The Streets Are Like a Jungle
Wyclef Jean Lyrics

Hey yo! The Streets Are Like A Jungle
The streets are dangerous and chaotic.

I'm countin' money in the jungle
I am trying to survive and make a living in this dangerous environment.

Guns go off in the jungle
There is constant violence and gunshots in the streets.

I tip my derby like Zorro
I acknowledge my status and show respect like a hero.

Ain't no such things as war heroes
There are no true heroes in this chaotic and violent world.

Frontline planes fly by, like the sparrow (BLAOW!)
Warplanes pass by quickly, causing chaos and destruction.

My face hits the dirt, flashbacks of Vietnam
I am reminded of the horrors of war and violence.

Remind me of the L.A. riots, when it was on
Memories of the intense riots in Los Angeles resurface.

Fire hits the street, neon lights are bright
There is chaos and destruction, but the city lights are still vibrant.

My tank cuts the corner, enemies take flight (That's right!)
I confront my enemies head-on and they retreat in fear.

Make no mistake, you can't have this cake it took too long to bake
Success and stability cannot be attained easily, it requires hard work and patience.

and you can't carry this weight, so move on
You are not capable of handling the responsibilities and consequences, so it's best to leave.

These are the words of the elders
This is the wisdom passed down from older generations.

Babysitters got caught with cocaine in a baby's diapers
Even those we trust with our children can be involved in illegal activities.

Explain that, in the form of a rap
I will express and explain this shocking situation through a rap.

She got caught with vals, A-CRACK-A-LACK-A-LACK!!!
She was found with illegal drugs and the situation is distressing.

Now I'm upset, I get back to the projects
I feel angry and frustrated, and I return to my humble origins.

First one I blast was a usual suspect, a fiend
I retaliate against a common troublemaker, someone addicted to drugs.

In the alley, named Ricky
I find this troublemaker named Ricky in a dark alley.

Talked to a Det. rookie, gave him the info
I inform a rookie detective about Ricky's illegal activities.

About the paliquo, and where he gotta go
I provide details about Ricky's stash spot and whereabouts.

All he want in return is a Sony stereo
The detective only asks for a simple reward like a stereo in exchange for his assistance.

Hey yo my mind is my business so I'm...
I prioritize my own thoughts and focus on myself.

Minding my own, in the club 'til this girl said,
I was minding my own business at the club until this girl approached me.

"Let me see your telephone"
She asks to see my phone for some reason.

I passed her my celly
I handed her my cellphone.

She called her girl Mary
She dialed her friend named Mary.

And said that she just broke up with her nigga out in D.C.
She tells Mary that she recently ended her relationship with her partner in Washington D.C.

She needs a new honey, in the city she gets lonely
She is seeking a new romantic partner because she feels lonely in the city.

I finally figured out her man's locked up in a penatentary
I finally realized that her partner is currently imprisoned.

So tell me, what should I do when she gets off the phone?
I contemplate the right course of action when she finishes her call.

The devil said, "Clef, take her ass home!"
My negative impulses suggest taking her home and engaging in casual behavior.

God says, "Respect her, her man's in the pen"
My moral compass reminds me to treat her with respect since her partner is incarcerated.

This kid pushed me from behind, "Yo, why you fuckin' with my woman?!"
An angry man confronts me, accusing me of interfering with his partner.

Then his girl looked at me, she winked! I blinked!
His partner has a flirtatious interaction with me and I react with surprise.

Now he's coming up to me with the gorilla instinct
He approaches me aggressively, displaying his dominant and aggressive behavior.

Aww, cool-n-shit! I'm sittin' here eatin' shrimp
I try to remain calm and nonchalant, enjoying my meal of shrimp.

Besides, I would hate for you to be a missing link
I wouldn't want to be responsible for your disappearance or demise.

He said, "Son, do you know who I am?! I'm no man, but one man who? The son of Sam!"
He tries to intimidate me, claiming to be the notorious son of Sam, a serial killer.

I said you've got this wrong, I never sung your girl a love song
I assert that I am innocent and have not pursued a romantic relationship with his partner.

He drew for his weapon, there's no more conversation
He reaches for his gun, indicating that further discussion is pointless.

Cock!Cock!Cock!Cock!Cock!Cock! He released!
He cocks his gun, preparing to shoot.

then breathe, His aim went off balance
However, his aim is not accurate and he misses his target.

The music got tense
The atmosphere becomes intense and filled with tension.

That's when I knew I was in trouble! The street is like a jungle!
I realize that I am in grave danger and the streets resemble a wild and unpredictable jungle.

I jumped behind the bar, but caught two in the ankle! POW! (Echo)
I quickly take cover behind the bar, but I still get shot twice in the ankle with a powerful impact.