[Hook]

(2x) The past is always present in the future

[Verse]

Do remember, I am a true descendant

Of people who were stolen and traded for all the riches

But I can’t play the victim, I’m told to just forget it

While they dwell on 9-11 and celebrate independence

But I’m supposed to clear the memory of all the lynching

Shit, I cringe at the thought of giving my daughter whippings

Plus I see the name that owned my family every time I write a check

So how the fuck am I s‘posed to forget

When we ain’t safe in churches or even when we comply

The ones paid to protect us are making sure that we die

They say we kill ourselves, we still cheat and we rob

But some of y'all do the same when you s'posed to be on the job

And if you really cared ‘bout the welfare of my people

You’d make sure that the schools for all children were equal

Fear competition so they had to rig the game

Scared if we catch up that we’d do their ass the same

Know they deserve it, but they ask 'What Would Jesus Do?'

Bet my bottom dollar he wouldn’t be down with you

He was the wrong shade, you’d probably do’em the same

Shoot’em seven times while tryin to give you his name

Right in front of his kids, bodied 'em with the chrome

Labeled a threat when all he tried to do is get’em home

All I’m saying, a future minus our past can never exist

Y’all make sure your babies listen to this! And wake’em up!

[Hook]

(2x)The past is always present in the future

(2x)The past [Born a King] is [Raised a slave] always [Niggers to Gods] present in the future [Cradle to grave]

[Outro]

Born a King. Raised a slave

Niggers to Gods. Cradle to grave

Shall be redeemed. We shall be praised

Never will scars outweigh our grace!