Tekzilla
Common Lyrics

On the streets on the side
Walking down the streets of a Chicago ghetto

I look a man in his face eye to eye
Making eye contact with a man

And wonder why
Thinking about why there's so much violence

I don't wanna die
Not wanting to be killed

I hope you don't wanna die
Wishing that others don't want to be killed either

So why bring it my way?
Questioning why someone would start trouble with Common

Yo Tekzilla
Addressing his friend, Hi-Tek

You know I ain't the type to play killa
Common doesn't typically engage in violent behavior

But this day still arrives in my mind like a flight on down
Reflecting on a violent incident in the past

Thursday night had plans to be out
Had plans to go out on a Thursday night

Till the night served daylight
Stayed out until the sun came up

Rappin' to myself cause there wasn't no one to rap to
Rapping to himself because there was no one else around

This feeling came to me like somebody lookin' at you
A feeling of danger or unease came over Common

There was these cats who me and my crew boxed against
Referring to a previous altercation with a group of men

Gotta - spotted the glock now the nigga's got some confidence
One of the men had a gun and became more confident

Cause I'm Common Sense and I rap consciousness
Proud of his message and values in his music

He was prop to dis mad cause my guy used to knock his bitch
One of the men was upset because Common's friend slept with his girlfriend

I could sense he was tryin' to bring it
Able to sense that the man was looking for a fight

But I wasn't ready to receive it
Not prepared for a physical altercation

In fact I made him leave it
Common decided to avoid a fight

Before he could achieve it
Before he could start a fight

As we rolled through the streets of cottage grove
Driving through a specific Chicago neighborhood

And reach the stoplight
Stopped at a red light

Behind me, he flashed lights bright, sorta cop-like
The man turned on his headlights, making Common feel intimidated

I'm thinkin' Tupac-like cause he got out the car
Comparing this situation to Tupac's death

I was taught only to fight in defense or the in will of Allah
Raised to only fight when necessary for defensive purposes or in the name of Allah

And ain't no talking when it's time to spar
No need to speak when it's time to fight

So before he popped some shit I did ??I act my shit is solo??
Common tries to act like he's alone and not with anyone else

Back his lady trying to hold him like big pun
The man's girlfriend tried to stop him from fighting

I stowed 'em and told 'em
Managed to dodge the man and speak to him directly

I ain't'a shoot I just punch a lot
Prefers to use his fists over a gun

Between blows this nig' tried to up his glock
The man attempted to use his gun between punches

His brother watched spooked like a daddy on teenage love
The man's brother watched in fear like a parent watching their teenage child in love

He got 'buked til my tape I got sing like a dove
Common beat the man severely

Got his dome into her
Common hit the man on the top of his head

My fist brought back the one hand
Common used one hand to punch

Tried to pop it musta been a nine cause the gun jammed
The man tried to use his gun, but it jammed

Unplanned I disarm this trick nigga
Common disarmed the man without planning to

Pistol-whipped his ass, his lady's I was palmin' it
Common hit the man with the gun and his girlfriend tried to grab it

Hollered '87 reign dominant
Referencing an idea from the Nation of Gods and Earths

Needed a fight that night
Common was looking for trouble that night

Me and my woman had a argument
Common had a disagreement with his girlfriend

Hey now why you gotta hold yo' thang?
Questioning why people need to carry guns

Scared to shoot, scared to shoot
Carrying a gun out of fear

Shoot for the revolut-
Encouraging people to use their voice for change

Peace y'all Common Sense and Hi Tek
Ending the song with a greeting to Hi-Tek and himself

Traveling the world it's just a day in the life
Touring the world as a musician

Of real niggas
Referencing himself and other genuine individuals