Black With N.V.
Black Sheep Lyrics

Now, I was told to never bite off more then I could chew
I was advised to not take on more than I can handle

But then you better bite enough for if you don't, my boy, you're blue
However, you still need to take enough action or else you'll face consequences

Now I wonder, can others see the system that I see
I question whether anyone else can perceive the flaws in the system like I do

Or do they see and say they don't and blame it on society?
Or do they see the problems but pretend not to, attributing them to society?

The days of smart enough come to over, just say thousands
The era of being considered smart enough is gone, now it's just about numbers

And as I live and learn because there's always someone mouthing
I continue to gain experience and knowledge, as there are always people talking

Speaking on an issue, praise you or they diss you
Expressing opinions on a matter, either applauding or criticizing you

Long as I am strong, the words fly by me like Scott tissue
As long as I remain resilient, the words directed at me have no effect

My people, from nigger to negro to man of color
Referring to my community, from the historical slurs to the more respectful terms

Killed my father and my brother so that you could rape my mother
You caused the death of my father and brother, leading to the vulnerability of my mother

Now you wonder, why is it through instinct you fear
Now you question why you instinctively fear me

Wouldn't dare me to stare, one for yourself, you're out of here
You wouldn't dare to challenge me face-to-face, as that would result in your expulsion

Not to worry, to harm you not intention of my creed
Don't worry, I don't intend to harm you as part of my belief system

But to stop your greed and give me what I need
Rather, my aim is to combat your greed and provide me with what I require

Opportunity, for a life for me
The chance for a better life for myself

And generations to come with in tranquility
And also for future generations to have peace and harmony

Now harmony, is a total love of things
Harmony is finding complete love and acceptance in everything

For those who are inclined or better yet like to sing
For those who have an inclination or a passion for singing

But piece of mind it is my right for the spark will ignite
However, having peace of mind is my own entitlement and it will fuel my determination

'Till I can catch a cab at Midtown at midnight
Until I can effortlessly hail a taxi in Midtown even late at night

'Till I can be myself and not be thought as worse
Until I can freely express myself without being judged as inferior

'Till I can buy a slice from Howard Beach to the 'Hurst
Until I can purchase a pizza slice from Howard Beach to the 'Hurst

'Till I can get the pill without fear of eject
Until I can access medication without worrying about being rejected

And occupations which I seek I can have if I select
And the jobs that I desire will be available to me if I choose

Now if I so select and reach out to make touch
Now if I choose and make an effort to reach out

How can you say that I ask for too much?
How can you claim that my requests are excessive?

Don't speak to me if good times are granted 'till I be
If good times are only granted when I achieve success, then don't bother talking to me

Don't tell me of the countries or the islands that you seek
Don't boast about the exotic places you want to visit

Don't tell me to keep trying, you know I won't agree
Don't urge me to keep attempting, you know I won't comply

Double negative means positively black with N.V
Using a double negative actually conveys a positive message, emphasizing the black experience with Non-Violence

As a player of the game, of the lifetime game I'm playing
As someone participating in the lifelong game of life

I bet you're nodding, shake your head to what I'm saying
I'm confident that you're acknowledging and understanding my words

It's keep then but those of men color of skin could even begin to wonder
It's difficult for people of color to even contemplate the possibilities

What is it to ponder to let another bother
What is there to consider when allowing others to bother you

Listen, stay open not dismissing
Listen and remain receptive, not immediately dismissing

Lack of vision makes division product no ambition
When there's a lack of vision, it creates division and undermines drive

Wishes which you wish upon which for more you wishes
The desires you wish for, yet wish for even more

If I wish not to record steady now then I wash dishes
If I choose not to pursue a stable career, then I'll work as a dishwasher

Wish while I wash, the water hot gets colder
As I continue to work, the hot water grows colder

Black I'm saying that in fact the dish gets clean and I get older
What I'm saying is that, in reality, the dish becomes clean and I age

Seemingly so, the dishes will grow to dishes far beyond me
It appears that the number of dishes will increase beyond my capability

Lost my wish and broke a dish so now I'm wishy-washy
I lost my aspiration and broke a dish, now I'm indecisive

Understand foundation, create my own creation
Comprehend my roots and build my own success

If dumb and pumping jump, then get no ovation
If I foolishly jump into situations without careful consideration, I won't receive applause

But only restriction, boom penes a lot of friction
However, the restriction placed on me results in significant obstacles

I then wash a dish with out pay? Boom! N.W.A
So, I end up washing dishes without receiving any compensation? Boom! N.W.A

Think I'm lying? Black I'm crying, salted tear would turn to crystal
Do you think I'm fabricating? No, I'm telling the truth, and my tears of frustration would crystallize

Crystals forming on my dishes so I wash them 'til dismissal
Crystals forming on the dishes I wash, so I continue cleaning them until they're no longer present

Wash until my prints are wrinkled then they let me go
I wash until my fingertips become wrinkled, and only then am I released from work

I know not where I'm going so I know not where I go
I'm uncertain of my destination, therefore I have no sense of direction

My people give me money, but the money much too low
My community provides me financial support, but the amount is insufficient

For me to meet the match of present day so I still need more dough
In order for me to keep up with the expenses of modern life, I still require more money

Conjure up a suit, I wish that it were cute
I try to come up with a plan, and I hope it turns out to be successful

Borrow a token and a smoking I begin a wish less hope
I borrow a token and start smoking, embarking on a journey with little hope

Intervening, application leads me on into frustration
As I engage in job hunting and submit applications, frustration ensues

And duration of my time is spent with lack of occupation
I spend my time without sufficient employment

Time to go for what I know. I know not of what I wish
It's time to pursue what I understand, even if I'm unclear about what I truly want

But of soap and a towel and some water and a dish
The things I'm certain of are soap, a towel, water, and a dish

But lay o.k. cause you can get the play
But it's alright because you can understand the situation

I pick your style, your smile shown bright about a mile away
I appreciate your unique style, your radiant smile that can be seen from afar

But anyway, another day, in the land of shove
But anyway, it's just another day in a competitive environment

Just living in the life of who?
Simply living in a world that favors certain individuals

A black man on a green land with a blue skyline
A person of color in a foreign land with a vast horizon

Don't tell me I'm color blind
Don't deny the fact that I experience discrimination based on my race

I'm seeing system is hard to believe in
I find it difficult to have faith in the current system

Underneath the underside I'm underachieving
Beneath the surface, I'm not living up to my full potential

Bust my ass in school, to be a certified fool
I worked extremely hard in school, only to feel like a fool in the end

Now intellect of curb is my only tool
Now, my street smarts are the only asset I have

But street game is so uncouth
But relying solely on street knowledge is considered inappropriate

I took the SAT and that's the sad-ass truth
I took the SAT, and unfortunately, that's the sad reality

I'm not gliding but I'm striving hanging on by a thread and it's called surviving
I'm not smoothly progressing, but rather struggling and barely surviving

Hang on, hang on, hang y'all
Hold on, hold on, everyone stay strong

Walk the street and keep you head so tall
Walk the streets confidently with your head held high

For time is short, no time is bought
Because time is limited and cannot be purchased

You're only in the wrong if you get caught
You're considered wrong only if you get caught

So kick in doors, bang on walls, shout in halls
Therefore, take bold actions, make noise, and demand attention

Get yours, y'all, get yours
Pursue what you deserve, everyone, pursue what you deserve