TEMPTATION
Joey Bada$$ Lyrics

I come here to talk about how I feel
Joey Bada$$ is using the song to express his feelings on a particular issue.

And I feel like that we are treated differently than other people
Joey Bada$$ feels that black people are treated unfairly compared to other races.

And I don't like how we are treated
Joey Bada$$ is not happy with the way blacks are treated in society.

Just because of our colour, doesn't mean anything to me
To Joey Bada$$, a person's skin color should not be used as a basis for discrimination.

Mind's been racing so long
Joey Bada$$'s mind has been filled with thoughts and concerns for a long time.

It's just no way to deal
Joey Bada$$ does not know how to handle his problems on his own.

With these problems alone
Joey Bada$$ feels like he is facing these problems all by himself.

I'm making them restless (and I really can't help it)
Joey Bada$$ is causing others to become uneasy and anxious because of his actions but he is unable to help it.

I never felt selfish before
Joey Bada$$ is admitting that he is starting to feel selfish by focusing on his own issues.

I've been living so reckless, I know
Joey Bada$$ recognizes that he has been making poor decisions due to his current emotional state.

Tell me Lord can you help me?
Joey Bada$$ is reaching out to a higher power, asking for assistance.

But ain't no way to solve 'em
Joey Bada$$ acknowledges that there may not be a solution to certain problems.

I really came up from the bottom
Joey Bada$$ is reflecting on his rise from a difficult upbringing.

Strugglin', my momma on her last dollar
Joey Bada$$ recalls the struggles he faced growing up, including financial difficulties.

The government been trying to take away what's ours
Joey Bada$$ feels that the government is attempting to take away things that rightfully belong to the black community.

It's really all about the money and the power
Joey Bada$$ believes that much of the injustice faced by blacks is a result of people's desire for wealth and control.

Tell me how we gon' shape this vision
Joey Bada$$ is questioning how the black community can work together to achieve their goals.

Complainin' all day, but in the same condition
Joey Bada$$ believes that the black community spends too much time complaining but not enough time taking action to improve their situation.

If you wanna make change, it's gon' take commitment
Joey Bada$$ believes that making real change takes effort and dedication.

Some people enslaved by they religion
Joey Bada$$ recognizes that some people may be held back by their religious beliefs.

Can't emancipate the fundamental prisons
Joey Bada$$ is describing how certain societal beliefs and expectations can hold people back.

When I see through optics, transform the wisdom
Joey Bada$$'s perspective allows him to see things differently and gain a deeper understanding of certain issues.

Watch me use my powers, get 'em all to listen
Joey Bada$$ believes that his voice has the power to get others to pay attention and take action.

Another momma crying, it's another crisis
Joey Bada$$ is referencing the pain and sorrow felt by so many parents who have lost their children to violence or other tragedies.

Are you willing just to make the sacrifices?
Joey Bada$$ is asking if people are willing to make changes and sacrifices to improve their situation.

And I never sell my soul because that's priceless
Joey Bada$$ is saying that he will not betray his values for any amount of money or success.

Hustle on the block who gon' save the children?
Joey Bada$$ is questioning who will step up to protect and provide for the most vulnerable members of society.

Menace on the block and I'm just revealing
Joey Bada$$ is exposing the dark realities of life on the streets.

The media just trying to make a villain
Joey Bada$$ believes that the media often portrays black people in a negative light, perpetuating harmful stereotypes.

Voices in my head, I hear the whispers
Joey Bada$$ is dealing with inner conflict and self-doubt.

When I feel this way inhale the swisher
Joey Bada$$ admits to using smoking as a coping mechanism when he is feeling overwhelmed.

This just the way I feel
Joey Bada$$ is emphasizing that he is expressing his own personal feelings and experiences.

Do not stop
Joey Bada$$ is urging people to keep fighting for change and not give up.

We are black people and we shouldn't have to feel like this
Joey Bada$$ believes that blacks deserve better treatment and should not have to suffer from discrimination.

We shouldn't have to protest because y'all are treating us wrong
Joey Bada$$ is pointing out that the need to protest and fight for basic rights is a result of the mistreatment that black people face.

We do this because we need to have rights
Joey Bada$$ is highlighting the fact that protests and activism are necessary in order to achieve equal rights.