Temptation
Stephen the Levite Lyrics

One of the greatest temptations I'm facin' right now, is gettin' lazy with my style
The artist is tempted to become complacent in their creative output and style.

Or sayin' "I ain't appreciated. Mic's down"
There is a temptation to give up and stop creating music.

I serve too small a market, I need a larger target, you know, a broader audience Who'll spend their dollars on this
The artist is tempted to sacrifice their artistic integrity to appeal to a wider market.

And as I write now, there's temptation for makin' some crazy statements complainin' but I know how pride sounds: "I'm everybody's favorite, maybe one of the greatest/ the peak of every playlist, you'd be a lame to hate this"
The artist is tempted to succumb to pride and make exaggerated claims about their importance in the industry.

But the truth is it's foolish to say this
The artist recognizes the foolishness of succumbing to pride.

So please bear with my foolishness 'cause I've concluded it's stupid to fake it
The artist acknowledges their flaws and asks for patience.

I google my name too much, think that my fame is just But still it ain't enough, I need to make some bucks
The artist is tempted to obsess over their fame and is driven by financial motivations.

But not in the greedy sense I just wanna appease the IRS and pay off our debts, I don't need to be rich
While financial stability is important, the artist recognizes the difference between fulfilling basic needs and being greedy.

I'm fightin' to be a man, dyin' to lead the fam Tryin' to please the fans, writin' to feed the lambs
The artist is aware of the various roles they play in life and is driven by their desire to fulfill them.

But I feel the pressure to dumb it down I'm from the underground, but to sell I gotta come with that southern sound It'd be fake as a toupee, got me feelin' like Lupe This not how I do thangs, I just gotta be true man
The artist is aware of the pressure to compromise their style for commercial success, but is committed to staying true to their own sound.

'Cause I don't do this for the fickle masses I do this for God, myself, and anyone else who can peep the talent So if you dig it, cool. if you ain't wit' it, cool It wasn't meant for you, it's for the kids who do
The artist is driven by their faith and love for music, not superficial fan approval.

And I know that I can be an elitist 'Cause I'm a back-packer, the mad rapper who is bein' redeemed, it's Still in my DNA, as I kill it I'm bein' saved, I'm not willin' to be enslaved, by opinions of people swayed
The artist recognizes their own elitist tendencies but is committed to being authentic instead of being swayed by public opinion.

By the radio or the garbage on it Call it what you want I'm an artist, I don't care what the hottest song is I won't be commercialized, to please a shirt and tie Who's least concerned with God, and thinks in terms of profits
The artist is committed to their artistic integrity and will not compromise it for commercial success or to please those who prioritize profits over their faith.

But that's the nature of work The soil that I'm toilin' in has been foilin' plans since the day of the curse I'm milkin' a crazy cow, and by my sweaty brow As long as grace allows, I'm gonna make it bow
The artist recognizes the difficulties and challenges of their work, but is committed to persevering with the help of God.

'Cause in the garden we're givin' dominion/ we lost it in the fall and now in the Kingdom we see it's redemption Call it "imago dei", my thoughts have gone astray I've got a lot to say, but prob'ly not today
The artist reflects on the concept of sin and redemption and acknowledges the importance of their faith.

'Cause sometimes I'm tempted to make it deep With all the lofty theological jargon when I should say "I'm weak" I think if you leave impressed, you'll believe I'm a beast at best Or at least a believer stressed, and sleep on the things confessed
The artist is keenly aware of their own flaws and is tempted to use complicated language to impress rather than being honest about their weaknesses.

Did I mention I like to talk a lot?/ But confessions are best when they're short, so I probably oughta stop/ This isn't a pity rap, though I'm tempted to spit for that/ Thanks for givin' a listen black, this is how I'm a end the track
The artist finds it tempting to overshare but recognizes the importance of brevity and honest self-expression.

Satan entered the snake then creation became a place/ Of (temptation) and now Adam hates the fact that he's naked But can't admit his mistake but instead he's blamin' his mate/ The (temptation) cause manifestations of separation/ but thankfully his Replacement the Savior came and when facin'/ (temptation) never gave in, and paved the way for the saints/ to behave in the craziest situations/ they can escape the/ (temptation) by His grace through faith in the One who saved 'em
The artist reflects on the biblical story of temptation and redemption and draws inspiration from it to face their own challenges.