where I've been
Reiteration of the theme of undisclosed struggles, emphasizing the challenges faced by a black man.
You don't know the pain that I've been through
-Walk around inside my skin
-And watch all of the judgement they gone show you
-You don't know what I had to do to survive
-You don't know what I had to do to survive
-You don't know what I had to do to survive
-A black man working hard to stay alive
-Working hard to stay alive
Underscores the continuous effort required to survive in a world where choices are crucial.
In this world it's either do or die
-Working hard to stay alive
-In this world man I swear that's do or die
Expresses the high-stakes nature of existence, emphasizing the imperative to act decisively to survive.
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