Teardrops
Kano Lyrics

Overdose off the ovation
Feeling overwhelmed and extremely appreciated

Make a stand for the whole nation
Taking a strong stance and advocating for the entire country

Dressing room like the Old Bailey
The backstage area resembling a courthouse with people making judgments

101 dargs and they ain't dalmatians
Having a large group of loyal friends who are not easily distinguishable

Knock you down, take your money like a donation
Taking advantage of someone and considering it a contribution

But why they think that was the morals we was all raised with?
Questioning why society believes those were the values instilled in us

Screwface can't save faces
Putting on a cold and unfriendly expression doesn't protect reputations

They only saving graces
The only positive aspects that redeem the situation

At least it was saving papers
Finding solace in the fact that it brought financial gains

But there ain't no safe haven
There is no place of absolute safety or refuge

If they can spray paint 'Nigga' on Lebron James crib
If they can deface a prominent and successful person's property with racial slurs

That means a black card ain't shit when that's the shade your face is
It implies that the social standing or wealth represented by a black credit card is meaningless compared to the discrimination one faces

So basically, we're Kunta Kinte's in some Cuban links
Comparing ourselves to resilient and determined slaves, now adorned with expensive jewelry

The Balenciaga's didn't blend us in
Even wearing expensive designer clothes doesn't camouflage our identity

We're here now, word to God's Gift
Acknowledging that we have overcome challenges, an homage to our talents or abilities

They shoulda never let us in the game then
Implying that those in power shouldn't have given us the opportunity to succeed

And know I'll back my brothers to my last breath
Promising unwavering support and loyalty to my fellow men

They left Hennessy on the pavement
They abandoned their values and disregarded what was important

Ever see me on the pavement? Face on the floor, would you help a brother changes?
If you witness me on the streets struggling, would you offer assistance or enable my transformation?

Circumstances hurt the hardest, ballers never made it
Difficult situations take the hardest toll, and even successful individuals have faced failure

Black pitch famous
Our dark experiences have become well-known

So east side like Mr fucking Apex
Asserting dominance and influence, representing the east side like a prominent figure

You were never school me if I scoop up something famous
You can't teach me anything if I attain something noteworthy

And you won't catch me with Julie and the vaders
I won't be seen associating with people of questionable character

The real made us, man don't worry 'bout no paigons
Authentic experiences and challenges have shaped us, disregarding insignificant individuals

If you ain't got above 80, don't worry what my rate is
If you don't excel or reach a certain level, don't concern yourself with my success

You ain't fucking got the faintest
You have no idea or understanding

Mandem show off just to show the mandem they can make it
People showcase their achievements to inspire others from the same community

Coming from the city where the slipperiest of snakes live
Originating from a place where deceitful and treacherous individuals reside

A village has to raise these
The community must take responsibility for raising and guiding the young generation

Young kings and queens to believe their greatness
Encouraging the young individuals to have confidence in their own potential

Fed up of police stations
We are weary of the frequent encounters with law enforcement

Id parading 'cause will I be mistaken
Questioning whether our identity will be misunderstood or misconstrued

Just 'cause I lead the station
Merely because I am the one in charge or exhibiting leadership

While we slide, paedo's raping
While we are distracted or occupied, child predators continue to commit heinous acts

Big man like you
Seemingly important individuals like yourself

Broke's in a big boy black suit and a gangster platoon
Even individuals with a sense of authority or power can be financially struggling and surrounded by questionable associates

What's a man supposed to do?
Expressing frustration and uncertainty about the appropriate course of action

We have complained to the police about police and nothing's been done
We have reported misconduct or issues involving law enforcement to their own department, but no action has been taken

We have complained to judges about judges and nothing's been done
We have raised grievances against judges to other judges, but no resolution has been achieved

Now it's time to do something ourselves
It is necessary for us to take matters into our own hands

In love and war
Love and warfare share similar attributes

All is fair where I'm from
In my community, any means can be used to achieve success

The weak won't last
Those lacking strength or resilience will not endure

A week in shoes like our ones
The challenges we face on a daily basis are difficult and unforgiving

When it rains it pours
In times of misfortune, multiple problems or difficulties arise

Hoodies all summer
Wearing hooded sweatshirts despite the hot weather to conceal our identities

'Cause teardrops from the sky
Symbolizing the hardships and struggles we endure

Only seem to fall on you and I
It feels like we are the only ones facing adversity

Used to do weights for Ingrid
We used to lift weights in order to impress or gain the attention of Ingrid

Wafer-thin envelope with eighty quids in
A meager amount of money contained within a very thin envelope

I paid my dues now pay me plenty
I have fulfilled my obligations and now deserve to be adequately compensated

And me and Hollow on the phone talkin'
Having a conversation on the phone with Hollow

So trade a verse, limited tax
Exchanging verses or lyrics, while taking into account limited financial resources

No way to swerve, too legit
There is no avoiding or escaping the situation, it is genuinely authentic

That's chrome paper berks crib, thanks
Referring to a luxurious item or property, expressing gratitude

No wasted, burnt energies, facts
Not expending energy in a wasteful manner, stating the truth

No haters, serve enemies, rats
Not giving attention to haters, instead focusing on serving and overcoming enemies or betrayers

Go chase cursed, devil rimmed crack
Pursuing or seeking out detrimental and addictive substances

Cocaine, the turf penalties flat
Cocaine usage results in negative consequences within the community

Old names, that's curb legendary rush
Previous individuals, legendary in their own right, known for their activities on the streets

No chain but shirt still a (?)
Not wearing flashy jewelry, but the shirt still holds significance or value

No game other than chivalry snaps
Not participating in other forms of entertainment or competition, only valuing honor and respect

No faces, birds and the bees mask
Not showing emotions or revealing true intentions, hiding behind a facade

(?) Infancy, sad
Unclear meaning due to missing information, possibly referring to something sad during infancy

Those days concerned sisters be traps
In the past, women who were worried or had suspicions were often involved in deceitful situations or schemes

Most days absurd, bigotry, black
Many days are irrational, filled with prejudice against black individuals

No days off, work literally, raps
Never taking time off, always working diligently on music or rap

No way, that's verse liberty
There's no denying the freedom and expression found in these verses

Shoebox memories
Keepsakes or nostalgic items stored in a shoebox

Reebok workouts and dungarees
Remembering old times when we used to exercise with Reebok products and wear dungarees

We used to dream 'bout the most frivolous of things
In the past, our dreams revolved around trivial or meaningless desires

Til we bought the most ridiculous of rings
Until we acquired the most extravagant and extravagant rings

Now we're just tryna keep our bretheren's out the bin
Now we are focused on preventing our friends from ending up in prison

Side talk, everyone's a guy until a guy walks in
People pretend to be important and knowledgeable until someone truly credible arrives

Louder, crabs in the barrel and survival ting
Asserting oneself louder, observing how people undermine each other and the struggle for survival

We could all go clear (?) Musical cheer
If we all support each other, we can achieve success and create a cheerful atmosphere

There's enough seats for everybody mate
There is ample opportunity for everyone to succeed

'Til then, we can't reach nowhere
Until then, we won't make progress or reach our goals

Trust
Have faith and confidence in the future