Going Back Five Times
George Lopez Lyrics

I know radio prolly ain't gonna play this...
The artist believes that this song may not be played on the radio due to its controversial nature.

but chopper going off in the hood man like Afghanistan or the Gaza strip somewhere man.
The sound of gunfire in the artist's neighborhood is so common that it's akin to living in a warzone.

Yeah, we hear it so much we probably numb to it by now.
Frequent exposure to gun violence has caused the artist and others in the community to become desensitized to it.

After all, it's the American way right?Home of the brave and free (It's America)
Although it runs contrary to the country's supposed values of bravery and freedom, gun violence is an unfortunate reality of life in America.

Free just to murder me (land of the handgun)
The prevalence of handguns in America make it easy for people to kill each other with little consequence.

Land of the beautiful (home of the shotgun)
The beauty of America is tarnished by the ubiquitous presence of shotguns.

Cursed by the hate we throw (You're dead if you ain't got one)
The hate that people throw in America is so strong that it can lead to one's demise if they don't have a gun to defend themselves.

Is this the new national anthem? (It was like this before I got here baby, I ain't do it)
The problems in America, such as gun violence and hate, have existed for a long time and are not the fault of the current generation.

Is this the new national anthem? (I ain't start it, I'm just a part of it)
The artist is not responsible for the issues in America, but still must navigate and suffer through them.

You say this the home of the brave I guess
Although America is said to be the home of the brave, there are many people living in constant fear due to the dangers present in their communities.

I say this the home of the K's and the vets
For the artist, America is a place where gang violence and military conflicts have a significant impact on daily life.

All alone with the J's smoking yay cause he stressed
Some people turn to drugs to cope with the stress of living in a violent and dangerous environment.

On chrome with a Tek taught to spray for respect
Many young people in the artist's community are taught that carrying and using a gun is necessary for gaining respect and status.

I learned from the best used to stay in the 'jects'
The artist grew up in low-income housing projects and learned how to navigate the dangers and violence of his environment from those who had been there before him.

Bought work from the vets burning rubber in the vets
The artist purchased drugs from veterans and drove fast cars in his youth, highlighting how military service and gang life often intersect in America.

This as good as it gets used to play with the rats
Growing up in poverty and violence, the artist was accustomed to living in squalor and associating with people who were struggling to survive.

Then I got older and learned stay away from the rats
As the artist matured, he realized that staying away from criminal behavior and distancing himself from dangerous people was the key to staying safe and succeeding in life.

God blessed this nigga, to hustle up and make eight figures
Despite the odds stacked against him, the artist was able to overcome his circumstances and make a significant amount of money through hard work and determination.

Turned from a goon to a great young nigga
The artist transformed from a criminal to a successful and respected person in his community.

No complaining just doing what it take young nigga
To succeed in America, the artist recognized that he needed to work hard and not complain about the challenges he faced.

I was raised in a decade of hate young nigga
The artist grew up during a time when hate and violence were prevalent in his community and society as a whole.

Always dodging polices because they hate young niggas
Because of institutionalized racism, the artist and other young Black men are often targeted and harassed by police officers who harbor prejudices against them.

And we hate them too, 38 in him shoe
As a result of police brutality and profiling, many young Black men feel anger towards the police and may carry guns to protect themselves.

All the changes the system will take him through
Even if a young Black man is not involved in criminal activity, the justice system may still unfairly target him based on his race and background.

He ain't a killer but he will if you make him do it
Although the young Black man may not be a violent person, he may feel forced to use violence in order to protect himself and survive in a dangerous environment.

Homicide he'll ride, they'll put him on trial
If the young Black man kills someone in self-defense, he may still be put on trial and face the possibility of being locked up for life.

Let him have a life sentence then do it with a smile
The justice system often hands out harsh sentences to young Black men, and those in power may feel vindictive and pleased with themselves for doing so.

And he only 19, he ain't even had a child
It's tragic that so many young Black men are caught in the cycle of violence and criminal behavior before they even have a chance to start a family or pursue their dreams.

As a child, told his mama he'll be gone for a while
Many young Black men are aware that they may not live to see old age due to the violence and dangers of their environments, and tell their loved ones as much.

And she cried, still they just put him inside
Despite the heartbreak of the young man's mother and loved ones, the justice system often locks these young men up and throws away the key.

Now she all on her own because her other son died
The young Black man's mother may have already lost one child, and is now faced with the possibility of losing another to the justice system or street violence.

Listen to the politician as he lied and he lied
Many politicians in America make promises that they don't keep or twist the truth to suit their needs.

He a snake in a suit, trying to hide in disguise
Politicians may pretend to be working for the good of the public, but in reality they are often more concerned with their own power and influence.

Don't get it fucked up
The artist wants to make sure that his listeners understand the harsh realities of living in America.

If you ain't found something you're willing to die for, you ain't fit to live
For the artist, it's important to have a sense of purpose and passion in life, even if it means taking risks and putting oneself in danger.

To get something you've never had, you must be willing to do something you've never done
Achieving success and overcoming challenges requires taking risks and stepping out of one's comfort zone.

I'ma die by mine
The artist is prepared to defend himself and his loved ones by any means necessary.

sittin' around waiting on government to do something for us ain't never gonna happen partner they don't give a fuck about us
The artist urges his listeners not to rely on the government to solve the issues facing the Black community, as he believes that the government does not care about their wellbeing.

but don't play into their hand partner, you making it easy for em, hell is you doin'?
The artist cautions his listeners not to behave in ways that play into the negative stereotypes that society has of young Black men, as it only reinforces the systemic injustices that they face.