If I Was Black
Tom MacDonald Lyrics

If I was black, probably wouldn′t fuck with anyone who's white
I would be scared of the systemic racism that still exists and affects my life every day.

'Cause that slavery shit would honestly always be on my mind
The lasting impact of slavery on black Americans would always be on my mind.

If I was black, probably wouldn't ever wanna drive
I would be scared of being pulled over by the police and possibly getting hurt or killed because of the color of my skin.

'Cause if police pull me over, I might fuck around and die
I fear that the police might assume the worst of me and treat me unfairly or violently due to the color of my skin.

If I was black, I won′t lie, I′d be scared to walk at night
I would feel like I was in danger when walking around my own neighborhood.

The whole neighborhood is trippin' like I′m out committin' crimes
The pervasive stereotype that black men are criminals would make people suspicious and fearful of me even when I'm just minding my own business.

I′d be pissed at all these cracker rappers singin' ′bout my life
I would resent white rappers who use black culture to make money.

Stole my music, stole my style, give it back, that shit is mine
White people have taken black culture and used it for their own gain without acknowledging or giving credit to its origins.

If I was black, just look at the facts, we don't stand a chance
The systemic oppression of black people means that we are at a disadvantage compared to white people.

One in three is locked away, over half don't know they dad
The high rates of black incarceration and absent fathers are symptomatic of a society that is failing black Americans.

See, white privilege ain′t a money thing
White privilege is about societal advantages and systemic barriers that benefit white people at the expense of people of color.

But it′s white people who are runnin' things
Most of the people in power in America are white.

Y′all benefit from your colorin', my pigment produce sufferin′
White people benefit from their skin color while black people face discrimination and hardship because of theirs.

It's all white pride, white power
The societal dominance of white people is maintained through the celebration of white culture and the oppression of non-white cultures.

White lies, white houses, white guys, white washin′
The erasure of other cultures and the promotion of whiteness is evident in American society.

My brothers, my sisters, my culture, while I'm watchin'
As a black person, I feel like my culture and people are being taken advantage of and exploited.

If I was black I′d probably hate myself from shit they say
The pervasive racism and negative stereotypes that black people are subjected to could lead to self-hatred and shame.

Racism made me racist and I am not the one to blame
The negative impact of racism can make people of color feel angry and resentful, but the root of the problem is the racism itself.

Ayy, y′all won't say it to my face, in the circles you feel safe
White people are often hesitant to confront racism or speak out against it, especially in white spaces.

Y′all been usin' words they made for us when we were slaves
White people have appropriated black culture and language without understanding the history and context behind it.

If I was black I′d want my reparation money paid in full
The legacy of slavery and racism has had a profound impact on black Americans, and they deserve compensation for it.

If I was black I'd say fuck the police
The police have a long history of mistreating and abusing black people, so I would feel angry and resentful towards them.

I′d say fuck the whole Klan, I'd put holes in these sheets
The KKK is a symbol of white supremacy and racism, so I would feel a strong desire to oppose and fight against them.

If I was black I'd put gold on my teeth
I would reclaim my cultural identity and feel proud of it, even if it goes against mainstream white culture.

So if you think I′m broke you would know when I speak
My gold teeth would be a symbol of my wealth, but also a symbol of my cultural identity.

If I was black, it′s my face on the tee
Black people are often seen as symbols or representatives of their entire race, even when they are just individuals.

R.I.P underneath or my name next to free
Black people are often disproportionately affected by violence and oppression, but they also fight for freedom and equality.

If I was black I would die in these streets
Black people are often targeted and criminalized by police, and some even lose their lives as a result.

Just for speakin' my mind ′cause I had a dream
Black people are often silenced or punished for opposing the status quo or dreaming of a better future.

If I was black, probably wouldn′t ever do my taxes
I would feel conflicted about supporting a government that perpetuates systemic racism and oppression.

Why support a government that persecute my blackness?
The government has a long history of using laws and policies to oppress and discriminate against black people.

Or pay the wage of law enforcement puttin′ us in caskets?
I would be hesitant to support the police or military when they are often responsible for the oppression and violence against black people.

Or help to build the prisons that we trapped in?
The prison system is part of a larger system of oppression that disproportionately harms black people.

If I was black I'd be mad, people glorify the trap
The glorification of trap music and culture perpetuates negative stereotypes and promotes harmful behavior.

While we dyin′ everyday fightin' for everything we have
Black people are fighting for their rights and freedoms, even in the face of systemic oppression and violence.

It ain't diamond chains and racks, this the systematic plan
Black people are not inherently violent or criminal; their struggles are the result of a larger system of oppression.

They put us the in the ghetto, gave us HIV and crack
The government and society have worked to keep black people trapped in impoverished ghettos and have even introduced drugs and diseases to harm them.

If I was black I′d hate America, appropriate my character
The America that black people live in is one of oppression and violence, and it often appropriates and exploits black culture for profit.

And sell it to Caucasians who wish they were from my area
White people are often fascinated with and try to appropriate black culture, while benefiting from the systemic advantages given to them by society.

If I was black I wouldn′t give a fuck about the greater good
When people are facing systemic oppression and violence, it can be hard to care about or work towards the common good.

My grandma can't afford her rent, y′all gentrified our neighborhood
The gentrification of neighborhoods is often a sign of societal inequality and displacement of poor and marginalized people, especially people of color.

All lives matter, so stupid, y'all hijackin′ our movement
The Black Lives Matter movement is about lifting up and fighting for the rights and lives of black people, who are disproportionately targeted by violence and systemic oppression.

Black lives matter 'cause we losin′ innocent youth of police shootin' us
Police brutality and excessive force are an all-too-common problem that disproportionately affects black people.

If I was black, the only role models I'm shown
Black people often lack positive role models in mainstream society, and the media often perpetuates negative stereotypes of black culture.

Is the rich black rappers, pushin′ guns and drugs and hoes
The glorification of harmful behavior and materialism is not representative of black culture, but it is often promoted by mainstream society.

Y’all ever try to take me down
I am aware that some people are threatened by my message and the hope it represents for marginalized communities.

One fist in the air I would stand my ground
I am not intimidated by those who would try to silence me — in fact, I am inspired to be even more vocal in my resistance.

I′d say fuck the whole Klan, I′d put holes in they sheets
I am not afraid to stand up to white supremacists and other hateful groups who seek to oppress me and my community.

Just for speakin′ my mind 'cause I had a dream
Regardless of the consequences, I am committed to fighting for my rights and the rights of my community.