Lyrics
Verse One:
Introduction to Verse One
Understand I’m back, reason that you thought I left
Expressing a return and dispelling the notion of departure
Took my final lap leavin then I caught my breath
Completing a significant phase and taking a breath
I ain’t coffin yet, I mean like in a box for death
Not succumbed to death, emphasizing vitality
Watch ya step, guard ya neck, Southpaw wit an awkward left
Cautioning others, especially about unexpected dangers
I been an architect constructin through the rhymes I write
Identifying as a creator through lyrical construction
And bought a mic and then guard it like it’s the God of light
Valuing and protecting the microphone as a precious entity
You mothafucka’s peepin see you through my corner sight
Seeing through others' actions with a keen perception
I wanted more than Nike’s so nights I played the corner life
Desiring more than material possessions, referencing a street life
Right, you other rappers tellin tall tales
Criticizing other rappers for fictional storytelling
Wit stacks of bills in ya videolike it’s all real
Mocking the portrayal of wealth in music videos
I’m in a call chill, no time for lyin vultures
Remaining calm and uninterested in deceitful individuals
Don’t try’n approach us, a rare breed in a dyin culture
Identifying as a unique individual in a declining cultural environment
Chorus:
Introduction to Chorus
What I’m alive for, strive when I’m under pressure
Expressing a purpose for being alive – thriving under pressure
Before I die or survive in the modern era
Acknowledging the challenges of survival in the contemporary era
It’s an eye for an eye not another lecture
Emphasizing retaliation rather than receiving lectures
Understand that’s life or death do you get the message
Highlighting the gravity of life and death, urging understanding
Verse Two:
Introduction to Verse Two
I been bumpin Cole, he told me to apply the pressure
Listening to J. Cole's advice on applying pressure
I see myself as a King leadin these tired jesters
Seeing oneself as a leader among exhausted entertainers
More or lesser this middle finger the silent gesture
Expressing disdain with a defiant middle finger
These lies could eat me inside while they alive and fester
Internalizing lies can cause harm while they persist
They try to lecture me, questioning like a lesser being
Resisting attempts to be lectured, asserting personal value
Wit this aggression my flesh tear and my vessel bleeds
Physical and emotional pain from intense aggression
The rest’ll see that in due time this is destiny
Believing in a predetermined destiny over time
Now who’s laughin when you rappers when rest in piece
Reflecting on the irony of laughter at rappers' demise
Father, Son, Holy Spirit no I’m not religious
Mentioning religious imagery without personal adherence
But when I hear the Devil knockin I try not to listen
Resisting negative influences, especially from the Devil
Block my vision I see em he’s on the block just sittin
Obstructing the view of destructive forces on the street
Wit lots of wisdom but broke without a pot to piss in
Recognizing wisdom but facing financial struggles
Chorus:
Introduction to Chorus (repeated)
Chorus – What I’m alive for, strive when I’m under pressure
Reiteration of the purpose of thriving under pressure
Before I die or survive in the modern era
Reiterating the challenges of survival in the contemporary era
It’s an eye for an eye not another lecture
Reemphasizing retaliation over receiving lectures
Understand that’s life or death do you get the message
Reiterating the importance of understanding life and death
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