The first single from B.o.B's second album is Strange Clouds. It features Lil Wayne and according to the Strange Clouds Songfacts, it "is 3 minutes 47 seconds of bass heavy bragging.". The song was released on October 3, 2011.
KIDS
B.o.B Lyrics
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Streets don't give a damn
They filled with such pollution
The kids don't stand a chance
We're trapped inside the matrix
Forced to play our hand
We're fill with so much hatred
I said the kids don't,
The kids don't stand,
The kids don't stand a chance
I said the kids don't,
The kids don't stand,
The kids don't stand a chance
Well, since I was planted at birth
I abandoned my own planet and I landed on earth
As I kid I never understood what I observed n'
Some of it was strange but most of it disturbed me
Always in detention for the lack of my attention
You could call it deficit, really I just didn't listen
And I was always missin'
The teachers like, where is Bobby Simmons?
But tryna get a record deal is all I can I remember
It's funny cause lookin' back on the past
That I had all my days in the streets tryna prove that I was bad
I still elevated to the level that I'm at
Still elevated to the level that I'm at
We're trapped inside the matrix
Forced to play our hand
We're fill with so much hatred
The kids don't stand a chance
I said the kids don't,
The kids don't stand,
The kids don't stand a chance
I said the kids don't,
The kids don't stand,
The kids don't stand a chance
Sometimes it's hard to grow
While livin' in fear of the unknown
How can he ever give love
When no love is in his heart?
A child can barely sleep at night
To worry 'bout tomorrow
And what it beholds,
He drowns himself
Deep down in his sorrow
Will you run or will you share your light
Tell a story of the live and try
See it when we're given hope
That we know that we can grow
We're trapped inside the matrix
Forced to play our hand
We're fill with so much hatred
The kids don't stand a chance
I said the kids don't,
The kids don't stand,
The kids don't stand a chance
I said the kids don't,
The kids don't stand,
The kids don't stand a chance
In "The Kids," B.o.B paints a bleak picture of the state of the world for young people. He begins with a drug dealer announcing that it's "showtime," signaling a culture of violence and desperation that pervades the streets. The pollution in the air mirrors the toxicity of the environment, as hatred and fear run rampant. B.o.B describes feeling trapped in a "matrix" where he and his peers are forced to play the hand they're dealt, with little hope of escape. Throughout the song, he repeats the refrain, "The kids don't stand a chance," emphasizing the bleak future that seems to await young people who grow up surrounded by hardship.
The second verse describes B.o.B's own experience growing up. He was often in trouble for not paying attention in school, but he was focused instead on trying to make a name for himself as a rapper. Even though he turned to the streets and struggled to get by, he was able to rise above his circumstances and pursue his dreams.
The song ends with a call to action, urging listeners to share their light and tell stories of hope. Even though the world seems dark and hopeless, B.o.B suggests that there is still a chance for change if people can come together and inspire each other.
Overall, "The Kids" is a powerful social commentary on the state of the world and the challenges that face young people today. Through its vivid imagery and emotional delivery, B.o.B encourages his listeners to consider the ways in which they can make a difference in the lives of others.
Line by Line Meaning
Drug boy said it's show time
The drug dealer is ready to sell his product
Streets don't give a damn
The urban environment is indifferent to the struggles of individuals
They filled with such pollution
The city is contaminated with crime and negative influences
The kids don't stand a chance
Children are vulnerable to the harmful effects of their surroundings
We're trapped inside the matrix
Our society is a complex and interconnected system that can be difficult to navigate
Forced to play our hand
We must make the best of our situation with the limited resources we have
We're fill with so much hatred
There is a pervasive sense of bitterness and negativity in our world
The kids don't stand a chance
Children are particularly susceptible to this harsh climate
Sometimes it's hard to grow
Maturity and progress can be difficult to achieve
While livin' in fear of the unknown
Uncertainty and anxiety hinder personal development
How can he ever give love
Someone who has not experienced love may struggle to show it to others
When no love is in his heart?
A lack of genuine emotion makes it difficult to connect with others
A child can barely sleep at night
Young people are often consumed with worry and anxiety
To worry 'bout tomorrow
The future is a source of great concern
And what it beholds,
And what it might bring
He drowns himself
The child gets lost in their own negative thoughts
Deep down in his sorrow
They are consumed by sadness
Will you run or will you share your light
Will you avoid the problems or confront them with positivity and hope?
Tell a story of the live and try
Can you inspire others with your own experiences and endeavors?
See it when we're given hope
Hope can empower us and guide us towards a better future
That we know that we can grow
When we have hope, we can imagine a positive future and strive towards it
I said the kids don't,
Children are not equipped to handle the struggles of our world
The kids don't stand,
They are easily overwhelmed by the challenges they face
The kids don't stand a chance
Without guidance and support, children are at risk of being consumed by the negativity around them
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: BOBBY RAY JR. SIMMONS, CHRIS BAIO, ROSTAM BATMANGLIJ, EZRA KOENIG, CHRISTOPHER WILLIAM TOMSON, JUSTIN SCOTT FRANKS, RICHARD PRESTON BUTLER JR., NATHANIEL III IRVIN, JANELLE MONAE ROBINSON
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