Ain't No Sunshine
East Side Cult Lyrics

Behind these walls, ain't no sunshine
Life is bleak and void of hope in this place

Dirty crackers, steady scratchin' niggas off the grind
White prison guards enjoy causing trouble and punishing prisoners for minor infractions

Ho, you can't do the time, then don't do the crime
You must be willing to face the consequences of your actions

You got to handle yours like a man, I'm-a handle mine
Each individual is responsible for his own actions and needs to take care of himself

Ain't no use in cryin'
Complaining or feeling sorry for yourself won't help

These dirty crackers, steady scratchin' niggas off the grind
White prison guards enjoy causing trouble and punishing prisoners for minor infractions

Ain't no use in you cryin'
Complaining or feeling sorry for yourself won't help

Breakin' the door, while them guards lookin' the other way
Prisoners are capable of organizing and planning events without the guards knowing

Rapings and murders, man, this shit take place every day
Violent crimes occur regularly in prison, making it a dangerous place to be

It's a livin' hell in this jail, males attracted to males
Homosexual relationships are common in prison, contributing to the dangerous and uncomfortable environment

Loud screams and yells comin' from a cell on block twelve
Terrible things happen in prison, and the sound of suffering can be heard throughout the facility

You can't show em' ya scared, nigga, if ya do, ya dead
Showing any sign of weakness can make you vulnerable and a target for violence

They the first to rip off a side of a bitch nigga head
Aggressive prisoners will quickly turn violent and attack those they view as weak or unfit for survival in prison

Now I'm sleepin' on my back with my boots on in my bed
Prisoners must be ready at all times for unexpected violence or danger

See a nigga got stuck and the guard just stood there while he bled
Guards may be indifferent to the suffering and harm of prisoners

And as the chicken died, I was thinkin' 'bout his mama
Even though prisoners may commit crimes that result in imprisonment, they still have family and loved ones who are impacted by their actions and fate

And who gon' break the news of how he got caught in the drama
The families of prisoners must face the difficult task of learning about the dangerous and violent situations in which their loved ones are involved

Can't trust the white ones, the black ones, the Puerto Ricans or the Mexicans
Race doesn't determine who can or cannot be a threat or cause harm in prison

Gotta turn my toothbrush into a sharp blade for my protection
Prisoners must use any means necessary to protect themselves from violence and harm

And I'm-a stick it deep in the flesh of that nigga who test
Prisoners will violently defend themselves against perceived threats

Put him to rest, and leave him in a red mess
Prisoners are willing to kill to defend themselves or make a statement

It's a whole 'nother world behind this wall, don't come down here
Prison is a unique, dangerous environment that outsiders should avoid

I see ya slip, ya better straighten up before ya fall
Minor mistakes or lapses in judgment can have serious, dangerous consequences in prison

Dear mama, I'm writing ya from the state pen
Prisoners must rely on letters to stay connected to their families and the outside world

I'm in this hole again, denied for parole once again
The path to redemption and release from prison is often full of challenges and roadblocks

See, in here, it ain't no friends, it's do or ya die
Life in prison is about survival, not forming friendships or alliances

Shank or get shanked, at night, grown men cry
Prisoners must be willing to violently defend themselves to avoid being harmed or killed by others

Madder than a fuck, 'cause they trapped by the state
Many prisoners are angry and resentful about their circumstances and feel trapped and powerless

Conversations 'bout suicide, cryin' to his roommate
Life in prison can be so difficult that some prisoners contemplate suicide

And roommate the next one that got this nigga swingin'
Even fellow prisoners can pose a threat

Damn, from a rope by his neck hangin'
Suicide is a tragic, all-too-common occurrence in prison

I got to thinkin' about death in all kinds of ways
The constant danger and violence in prison makes prisoners constantly aware of death and dying

Pull a nigga shank up in this bitch, I'm goin' the other way
Prisoners must be careful to avoid confrontations and violence, even if it means backing down or running away

The only thing I can look forward to is death
Life in prison is so bleak that death seems like the only escape

And at the rate I'm goin'. I got too many years left
The long, seemingly endless prison sentence can crush the spirit and erode hope

That's why I be actin' up, 'cause I be crackin' up
Prison life can cause prisoners to act out and behave erratically as a coping mechanism

Layin' in a stiff ass bed, in a cell with hard lead
Prisoners live in uncomfortable, Spartan conditions

This type of shit'll make a weak nigga turn gay
The stress and danger of prison can cause some prisoners to engage in homosexual relationships as a coping mechanism

Promise to split ya dome if ya look at me the wrong way
Prisoners are quick to become angry and retaliate against perceived threats

Whatcha gonna do when them lights go out, nigga
Violence and danger never take a break in prison

Whatcha gonna do when them fights break out, nigga
Fights are a regular occurrence in prison, and prisoners must be ready to defend themselves at all times

Whatcha gonna do when them fools start riotin'
Riots are a terrifying and dangerous occurrence in prison

Is you gon' be fightin' like a man or hidin'
Prisoners must be willing to fight to survive, but they may also need to hide or escape if necessary

Whatcha' gonna do when you approached with that gay shit
Prisoners may be confronted with unwanted advances or sexual advances, and must determine how to respond

Go in his grill or get punked and don't say shit
Prisoners must defend themselves against unwanted sexual advances, but they may also feel too vulnerable to do so

If you a man, you gon' stand, understand what I'm sayin'
Prisoners must be willing to stand up for themselves and defend themselves when necessary

From the streets to the cell, for survival's what I'm prayin'
Life in prison is so dangerous that prisoners must stay vigilant and constantly work to protect themselves

Every time I turn around I'm starin' at a cop
Prisoners are constantly under the watchful eye of guards and other prison staff

Pig circlin' my block, tryin' to catch me with rocks
Guards are always on the lookout for infractions from prisoners

Whether it's rain, snow, sleet or shine, I'm out on the grind
Prisoners must work hard every day, no matter the weather or conditions

Niggas yell, "Hoody hoo," when they see one time
Prisoners have a code and way of communicating to alert others to the presence of guards or other threats

Man, these streets fucked up, 'cause these crackers playin' this
The systemic issues and racism that exist outside of prison also contribute to the problems and violence within prison

Now I'm spinnin' every day, takin' these penitentiary chances
Life in prison is risky and dangerous, and prisoners must constantly take chances to protect themselves or improve their situation

I'm a straight up hustler, so I can do nothin' but advise you
Prisoners who are able to navigate the harsh conditions and survive are often respected and looked up to by others

Don't get caught out on this grind, 'cause these crackers gon' find you
Prisoners who are not vigilant or careful risk being caught and punished by the guards

Ain't no use in me cryin'
Complaining or feeling sorry for yourself won't help

Behind my eyes, ain't no sunshine
The darkness and bleakness of prison life is always present, even when it's not visible on the surface

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