Close Your Eyes
Embrace the Streets: Unwritten Stories of Turmoil and Unity
Lyrics
There once was a kid who lived just down the street
Introduction of a kid living nearby.
A quarter block from me
Geographical proximity, a quarter block away.
He shaved off his hair, put boots on his feet
Describing the kid's change in appearance - shaved head, boots, expressing patriotism.
And said this was his country
Assertion of national identity.
The day came around and the shit all went down
Reference to a critical moment, possibly a conflict or crisis.
And too late to see the light
Realization of a mistake but too late for corrective action.
He was caught up and shot up in a fight
The kid got involved in a fight and was shot.
Won't you close your eyes
Repetition of the plea to close one's eyes, suggesting a desire to avoid witnessing or confronting harsh realities.
There once was a kid from South Central L.A.
Introduction of another kid from South Central L.A.
Who threw up his set all day
Constantly representing his gang affiliation.
All dressed in blue nothing to do
Description of his attire and lack of purpose.
Said "hey man, what set you claim"
Asking about the other's gang affiliation.
The blood pulled a nine
Violent response from the other person.
And threw up his sign, then let the trigger slide
Further aggression, preparing to shoot.
And he was, caught up and shot up in a fight
Similar fate as the first kid, involved in a fight and shot.
Life can get cut short so
Reflection on the brevity of life.
Try to stay in line
Advice to stay on the right path to avoid a shortened life.
You wanna be a man
Desire to be mature and responsible.
But this shit happens all the time
Recognition that unfortunate events are common.
So let's just all hang out
Suggestion to ignore societal norms and spend time together.
Don't give a fuck about what they say
Encouragement to disregard others' opinions.
Cause they're all lame
Critique of societal conformity.
And we're all still the same
Assertion of shared identity despite differences.
Won't you close your eyes
Repetition of the plea to close one's eyes, perhaps emphasizing the desire to escape or avoid harsh realities.
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