[Intro: Propaganda]

I remember like it was yesterday

My mama lifted her eyes to Heaven

And was like, "Lord, my son wants to be a rapper"

My daddy chuckled, they looked at each other

They ain't been married for like forever

And I told 'em, it went like this

[Verse 1: Propaganda]

Son, give 'em heat more intense than the sun

Something new that ain't never been done

Keep your heart, mind, and soul as one

Buck 45 ton and don't blame your frail frame

Just change the whole game

Man, stay in the mix, no victory's flawless

Only God can cause it and gives installments

No more than you can handle but handle you must

It ain't you, it's the world I don't trust

I know you got good sense so stay away from the fence

When you speak, say exactly what you meant, don't trip

Shut your eyes and be a sandstorm of extra harsh particles

And byproducts, you're bound to defy logic

Born to cross culture

You best not stop 'til you leveling with Radiohead and Incubus

You're a soldier in a trench, better use your gift

And aim it at they heart until they take you serious

Listen

[Hook: Estee Bullock]

Only the strong will survive

Do what you gotta do to stay alive

Suredly your father knows best

And I won't let you go astray

Yeah, only the strong will survive

Do what you gotta do to stay alive

Don't get caught with your work undone

Word of advice from a father to a son

[Verse 2: Propaganda]

Son, nothing better than a job well done

And a life you can save with a gun

So understand there's two kinds of war and you got to choose one

'Cause one is done justly, the other is just done

Justified, what they say to you is just a lie

Son, live 'til the sun dies

Be the eyes of these streets in every tear they cry

Be a loss land lover in seas of emcees

And oceans of want-to-bes flaunt in these songs

If you ain't careful, then all will be gone

The type to speak life in a long summer night

In a studio, porch, or patio with a radio

Ran off battery, young cats is battling

When challenging me, it seemed to be flattering

It's a cold world, your gift's a bomber jacket

Wrap your mind up, keep your eyes up

Listen

[Hook: Estee Bullock]

Only the strong will survive

Do what you gotta do to stay alive

Suredly your father knows best

And I won't let you go astray

Yeah, only the strong will survive

Do what you gotta do to stay alive

Don't get caught with your work undone

Word of advice from a father to a son

[Verse 3: Propaganda]

Son, there's nothing nicer than a well-rocked cypher

Expose a biter, well-made flier

In the hands of a productive man

That grinds until he gains a base of loyal fans

From the bedrock grown into a dreadlock

Spawned out of wedlock, give up, bet' not

'Cause mama made a trail blazer and daddy raised a general

Down to the mineral, competition's minimal

Finna pull an all-day melee

Scribbling revelation to hear what God say

Dribbling inspiration too

Exhale a war cry 'til the enemies all die

And frighten 'em with a virus that enlightens 'em

Sheer thought should excite them

Outright outwrite them

Then mention it's only the beginning

Listen, son

[Hook: Estee Bullock]

Only the strong will survive

Do what you gotta do to stay alive

Suredly your father knows best

And I won't let you go astray

Yeah, only the strong will survive

Do what you gotta do to stay alive

Don't get caught with your work undone

Word of advice from a father to a son