Don't Don't Do It!
N.E.R.D Lyrics

It makes no difference in this life
Life is indifferent and does not care about our circumstances.

Up and ups just fine
The idea of only focusing on the positives, even if they're small, in order to get through life.

Gonna up and up this life
A goal of always moving forward and upwards, even if it seems impossible.

Til' the lift gets stuck
Until the situation is out of our control or something happens that we cannot overcome.

They tell you pullover, tell you get out the car (Simon says)
The police give commands and have the power to make people follow them, even if they are not just.

Don't do it, don't don't do it (Simon says)
An urging to refuse to follow the unjust commands given by the police, despite the potential consequences.

Right when you're alone
The idea of being vulnerable and alone when facing police brutality, with no one to help or protect you.

Waiting for your kid's school bus to arrive (but you know)
The everyday experience of waiting for one's children, but with the constant knowledge that police brutality is a reality that could occur at any moment.

They're gonna do it anyway
The inevitability and predictability of police brutality, regardless of the situation or person involved.

Reaching for your keys
A normal action that can be interpreted as a threat by the police, leading to potentially deadly consequences.

Wait, is that your phone?
A situation where even something as innocent as a phone can be seen as a weapon or threat by the police.

Got a TBI
Sustaining permanent brain damage as a result of police brutality.

Wait, is that police?
The constant fear and surveillance from the police that can occur at any time, in any place.

Get out for what?
Questioning the reasons behind the police's commands and actions, as they are not always just or reasonable.

I'm not your guy (but you know)
When the police have the power to target and harm individuals based on their race, despite no evidence or reason to do so.

Wife behind the trees Tryna to tell you don't They're about to fire
The frustrating and painful experience of watching loved ones be placed in danger by the police, despite their attempts to communicate and reason with them.

Whoa Ferguson, Oh Baltimore Raleigh, North Carolina (but you know) They're gonna do it anyway Wisconsin, Tulsa, Oklahoma Cleveland, Ohio Montgomery, Baton Rouge, Cincinnati car Dayton, Ohio (but you know) They're gonna do it anyway New York, New Jersey, Phoenix, Minnesota South Carolina They gonna do it anyway
Listing several places where police brutality and violence have occurred, emphasizing that it is not only an issue in one particular place or situation.

You better duck, run fast from the mania Don't stare, don't laugh at the media Brake free, press gas when it enter ya' Don't let it go bad when he ante up Highway, get out the way Black man do your great escape Pac-man wanna prosecute you, raise your hand up, and they'll shoot ya' Face off, face off Adolf Hitler Grandkids slayed off Niggas, same rules, same chalk Different decade, same law Keep focus, you wanna get caught with your eyes open You wanna stay clear of the prognosis Pride provoked him, watch demotion Watch em' close enough Don't let the holster bake or roast ya' Rollercoaster ride that bitch Soon the lady's eyes gon' switch You know Johnny got that itch How many more of us gotta see the coroner? Slain by the same badge, stop, wait, brake, fast!
Encouraging black men to take action and protect themselves from police violence and brutality, while also recognizing the historical context of systemic racism in the law enforcement system. Urging caution and vigilance when encountering the police, as they have the power to harm or kill, and emphasizing the need for change in the current system.

Don't do it, don't don't do it
A final urging to refuse to follow the unjust commands given by the police, despite the potential consequences.