I grew up in the same place where Squeaky got shot in the faceI saw Abraham's brain split on the paveHe jumped off the block, right where the kids playedWe used to sit every day, chatting *, we all strayedI guess it's deep-seated urban decayFrom my angle I can see the ghetto burning awayI wanna cry, I find myself turning awayThere's kids sixteen burning the yayMiss learning the game, I send a prayer for their painAs I'm staying here, ooh, watching you walk aroundHow it always keeps me downIs it supposed to be like this, like this?As we rise, ooh, to gain an edge in lifeSomeone always seems to try to come in the wayIs it supposed to be like this?I come from the place where you can't tell what's round the cornerGoing to jail, going to jail, going to jailGetting * up, like them little black kids from Bronx townWell, as long as we're living in hellIn the streets, violence will always dwellI could tell you a thousand tales, documented in detailAnd most niggas can relate round the worldMy nigga Kirk got found with bullet rounds in his chestUp in ATR and the papers hate me wellI'm tryna revoke the violence, not promote the violenceThis is my broken silenceAnd you can hear my screams louder than police sirensI'm tryna fight back, like my nigga Lil ByronJust as long as we're living in hell, in the streets, violence will always dwellAs soon as I love and stay vibrant, I shall prevailI shall not betray youI shall put my hands up at the end and say I done goneOnly time will tell for realAs I stand here, ooh, watching the world go roundHow it always keeps me downIs it supposed to be like this, like thisAs we rise, ooh, to gain an edge in lifeSomeone always seems to try to come in the wayThis is supposed to be like thisIt's like we're imprisoned in the ghetto and it's getting to meTo the point where I'm feeling institutionalizedLook in my eyes, you'll see pain in it butWho can decide whether I stay entrapped in, packed inOr fly from the restraint and the thoughts packed inside my brainBut I proclaim that I will withstand the rainIn order to get out this gamePlus the media, government try to blow usBut they can't out the flame or doubt the name*, and your revolution's bout to changeTrust me, sit around tables with your ties and shirtsWith the lust to disgust meYou disgust me, so I must beAs level headed as I can to never backpedal on the planSo we can all hold hands togetherUnite so we can live as oneAs I stand here, ooh, watching the world go roundHow it always keeps me downIs it supposed to be like this, like thisAs we rise, ooh, to gain an edge in lifeSomeone always seems to try to come in the wayIs it supposed to be like thisAs I stand here, ooh, watching the world go roundHow it always keeps me downIs it supposed to be like this, like thisAs we rise, ooh, to gain an edge in lifeSomeone always seems to try to come in the wayIs it supposed to be like thisIs it supposed to be like thisIs it supposed to be like this