Once
Akon Feat. Clinton Sparks Lyrics

I can see it
I can see the struggles and hardships in life that people face

It's funny, man, 'cause it's like it's not going nowhere
Despite the struggles people face, it seems like they are unable to make progress or move forward

Once in a while I choose to look at you
Occasionally, I take a moment to look at others and empathize with their struggles

I see my pain in your eyes, man, so I know your feelin' me
When I look at others, I realize that we share the same pain and hardships

It's that twinkle, man, that sign of struggle
The twinkle in someone's eyes can reveal the struggles they've faced and the effort they've put in to overcome them

Cause everyday I can't help but see it
Every day, I am reminded of the struggles that people face and the need for collective progress

The people ain't satisfied
People are unhappy with their current situation

And your hatin' your nine to five
People are unhappy with their jobs and the daily grind they have to endure

And everybody wanna live another life
People aspire to live a better life and escape their current struggles

But ain't no length you'd go, or mountain you'd climb
Despite the desire for a better life, people are unable to go to great lengths or overcome significant obstacles to achieve it

Not to better your day, but all that'll do is leave room for people to say
Impressions of others often hold people back from making positive changes in their lives, as they fear judgement from those around them

I guess your living better now, sharing a lil' of that cheddar now
Some people might think that you're doing better now that you have some financial success and are sharing your wealth

Cause I remember days back when a brother was hustling and robbing too
The singer remembers a time when they had to resort to illegal activities to get by

I done tossed the Beretta now, on a whole 'nother level now
The singer has moved on from their past and is now in a better place in their life

But still I can't enjoy my fame unless my people doing the same and getting money too
The singer cannot fully enjoy their success and fame unless those around them are also successful and financially stable

Yes, I see your pain now
The artist empathizes with the struggles and pain that others go through

And I can see you crying, and inside you're dying
The artist can see the emotional pain that people go through, and how it affects them internally

No longer the same now 'cause you got to
People have to change and adapt to their struggles in order to survive and thrive

'Cause you got to maintain
People have to work hard and maintain their efforts to overcome their struggles and achieve success