Givin' Up
Lord Jamar Lyrics

Givin' up... is hard to do (3x)
Admitting defeat and giving up on a cause or belief is difficult and challenging

When youuuuuuu, givin' up someone
When you have to give up on something or someone you deeply care about

Yo, maybe I should rhyme about guns and crack
Lord Jamar contemplates changing his lyrical content to appeal to a wider audience

Then I might sell like tons of stacks
He acknowledges that controversial and commercially successful content sells well in the music industry

Sometimes I tell myself, fuck the truth
He admits to occasionally disregarding the truth for personal gain

"But it's just no use"
Despite considering changing his lyrical content, Lord Jamar remains adamant about staying true to his beliefs

Shit, I can rhyme about bitches and cars
Lord Jamar further contemplates changing his content to focus on stereotypical rap themes

I even tried switching my bars
He acknowledges that he has attempted to change his lyrical content in the past

I said righteous rap is dead to make an excuse, but
He admits to using the excuse that conscious rap is dead to justify changing his lyrical content

"No I can't break loose"
Despite considering changing his lyrical content, Lord Jamar remains true to his conscious rap roots

Sometimes I think about leaving again
He contemplates giving up on the rap game entirely

Already accomplished in leaving a name
He recognizes that he has made a name for himself in the rap industry

Maybe I should just go out with a bang
He considers ending his rap career with a powerful statement

"But it's just no use"
Despite considering ending his career, Lord Jamar remains committed to conscious rap

I can't do it, my love for black people's too strong
He recognizes that his love for the black community and his commitment to conscious rap outweigh the temptation to change his lyrical content for financial gain

Rhymed with a purpose for too long
He acknowledges that his lyrical content has always had a purpose and social message

I'm afraid I'mma gon' have to refuse
He is unwilling to give up on his conscious rap roots

They tried to offer me platinum and diamonds
Lord Jamar has been offered bribes to change his lyrical content

Anything to make me stop rhyming
Record companies are willing to do whatever it takes to make a profit, including compromising an artist's creative vision

They went through great lengths to try to seduce
The record companies are willing to go to great lengths to persuade Lord Jamar to change his lyrical content

"But it's just no use"
Despite the temptation to compromise his values, Lord Jamar remains committed to conscious rap

Cause I, can't be bought, I can't be sold
Lord Jamar acknowledges that his values and integrity are not for sale

I'm understanding God, I can't be old
He recognizes the importance of faith and spiritual growth in his life

Some people just can't be told
He acknowledges that some people are unwilling to listen or understand his message

"No I can't break loose"
Despite the challenges he faces, Lord Jamar remains committed to conscious rap

Somebody gotta be the voice of reason
He sees the importance of being a voice of reason in a society plagued by inequality and injustice

Especially when it's killing season
The current state of society is characterized by violence and conflict

We trying to close the wound, the blood is perfused
Lord Jamar acknowledges the need for healing and progress in society

"But it's just no use"
Despite the challenges society faces, Lord Jamar remains committed to conscious rap

Penetentiary steel, we got centuries
The black community has been oppressed and imprisoned for centuries

At bedtime, doing fed time
Many black individuals are unfairly incarcerated, and the issue of mass incarceration must be addressed

I'mma have to get my sentence reduced
Lord Jamar recognizes the importance of criminal justice reform for the black community

"No I can't break loose"
Despite the systemic oppression faced by the black community, Lord Jamar remains committed to conscious rap