City High Anthem
City High Lyrics

They just gave up on our entire generation
Our elders abandoned and lost faith in us, the youth

So we were all pushed to the side
We were disregarded and ignored

'cause we didn't see the world through our teacher's eyes
Our perspectives differed from our educators', causing a disconnect and dissatisfaction

When all we needed was a little bit of motivation
We lacked encouragement and inspiration to succeed

But because we wore our pants saggin', y'all labelled us gangsters
Our clothing style led to unfair assumptions and negative stereotyping

And said we wasn't worth the time
We were deemed unworthy of attention and investments of time

There are so many things I never asked you
There were questions left unasked and unanswered

There are so many things I still don't know
Many things remain unknown or unclear

There are so many things you never told me
Important information or guidance was not shared

And still so many things that I will never know
Many things will always be beyond our understanding or awareness

And why 'cause I went to City High
These gaps in knowledge or experience originated from attending City High

A school with more drop outs than sign-ups at registration
City High has more students who leave than those who enroll

And the pregnancy rate is at an all-time high
The incidence of teen pregnancy is pervasive and problematic

We all know why
The reasons for these issues are widely understood

Now you would think the classroom's the place for mental stimulation
School should provide intellectual stimulation

But there's some brothers outside sellin' that stuff, that'll really stimulate your mind
Some students turn to drugs or illegal activities for excitement, instead of education

There are so many things you never showed me
Important examples or role models were not provided

There are too many things you let slip by (You let slip right on by)
Important opportunities, lessons, or moments were ignored or missed

How can I face a world that doesn't know me
No one understands or recognizes our potential, abilities, or story

A world that doesn't care whether I live or die
We feel disregarded, unimportant, or even endangered

We don't need your education
We reject or are disappointed by traditional education methods

We don't want no pacifier
We don't want to be placated or told what we want to hear, we want real solutions and empowerment

We are the leaders of your nation
We are capable of making change and taking responsibility for improving our future

We're gonna make sure the world survives
We are determined to ensure the survival and success of our world

There ain't no justice there's just us
There is no fairness or equity, only our own resources and strength

What happened to the meaning of 'In God we trust'
The principles and values of justice and truth seem to have been lost or forgotten

So as we get older and our children grow up
As we mature and become parents ourselves

We ain't gonna teach them what y'all showed us
We will not perpetuate the same ineffective or oppressive patterns and ideas we have experienced

Too many young ladies cryin' with a daddy in the house
Fathers can be physically present but emotionally or supportively absent

But not a father in the home (Now y'all know there's a difference)
Having a father figure who is actively involved and supportive is vital

And what about all our young soldiers being led astray (By this negative music)
Music can negatively impact or mislead young people's beliefs or behaviors

What happened to the Isaac Hayes and the Curtis Mayfield's and all the Marvin Gayes?
Where have the musicians who inspired and empowered gone?

Man we really need 'em today
We desperately crave more positive and uplifting cultural messages and influences

There were so many things that needed explaining
There were important concepts or ideas that required clarification or guidance

But you said it was too late for me to learn
Our elders gave up on teaching us or thought we were beyond instruction

You were suppose to be my shelter when it was rainin'
Our trusted adults were supposed to provide us with support and protection

But instead you left me out here all alone
We felt abandoned and uncared for

So I gotta make it on my own
We have to rely on ourselves and our own resources since we cannot count on external support

For people who did believe what we could do to change our future
For those who had faith and hope in our potential for success and progress

You knew the world was in our hands
You recognized the power and influence we hold as the next generation

Help build them strong so they can withstand all the pressures all the war all the prejudice
Help us become resilient and equipped to handle the challenges and obstacles we will face

And the others who were sure we couldn't fight the stress in life
Those who doubted our ability to cope with stress or adversity

For those of you who didn't believe us
For those who lacked faith in us

Listen to my words for you
Please consider my message and perspective

Listen to your children sing to you
Listen to our hopes, dreams, and expectations - engage with us