Generation Lost
B.o.B Lyrics

Skull and crossbones and death bandannas
The presence of gang culture, violence and death is prevalent in our society.

A liquor store on every corner in Atlanta
Alcoholism and addiction to drugs is rampant in our community.

Cops ridin' around tossin' niggas in the slammer
Police brutality and mass incarceration is a major problem.

Tell me what's wrong, I could really use some answers
The rapper is questioning the issues in society and seeking solutions.

Now-a-days everybody wants to be a rapper
The desire to be a successful rapper is a common trend.

About two years ago everybody was a trapper
The trend of being a drug dealer was prevalent before the trend of becoming a rapper.

Obviously, money is what everybody's after
The main motivation for many people is to acquire wealth.

Cause slavery ain't change, It's a modern day disaster
The societal oppression and inequality that was present in slavery still exists today.

Now these are my words from me to you
The rapper is speaking from his personal experiences and expressing his thoughts.

Everything you do from your shades to your shoes
People's choices in fashion and accessories are often influenced by society and media.

From your chains to your Coupe, Came from the tube
The rapper suggests that the materialistic desires of society are influenced by television and media.

Trust me I would know, I was raised on it too
The rapper himself was also raised in this culture and understands its influence.

Okay, now just let me get your attention
The rapper wants the listener to focus on what he has to say.

I'm a turn the tables so you don't get defensive
The rapper plans to shift the focus towards addressing problems instead of placing blame.

I'm a put my bullshit aside for a second, Cause I can't be fake, Cause God won't let me
The rapper acknowledges the importance of honesty, even in his music.

I used to wear a grill, Because it was the trend, Not because I liked it, I just wanted to fit in
The rapper admits to having made choices based on social pressure and trends.

Then I got "Eastside" tatted on my skin, And I tried to get dreads but my hair was too big
The rapper's attempts to fit in included tattoos and hairstyle choices.

But I was lost, I ain't know who I was, What else was there to do besides look like a thug
The rapper felt lost and uncertain of his identity.

So in my senior year at Columbia High, I dropped out of high school and I got signed
The rapper found success in music before completing his formal education.

B.o.B. was the name, I ain't like Bobby Ray cause I was ashamed
The rapper's stage name was chosen to distance himself from his given name.

But you can call me Bobby Ray from this day forth, And I could give a damn about the fame and fortune
The rapper now embraces his given name and values authenticity over success.

Honestly I don't even listen to rap, Cause when I turn the radio on, out comes crap
The rapper expresses frustration with the quality of popular music.

And if you make good music that's okay, But on the radio, that they don't play
The rapper believes that good music is not given enough attention in mainstream media.

It's easy to see we created a beast
The societal pressures and trends have given rise to unrealistic expectations.

Cause everybody wants to hear what they don't need
People's desires are often influenced by societal trends rather than their actual needs.

And now all the rappers got to struggle to give you, That bullshit music so they can continue
Musicians are forced to cater to society's demands in order to sustain their careers.

To live, The position that I'm in, Is quite an interesting predicament I will admit
The rapper acknowledges that the music industry presents a complex challenge to artists.

But you can count on me cause I'm refusing to give in, Cause I'm a give you music cause we need it to exist
Despite the challenges, the rapper is committed to creating honest music.

Bitch, So I'm a play my guitar, Rap about aliens and sing about stars
The rapper plans to explore diverse and unconventional themes in his music.

Till you understand that's what we are
Through his music, the rapper hopes to promote understanding and acceptance of people's differences.

So we ain't got to struggle no more so we don't starve
The rapper hopes that music can provide financial stability to those in the industry.

I swear to God I love you with every bar
The rapper expresses his love and gratitude towards his fans and audience.

We all got problems that need to be solved
The rapper acknowledges the difficulties people face in life.

So while I got the mic I'm a speak my thoughts
The rapper plans to use his platform to express his opinions and ideas.

And I'm a keep it real till the day I fall
The rapper believes in the importance of honesty and authenticity in his music.