They Say
Common ft. John Legend Lyrics

They say what's happenin'?
People are asking what's going on.

We say the facts and if, they lie
We tell the truth and challenge falsehoods.

We comin' back for them
We'll retaliate against those who wrong us.

They might say, but they don't know!
Others may have opinions, but they lack accurate information.

They say a nigga lost his mind
People claim that I've gone crazy.

But in the scheme of things I never lost a rhyme
Despite what others may think, I'm still a skilled lyricist.

The thin line between love and hatred
Love and hate are closely intertwined.

I'm the black pill in the matrix, the saturated life
I represent the darkness and negativity in society.

They say life is what you make it
People say that you create your own reality.

So I wait quick on a spaceship so I can take it
I want to escape the problems of the world.

As high as the stakes get when paper get low
Money is important and can cause great risk.

I be telling derick, "tell kara get us a show"
I want to make more money through performing.

Little com, I make righteous bitches get low
My music inspires women to dance in a respectful manner.

The richest man ain't necessarily the nigga wit dough
Wealth doesn't always come from money.

They say "you ripped" "wow" yea, that's what they say
People compliment my impressive performance.

My niggas couldn't tell it was me, like jamie in ray
My friends barely recognize my hard work and success.

Painting a day, wit focused crime, broads, and good wine
I enjoy a life of luxury and danger.

They say "dope is sour so it's homework and hood crimes"
People think that drug use leads to poverty and criminal activity.

I stood mine, for forever and a day so goodbye
I remain true to myself despite criticism and negativity.

The sweet taste of victory
Winning feels great.

Go head and breath it in like antihistamine
Enjoy the feeling of success to the fullest extent.

I know they saying "damn, yea snapped wit this beat!"
My musical abilities impress others.

Fuck you expect? I've got a history
I have a track record of success.

Groupie love now, gotta be them wheels!
Women are attracted to me because of my fame and wealth.

Haters back down, gotta be that steel!
I protect myself from critics and enemies with physical force.

I know they cant wait till ya outta ya deal!
People want me to fail once my contract ends.

Look how they did d'angelo ask em how do it feel!
The music industry can be cruel and unforgiving.

My best friends worry bout me
My closest companions are concerned for my well-being.

'Cause they know when you famous/fame-ass
Being famous can be difficult and unhealthy.

And you had made cash the media aims at us and you be up so high
Wealth and success attract negative attention from the media.

If you ever fall off, it feel like a plane crash
Losing fame and success can be devastating.

But god don't ever give me nothing I cant handle
I have faith in my ability to overcome challenges.

So please don't ever give me records I cant sample
I want to make music that suits my style and abilities.

So I could vacate where it ain't no channels
I want to go somewhere free of the media and other distractions.

But it's quite ok for a gangsta to wear sandals
Even tough guys can enjoy comfortable clothing.

They say because of the fame and stardom
Many people believe fame and success have changed me.

I'm somewhere in between the church and insane asylum
I feel conflicted and in need of guidance.

I guess it's messing with my health then
My mental health and well-being are suffering due to my lifestyle.

And this verse so crazy when I finish
The lyrics I'm writing are intense and potentially harmful.

I'm just going check myself in, again
I need to seek treatment and take care of myself.

I write just to free minds, from stoney to rikers
My music is intended to inspire people from all walks of life.

Amongst the lifeless, in a world crazy as mike is
I feel out of place in a world where insanity is common.

On my paper, whether its weed or isis
I write about whatever comes to mind, whether it's drugs or current events.

They say "life is a game," so I play hard
Some people believe that life is like a game, so I take risks.

Writing for my life cause I'm scared of a day job
I rely on my music career to support myself.

They say "sef kept the hood together"
My reputation as a community leader is well known.

I tell the young, "we can't play the hood forever"
I try to encourage younger generations to better themselves and leave behind negative influences.

Play my cards right, they say I went to left
If I use my resources wisely, I can succeed in unexpected ways.

They showed me strange love, like I was mr. f
People have expressed support for me in strange and unexpected ways.

Played chess in this game of, pawns and knights
I strategize and think several moves ahead, treating life like a game of chess.

Now I claim "king" like don, or frank white
I've achieved great success and see myself as powerful and influential.

They say my life is comparable to christ's
Some people view me as a hero or spiritual figure.

The way I sacrificed, and resurrected, twice
I've overcome adversity and risen to success after setbacks and struggles.

They say "the crochet pants and the sweater was wack"
People have criticized my fashion choices in the past.

Seen "the corner", now they say "that nigga's back," uh
After a brief lull in my career, I'm now back on top and impressing critics.