I'm the sum total of my ancestors, you know, I carry their DNA.We are representatives of a long line of people, and we cart them around everywhere.It's this long line of people that goes back to the beginning of time, and when we meet,they meet other lines of people, and we say, bring together the lines of men.I'm the sum total of my ancestors, you know, I carry their DNA.I'm the sum total of my ancestors, you know, I carry their DNA.When I look back over the years at the things that brought tears to my eyes,Papa said we have to be wise to live long lives.Now I recognize what my father said before he dies, vocalize things I've left unsaid.Left my spirit unfed for too long, I'm coming home to my family, where I can be strong,be who I plan to be.Within me, my ancestry, giving me continuity.Would it be remiss to continue in this way?Would you rather I quit?Come with that other ***, making people hips sway.Live service, I pay, but I'm nervous, I pray for all the mothers who get no sleep.Like a lifeline, I write rhymes, cause my compassion is deep.For the people who fashioned me, my soul took heed, and this is who I happen to be.And if I don't see that I'm strong, then I won't be.This is what my daddy told me, I wished he would hold me a little more than he did,but he taught me my culture and how to live positive.I never want to shame the blood in my veins and bring pain to my sweet grandfather's face.In his resting place, I made haste to learn and not waste everything my forefathers earnedin tears for my culture.Fall back with me now.Crawl far before me now.For my culture.What hurts you is, you're on your knees.Never here again.Hello dad, remember me.I'm the man you thought I'd never be.I'm the boy who you reduced to tears.Dad, I've been a leaf for 27 years.Yeah, that's right.My name's Bob, I'm the one who landed the pop star's job.I'm the one who you told Luke, don't touch him, the kids wouldn't amount to much.I believe in the sense inside our sound.I have always been strong.Won't you help me drown it out?I'm what I feel, what I'm feeling is surreal.I'm a mass of spinning wheels, always digging in my heels.Now I got the faith.Fall back again.Crawl from the water.Water to air.You're on your feet again.Your feet again.Lace up your booty, going back to the roots.Speaking to my daughter, Luke's freak.Freaking for Luke, a nice news.Better check what your future brings us now.And your forefathers for the know-how.Go now, into the world without hatred.Use your head, if the needle is wise.Beat the thread and weave ancestral wisdom.Lord by birth, spreading the Lord's word over this broad earth.This is what my daddy told me.I wish he'd hold me a little more than he did.He taught me my culture and how to live positive.I never want to shame the blood in my veins.And bring pain to my sweet grandfather's face.In his resting place, I made haste to learn and not waste.Everything my forefathers earned in tears.For my culture.Fall back again.Crawl from the water.Water to earth.You're on your feet again.Your feet again.For my culture.Fall back again.Crawl from the water.Water to earth.You're on your feet again.Your feet again.For my culture.