Water
J. Paul Jr &The Zydeco Newbreeds Lyrics

I made it from the land to the water but don't ask how I keep from drowning
I crossed over from one way of life to another, but the process was difficult and I had to struggle to survive.

Need my family on the side and that one that'll ride but that's all that I keep around me
I keep a close circle of loved ones whom I trust and rely on for support.

And when my body grow tired and that well run dry
When I am exhausted and depleted of energy,

You gon see that I'll still be smiling
I will continue to maintain a positive attitude and find joy in life.

Ain't no holding that
I am unstoppable in my pursuit of happiness and fulfillment.

I'm going back to the water
I am returning to my roots and the place where I feel most at home.

To the ones that's riding benches
To the people who may not be in the spotlight or given recognition,

Ready if they name called on any fourth and inches
But always prepared to step up and contribute when needed.

This a dedication
This is a tribute,

To the ones that's underrated
To the individuals who may not receive the appreciation or respect they deserve.

Paying dues all year
Working hard and putting in effort consistently,

No matter the form of payment
Regardless of how the rewards or recognition are given.

Raise your flag bang your drum
Express your pride and celebrate your identity and culture.

And tell em what your name is
Introduce yourself and make your presence known.

Bang your chest cuz where you from
Display confidence and pride in your hometown and heritage.

And tell em how you claim it
Explain how you identify with and relate to your roots.

Where it rain through the sun
In a place where life can be challenging but also contain moments of joy.

Mean you take the good with the bad and then you turn it into something
To succeed in this place, you must embrace both the positive and negative aspects of life and use them to create something valuable.

Cookouts with the neighbors go & get you a plate
Enjoy the company and support of those around you, even if they are not family.

But when you get on out here
However, when you leave this place,

Dont forget where you ate
Remember the people and the community that supported you on your journey.

Make no mistakes
Don't make any errors or misjudgments.

It's all love anyway
Despite any misunderstandings or conflicts, there is still love and support among the people in this place.

Dice game take the cake then you might catch a fade
Gambling can be a dangerous activity in this place, and disputes may arise.

Cuz they don't play down here
People in this place take life seriously and are not to be underestimated or taken lightly.

It ain't just kids running tag on playgrounds here
This is not a place where life is carefree or devoid of challenges.

You might get a bag if you stay down here
If you work hard and stay committed to this place, you may receive a reward or benefit.

But you finna pay tax since you ain't from round here
However, as an outsider, you may be subject to some form of hardship or consequence.

Now the year is '03
A specific moment in time, the year 2003.

Rubber band round my wrist thinking I'm T.I.P.
A personal detail about the singer's appearance and style, emulating a musician named T.I.P.

Brush that dirt off my shoulder boy I'm thinking jay-z
Another reference to a popular rapper, Jay-Z, with the singer adopting a similar attitude or persona.

Pass the dutch I ain't never scared on constant repeat
A reference to a popular song and the artist's affinity for it, perhaps as a form of comfort or motivation.

And we keep it discreet
The artist and their associates keep certain activities or details private or hidden from view.

Never keeping receipts
They do not document their transactions or activities formally.

The paper trails they chasing tails now whenever we eat
The authorities or those in power are attempting to track the singer's movements or finances.

But how clever is we
Despite this scrutiny, the artist and their associates believe they are still able to outsmart their pursuers.

If we dont leave with the key
However, if they do not have the necessary tools or resources for success,

To pull the lever on them doors that's gon lead us to feast
They will not be able to fully access the opportunities and rewards that they desire.

You ain't a boss or a beast unless your people agree
The singer believes that true leadership and strength comes from the support and agreement of those around you.

Your yes men finna leave the next man give em treats
However, if a leader is only surrounded by those who will say yes to them, they will eventually be abandoned for someone who can offer better rewards or incentives.

And that day you gon see
The day will come when this abandonment occurs,

How cheap loyalty be
And how easily loyalty and commitment can be bought or lost.

You need something real on your feed then you can leave it me
The singer offers themselves as a source of authenticity and truth among the many false or misleading voices in the world.

Now I know you watching
The artist is aware that others are observing and scrutinizing their actions,

Me running through these projects
Specifically, the artist is navigating through a challenging environment,

Eyes rolling while you scrolling
While others may criticize or underestimate them,

Knowing that I got it
The singer has confidence in themselves and their abilities.

The hatin is obvious
However, it is clear that some people are critical or negative towards them.

I'm not debating your logic
The singer does not wish to argue or engage with those who challenge them.

The fakin is toxic
The singer believes that pretending to be someone or something you are not is dangerous or harmful.

And I learned how to spot it
The singer has developed the ability to recognize and avoid fake people or situations.