Growing Pains
Ft Ludacris Lyrics

Okay, I remember the days
Reflecting back on the past

High rights, low lefts, even stevens and fades
Different types of hairstyles

Troops, Lottos, and BKs, those was the days
Brands of shoes that were popular

Hi-tec boots spray painted witcha names
Personalized shoes

T-shirts airbrushed that read the same
Matching customized t-shirts

Thick herringbone chain, one gold with yo' initial
Wearing gold chains with personalized initials

Harris Photos, group shots, can you remember?
Taking group photos at a specific photography studio

Barry him told his bitch go to the prom and die
A specific event involving a prom and a violent outcome

Didn't lie shot his-self in the head with the 4-5
The violent outcome was a suicide

When she disobeyed, had North Clayton crazed
The event caused a disturbance in the community

Just to reiterate dog those was the days
Remembering the past once again

Fo' the invasions of haters, man crews from all around
The introduction of conflict and negativity from other groups

Used to get down at True Flavas, bumpin Key Lo
A specific location where people gathered and listened to music

Rockin Damage, Cross Colour and Paco
Wearing specific clothing brands

While playboys stepped in talent shows
Participating in talent showcases

Prom night, tux and Kangol was so cool
The fashion trends during prom season

Fuck them new model cars we ridin' old school (old school)
Preferring older cars over newer models

We were tryin so hard
Attempting to overcome difficulties

Hard to survive
Struggling to stay alive and prosper

'Cause even though we were young
Despite our young age

We had to stay strong
We needed to remain resilient

No matter what we went through
Regardless of the hardships we faced

It was me and my crew
We depended on each other for support and guidance

And that's how it went
That's how our experiences played out

When we were kids
During our childhood

In 3 months we stayed in Jamestown
Living in a specific location for a short period of time

Hamwood and Diplomats
Other areas where they lived

Played with Transformers, G.I. Joe's and Thundercats
Toys that they enjoyed playing with

We was lovin' that
We loved playing with those toys

Before they started jackin' jacks
Before the game of jacks became problematic

For notes from Red Oaks had folks scared to come through
Red Oaks was an area where people were wary of

College Park after dark, Crown Victorias police unmarked cars
The danger and police presence in a particular area

Be aware, Wayne Williams was out there, but we ain't care
A notorious individual being present, but not causing concern

Kids was gettin' stabbed and ditched out there too busy playin'
The danger of the area and the children's carefree attitude

Double dare ya touch shorty on the ass, that's a bet
A taunting statement challenging someone's bravery

Want your Kool-Aid and sugar, smack your hands and say "sweat"
An example of a game or activity they would do

It's mine now place it in my Louis Vuitton pouch
A statement regarding personal belongings

Thump a nigga on his knuckles make him say ouch
Another taunting statement involving pain

Slouch socks, box Chevy Caprice
Fashion trends and car models

Hot Niss, cut da whole Disturbin' Tha Peace
A reference to a music group and their style

Wit no conscience, broke niggas call 'em non cents
A statement about individuals who lack empathy or morality

No comments, it's Lil' Fate payin' homage to College Park
A tribute to their community and its influence

I had a Long John but no Silver, no gold or plat
A description of their lack of material possessions

I was simply red from the years I been holdin' back
Feeling unfulfilled due to past experiences

With two sides to a book I lick stamps and light matches
Engaging in small acts of rebellion

And set fires in garbage pails and cabbage patches
More examples of reckless behavior

A child of the corn been wild since I was born
A reference to being from a rural area and a rebellious nature

Climbin' over barbed wire, clothes got torn
Engaging in risky behavior and damaging personal belongings

Shoes got muddy and my clique turned cruddy
Depictions of the hardships they faced and the change in their community

Wherever I go they went they my buddies
A statement of loyalty and friendship

I brush teeth, brush naps and calm streets
Personal hygiene habits and a desire for a peaceful environment

Dreamin' of Cadillacs, wood wheels and plush seats
Aspirations to have luxurious possessions

Cats with gold teeth and raps with such beats
Appreciation for a specific type of music and fashion

Macks with no grief and some sacks of green leaf
A reference to drug culture and the prevalence of it in their community

When I loaded my cap gun I was ready for action
An example of a common childhood activity

Starin' at beer cans and a moment to crack one
Engaging in risky behavior and underage drinking

Wanna hang with the big boys and play with the big toys
Wanting to be part of an older, more influential group

And be with the people makin' all that got damn noise, man
Desiring to be around those who cause a commotion or make an impact