[Verse 1]

Welcome to hard times

Back again like it's never been, for the first time

It seems to mess with my head

So when I realize what it takes, can I relate?

With whatever, but never will you drive me to hate

Could be the next guy

That you take before I wake?

Now I lay me down to sleep, eyes tight when I pray

This here is real life

Circumstances make you think

Should I be counting my blessings

The next second my eyes blink

[Chorus]

Here in the southtown, you know that kid don't play

Put it down on the streets, will I see another day?

If I make it back this time, got to hold what is mine

And thank god that I made it alive

Here in the southtown, you know that kid don't play

Put it down on the streets, will I see another day?

If I make it back this time, got to hold what is mine

And thank god that I made it alive

[Verse 2]

One love it's easier said than done

Can I rise above everything that's in my way?

Like words you say, you let your tongue get loose

And when push comes to shove, I'm not used to walking away

I keep on looking up, because these times are getting tough

Tomorrow's gone and its the same old song

Father fill my cup, give me strength to power up

A life to shine, you're the diamond in this rough

[Chorus]

Here in the southtown, you know that kid don't play

Put it down on the streets, will I see another day?

If I make it back this time, got to hold what is mine

And thank god that I made it alive

Here in the southtown, you know that kid don't play

Put it down on the streets, will I see another day?

If I make it back this time, got to hold what is mine

And thank god that I made it alive

[Bridge 1]

Don't wanna throw up my fist

It ain't got to be like this

Don't wanna throw up my fist

I must resist

Don't wanna throw up my fist

It ain't got to be like this

Don't wanna throw up my fist

I must resist

Don't wanna throw up my fist

It ain't got to be like this

Don't wanna throw up my fist

I must resist

Don't wanna throw up my fist

It ain't got to be like this

Don't wanna throw up my fist

I must resist

[Bridge 2]

It ain't got to be (like this)

It ain't got to be (like this)

It ain't got to be (like this)

It ain't got to be (like this)

Life doesn't got to be like this (like this)

Life doesn't got to be like this (like this)

Life doesn't got to be like this (like this)

Life doesn't got to be like this

Like this

[Chorus]

Welcome to Southbay, you know that kid don't play

Put it down on the streets, will I see another day?

If I make it back this time, got to hold what is mine

And thank god that I made it alive

Here in the southtown, you know that kid don't play

Put it down on the streets, will I see another day?

If I make it back this time, got to hold what is mine

And thank god that I made it alive

[Outro]

Here in the southtown