They Say
John Legend & Common Lyrics

They say "What's happenin'?"
People ask what's going on, but they are not really interested in the truth.

We say the facts and then, they lie
We tell them the truth, but they twist it to fit their own agenda.

We comin' back for them
We will not be silenced and will continue to fight against their lies.

They might say but they don't know
They talk a lot, but they have no real knowledge or understanding of the situation.

They say a nigga lost his mind
People claim that I am crazy or irrational.

But in the scheme of things I never lost a rhyme
Despite what others may believe, I have not lost my talent or ability.

The thin line between love and hatred
Emotions can be very complex and easily intertwined.

I'm the black pill in the Matrix, the saturated life
I am an outsider in a world that is too overwhelming and overstimulated.

They say life is what you make it
People often claim that you are in control of your own life.

So I wait quick on a spaceship so I can take it
I am ready to seize opportunities and make the most of life.

As high as the stakes get when paper get low
When money is scarce, the stakes become even higher.

I be tellin' Derick, "Tell Cara get us a show"
I am ambitious and always looking for ways to succeed and better my career.

Little Com, I make righteous bitches get low
My music can inspire people to embrace their inner confidence and be unapologetically themselves.

The richest man ain't necessarily the nigga with dough
Money cannot buy true happiness or fulfillment.

They say "You ripped", "Wow", yeah, that's what they say
Critics may praise my work, but their opinions do not define my value or self-worth.

My niggas couldn't tell it was me, like Jamie in Ray
My true identity and potential are not always immediately apparent to others.

Paintin' a day, with focused crime, broads, and good wine
I am creating a vivid and fulfilling life for myself through passion, relationships, and pleasure.

They say "Dope is sour so it's homework and hood crimes"
Society often perpetuates harmful and negative stereotypes about certain cultures or communities.

I stood mine, for forever and a day, so goodbye
I have remained true to myself and my values despite adversity, and now I am parting ways with those who do not understand or support me.

Ah, the sweet taste of victory
The satisfaction and joy of succeeding against all odds.

Go 'head and breath it in like antihistamine
Allow yourself to fully embrace and savor the feeling of accomplishment and success.

I know they sayin', "Damn, Ye' snapped with this beat"
Others are impressed and amazed by my talent and skill.

Fuck you expect? I've got a history
My past accomplishments and experiences set high expectations for my future work.

Groupie love now, gotta be them wheels
People may be interested in me now because of my fame and success.

Haters back down, gotta be that steel
I will not let negative opinions or criticisms discourage me or bring me down.

I know they cant wait 'til ya outta ya deal
Some people are eagerly waiting for me to be released from contractual obligations so they can benefit or capitalize on my work.

Look how they did D'Angelo, ask 'em "How do it feel?"
The entertainment industry can be cruel and exploitative, and some artists have suffered from unfair treatment or exploitation.

My best friends worry 'bout me
Close friends may be concerned about the negative effects of fame and success on my well-being.

'Cause they know when you famous
Fame can come with a lot of pressure and scrutiny.

And you had made cash the media aims at us and you be up so high
The media is often eager to exploit or criticize famous individuals who have earned a lot of money.

If you ever fall off, it feel like a plane crash
The pressure to maintain success can be so intense that failure feels catastrophic.

But God don't ever give me nothin' I cant handle
I have faith in my own strength and ability to overcome challenges.

So please don't ever give me records I can't sample
I am confident in my own abilities and creativity but do not want to be constrained or limited by others' expectations or restrictions.

So I could vacay where it ain't no channels
I appreciate opportunities to escape the chaos and negativity of everyday life.

But it's quite okay for a gangsta to wear sandals
I am unafraid to embrace my own unique style and personality, regardless of others' opinions.

They say because of the fame and stardom
People often attribute negative or positive qualities to famous individuals based on their status alone.

I'm somewhere in between the church and insane asylum
Fame can be a very isolating and confusing experience with many contradictions and conflicts.

I guess it's messin' with my health then
The toll of fame and success on my physical and mental health may be difficult to bear at times.

And this verse so crazy when I finish
My creative output can be intense and overwhelming, reflecting the chaos and uncertainty of my life.

I'm just gon' check myself in, again
Sometimes, seeking help and support is necessary for maintaining good mental health and well-being.

They say, "Dude think he righteous"
Some people may view me as self-righteous or overly moralistic.

I write just to free minds, from Stony to Rikers
My music is a tool for empowerment and liberation, reaching audiences from all walks of life and even those in prison.

Amongst the lifeless, in a world crazy as Mike is
The world can often feel bleak or hopeless, but my music offers a glimmer of hope and inspiration.

On my paper, whether its weed or Isis
I express myself through my art, whether it is through writing or other forms of creativity.

They say life is a game, so I play hard
I am not afraid to take risks and pursue my dreams with intensity and passion.

Writin' for my life 'cause I'm scared of a day job
Creating music is not just a hobby, but a necessary livelihood for me.

They say "Sef kept the hood together"
I am recognized for my role in preserving and uniting my community.

I tell the young, "We can't play the hood forever"
I encourage my peers to think beyond their current circumstances and strive for greater success and fulfillment.

Play my cards right, they say I went too left
Even when I am successful, there will always be critics and naysayers who try to tear me down.

They showed me strange love, like I was Mr. F
People may show me affection or admiration in unusual or unexpected ways.

Played chess in this game of, pawns and knights
I am strategic and thoughtful in my pursuit of success and fulfillment, much like a chess player on a board.

Now I claim "King" like Don, or Frank White
I assert my power and authority over my own life and career, much like a mafia kingpin.

They say my life is comparable to Christ
People may draw parallels between my life and the story of Jesus Christ.

The way I sacrificed and resurrected twice
Like Jesus, I have faced immense hardship and been reborn or reinvented multiple times in my life.

"The crochet pants and the sweater was wack"
Even my fashion choices are subject to critique and judgment.

Seen "The Corner", now they say "that nigga's back," uh
My comeback or resurgence is recognized and applauded by many.