Yvonne
Tumi and the Volume Lyrics

They say a thin skinned drum Makes the loudest beat
It's believed that small or seemingly insignificant things can make the most impact

I am fairly grounded amidst the bullshit My harvest is sweet
Despite the chaos around me, I'm still doing well and reaping the rewards of my labor

I walked passed a crowd of creeps The type who rob and speak Like their résumé requested what they do upon the streets
I encountered some unsavory characters who boasted about their criminal activities as if it was a job experience listed on their resume

I was adamant that I wouldn't get Involved with these ignored them peeps I just kept my walk discreet
I made a conscious choice to avoid engaging with those individuals and continue on my way without drawing attention to myself

Sister's aura is sweet Initial shock left my heart with a faulting beat " See I could live of yours if my heart stopped for weeks May I walk with me, I mean you sorry my name is Tumi Omar Salih when I am prying to the maker of your beauty Couldn't help but admire what's your name little cutie?"
I was struck by this woman's presence and couldn't help but approach her. I introduced myself and complimented her, though I may have come on a bit strong

"I am in a rush thus don't be a fuss I mean for f***s sakes I need to catch the bus"
Yvonne was in a hurry and didn't have time for my advances

"It must be fate you sway to the soundless rhythms Of club deejays, I don't normally do this But I don't commonly view this Sisters in the city got a thing for playing nudist And you are fully dressed truly next to odd So I pursue it give me your name and number Where you been last summer I know your world eagerly welcomes new comers Come on!"
I tried to charm Yvonne by commenting on her dancing, suggesting she was different from the norm. I asked for her number and some personal information.

"Forget the bus you look like you like the loud type The fist in the air the fat black and lovely proud type That's me Tumi at your service with a purpose I can play Biko and make white people nervous Besides the taxi is cheaper d*** it's good to meet ya, come on! Do I really have to ask again sweetheart?"
I continued to pursue Yvonne, putting on airs and hinting at my own black pride. I also joked about the cost of a taxi, and tried to persuade her to spend more time with me.

"Okay for goodness please hears my number get off your knees My name's Yvonne look man I really have to leave"
Despite my attempts, Yvonne was firm in her resolve to leave, but she did give me her number before going.

And with that I added more bounce to my stroll I couldn't wait two days I went home and made the call " Hallo, can I talk to that pumpkin Yvonne?" " She got raped this afternoon she can't come to the phone"
I was eager to speak to Yvonne again but was informed that she had been raped and was unable to take my call. This news left me shaken and upset.

Hard day at work stains the face But I was looking pretty A five minute walk, through this place Takes an hour in the city
Despite a tough day at work, I was still feeling good about myself. However, navigating the city can be difficult and time-consuming.

See brothers act rude and throw gestures at you Some will even try to grab like you in a petting zoo You gotta get fully dressed and not summon suggestions That will get you pressed to brothers Thinking you show interest
As a woman, I face harassment and lewd behavior from men on the street. To avoid unwanted attention, I need to dress modestly and avoid actions that may be interpreted as interest or flirtation.

I may be bugging but it's like slavery or something These cats mastered the art of s***e invasion but f*** it I will deal with it tell them straight How they make me feel and s***t It gets to a point where I feel conflict is imminent
Harassment can feel like a form of oppression, and it's frustrating that some men feel entitled to treat women inappropriately. However, I am willing to speak up and assert myself in order to confront these issues.

Two blocks form the bus stop This kid looking love struck Mumbles something at me and I say nothing at he Lord have mercy here's another l***ing at me
As I approach the bus stop, another man tries to hit on me, but I am not interested and try to ignore him.

"Look I am in a rush thus don't be a fuss I mean for f***s fakes I need to catch the bus" Ay these cats are made to frustrate/straight up Grabbed me by my wrist I didn't play that
Despite my clear disinterest, the man continued to persist, even grabbing my wrist to try and force my attention. I refused to be intimidated or controlled by him.

He looked a little cute talking loud on his knees and s***t And brothers started looking he was smiling Very pleased with it
The man who was hitting on me seemed to enjoy the attention of those around him, even though I was uncomfortable with the situation.

I gave him my name and number and left suddenly But still missed the bus I cussed this kid for loving me
To get away from the man, I gave him my number and quickly left. However, I was still upset and frustrated that men feel entitled to harass women in public.

Slapped from behind I turn around There two in front of me I am shaken I gave 'em my purse Thinking they mugging me When the other two drag me to the nearest shrubbery Pulls my lips to his unzips the jeans And rips the seems Knocked unconscious in attempts to scream
Unfortunately, my fear of harassment turned into a far more dangerous situation when I was mugged, assaulted, and knocked unconscious in an alleyway.