Why?
Root Lyrics

Sky's the limit so you know I'm gonna rise and shine
I am determined to succeed despite obstacles.

I gotta do my thing, I'm kinda getting a little tired of all that's hidden
I am tired of the deception and want to speak the truth.

That's the reason I'm a speak my mind, keep from going insane
Speaking my truth helps me maintain my sanity.

Now work with it, we in the last innin'
We are near the end, so let's make the most of our time.

The world keeps spinnin', my peoples steady losin' while the rich keep winnin'
The wealth gap keeps widening, with the poor falling behind and the rich getting richer.

It's like we neva smilin' and the devil steady grinnin'
Despite our struggles, we must persevere against the evils of the world.

Killin' what we representin', even our children and women, 2K4, livin' above and under the law
Our society is corrupt, with even the most vulnerable members suffering from injustice.

Young teen joins the marines, says he'll die for the core, inducted up into the government's war as if the land of money and oil, funny how ain't none of it yours
Young people are sacrificed in wars that benefit the wealthy, while the rest of us suffer the consequences.

I can't sleep yo I'm paranoid, it's code orange
The world is a dangerous place, and I am on high alert.

It's far from right, I guess that's why it feels so wrong, to see the world get stripped out of every resource
I am deeply troubled by the destruction of our planet's resources.

And people pray to Coca-Cola now instead of the gods, what's goin' on?
Our values and priorities are misplaced, and we need to reevaluate our way of life.

Keepin' your head above water, hustlin' to survive
Life is a constant struggle to stay afloat.

Some people chasin' a dream, others just chasin' a high
People seek fulfillment in different ways, some more healthy than others.

Some people blind leading the blind, they chasin' a lie
People follow misguided leaders or beliefs, to their own detriment.

Some people chokin' backs broken barely makin' it by
Some people are struggling just to survive, with little opportunity for upward mobility.

But still they workin' all they live, they pushin' for the light
Despite the hardship, people keep striving for a better future.

Givin' everything they got to stitch them swishes on ya Nike's, puttin' pockets on our jeans, mining diamonds for them rings
Workers are exploited in manufacturing industries, while consumers prioritize material possessions over human lives.

Rewarded with small change and bullets in the brains
Workers are paid little for their labor and are at risk of physical harm or death.

And it makes me feel strange everything we take for granted
The things we consider normal or necessary are often built on a system of exploitation and oppression.

At times I feel stranded on this planet of mine
The world can be an isolating and confusing place.

Now should I pull the hammer, clap it out, and laugh about it, or stand up, be counted while I cast my ballot
Do I resort to violence or work within the system to effect change?

When the undertaker's busy and the prison's is crowded, people livin' in fear because they vision is clouded
Death and imprisonment are common among marginalized communities, who are also deprived of hope and opportunity.

But the sky's the limit, I ain't cryin' you a river, gotta move me a mountain, I'm a git up and shout it
Despite the challenges, I remain optimistic and determined to overcome them.

When I dream it's hounds on my heels gainin' momentum, I'm tired, can't get uninspired or quit runnin'
My fears and anxieties are ever-present, but I must not lose motivation or give up.

I can feel they only inches behind, I escape, I survive, some how I gotta decide how much I want it
I am in a constant struggle to overcome obstacles and achieve success.

Or is anybody listenin' without a pot to piss in, if I disappear I wonder if the world will know I'm missin'
I question the value of my life and contributions to the world.

Who my support system, it's not the court system, gotta letter it said that you're not avoiding prison
The justice system is not designed to support or protect marginalized communities.

People 'neath the microscope 'cause we defining the culture, they smile and insult you like you shinin' their loafers
Marginalized communities are scrutinized and criticized for their efforts to assert their cultural identities and values.

Them old heads say we need a modern day Moses, when the leaders is posers we needing some soldiers
We need strong leadership to address the challenges facing our society.

It's the X generation, the anger is a nature, got the writing on the wall so clear that I can taste it
My generation is characterized by anger and frustration with the status quo.

Like a kid sniffing glue somewhere trying to escape, cause we vulnerable and naked, gotta show 'em we can make it
We are desperate for escape or change, but we must also demonstrate our strength and resilience.