No doubt
Grae Jean Lyrics

Devoted life to the dream of lights and fortune and fame
I have been working hard for a long time to achieve my dreams of success and recognition

I might just gain the vision, or just might be livin in vain
There is a chance that I will succeed, but there is also the possibility that all my effort will be for nothing

See in the game it's cool strolls and platinum thugs
The entertainment industry is filled with superficial people who flaunt their wealth and success

Stack the cash, drugs and women; bubble in crime, trouble in time
Many people in the industry have gained their success through illegal means, and it will eventually catch up to them

I stay humble with mine, had drama for words
Despite my success, I remain grounded and have had to deal with difficult situations

Encountered some birds who tried to take the shine
I have had to deal with people who were jealous of my success and tried to bring me down

But I'm illuminatin like a thousand frozen wrists in the glint of the sun
Despite the challenges, I continue to shine and radiate like the sun reflecting on icy surfaces

Worth the Franklin Mint and Wall Street combined into one
My value is immeasurable, like a combination of the most prestigious institutions in the world

They can't see it yet though, different like niggaz sayin petrol
Despite my talent and success, some people may not appreciate it because it is different and goes against the norm

for gas, english metric system, graded on the past
People are accustomed to certain ways of doing things, and may not understand or appreciate new methods

Just tryin to reach y'all, no one's at my arms length
I am working hard to connect with my audience, but it can be difficult to do so when people are not receptive

want to stay in the race but slowly runnin out of breath
I am struggling to keep up with the fast pace of the entertainment industry and may be losing my momentum

They all alike, can't understand, maybe it's safest
Many people in the industry are similar and conform to certain standards, and it may be easier for me to do the same

to play the role and be another glitch in The Matrix
I could conform to the industry's standards and be just another player in a system that may not be beneficial

Repetitive flow, embedded in dough
Many artists in the industry have a similar sound and style, and are driven by money

I run the risk of pissin everybody off, but I don't care if you know
I am willing to take risks and stand out, even if it means some people may not like it

Quit for good, too many times, shit maybe I should
I have considered quitting the industry because of the challenges and difficulties I have faced

But it won't prevent rejection reappearin in life
Even if I quit, I will still face rejection and obstacles in life

I even lay the toughest down for you
I am willing to put my all into my work and art

Paint the ground blood pink for you, only so that you feel me right
I create art that is personal and emotional, and hope that it resonates with people

Then hear me tight from the ills perhaps
I hope that people can relate to and understand the struggles and challenges I have been through

But not a lot of scenes like movie stills are fleein from fiends and caps
The reality of my experiences may not match the glamorous depiction of them in movies and media

I had, thrills and high spills, couple of hot chases
I have had exciting and dangerous experiences in my life

Romance with Jacks, Jills in dirty places
I have had romantic relationships in unconventional and unexpected settings

No jail cell been filled and no court cases
I have not been in legal trouble despite some of my risky experiences

But committed murder of flesh, two of my own faces
I have made mistakes and caused harm to myself and others

At best I'm, a dime each, not a dozen, never cheap
I am unique and valuable, not a dime a dozen or easily replaceable

Fornicated adultery once and now I never cheat
I have made mistakes in my romantic relationships, but have learned from them and changed my behavior

Younger sibling or two, family disfunctional
I come from a family that has its problems and challenges

Problem with bein on time, hardly ever punctual
I struggle with being on time and am often late

Punchclocks give me the runs, just not in my blood Akki
I am not cut out for traditional 9-to-5 jobs and they make me anxious

y'all flashin guns at me, time to go? Let it be
I am not intimidated by people who threaten me with violence and am willing to walk away from conflict

See I got these bill collectors, practically at the door chillin
I have financial struggles and am being harassed by debt collectors

I can't explain to Visa how I'm tryin to stack a million
I am trying to save and make money, but it is difficult to do so when I am in debt

Hustle on the side for chump change, it's not big time
I am working hard to make money, but it is not enough to make a significant difference

I only do it for fries, chicken and wine and hump days
I am working for small rewards, such as food and drink, and to make it through the week

Reality spit, dudes and rap bitches sick of me
The reality of my life and experiences may not be glamorous, and some people in the industry do not appreciate it

And if they right, they still print, I'm tryin to do calligraphy
Even if my critics are correct, I am still making art and trying to create something beautiful

All real, sit up just all night, just thinkin it's all wrong
I am constantly reflecting on the state of the world and my place in it, and it can be overwhelming

Won't sleep 'til everything's alright
I am determined to make the world a better place and will not rest until I have done my part

I made brush fire noise; I need four alarm
I have made a significant impact and am not to be underestimated

Three A.M. on the lawn with two kids and one slipper on
I am a mother who is struggling to balance my career and my family life

Blaze now, your days phase out like old sitcoms
I am making a big impact now, and those who underestimate me will soon be forgotten

Tryin to save the show by puttin new fuckin kids on
I am working to create new art and bring fresh voices and perspectives to the industry

Love me or not, respect it for what it's worth
Whether or not people appreciate my art, they should respect the hard work and dedication that goes into it

I'm like a bundle of dough in a knot in a purse under your cot
I am valuable and important, even if I am hidden away or overlooked

Undiscovered lines like connectin the dots
I have unique and innovative ideas that have not yet been fully realized

It's gonna happen, sooner or later
I am confident that my success is inevitable

Fuck rappin, just givin data
I am not just making music for entertainment, but to communicate important ideas and messages