Shelter
Z-Quad Lyrics

Of course I'm thankful for another day, my Lord I can't lie
Z-Ro expresses gratefulness to God for another day of life and acknowledges that lying about it would not be genuine

But everytime I wake up, seem like one of my people gotta die
Z-Ro laments the frequency of death among his community that he notices every time he wakes up

Anthrax poisoning, Hussein and them blew up the Trade Center
Z-Ro references tragic global events like the anthrax attacks and 9/11 that have caused widespread suffering and loss of life

Summer, Fall, Spring, Winter, people in the projects getting thinner
Z-Ro observes that poverty and its effects, such as malnutrition, are persistent throughout the seasons in low-income housing projects

Barely enough government cheese, left to feed the rats
Z-Ro describes the scarcity of government assistance and the harsh reality that people must compete with pests for resources

But we gotta get it how we live, and how we live is selling crack
Z-Ro explains that drug dealing is a necessary means of survival for many people in his community

How we live is kicking doors, how we live is pimping whores
Z-Ro acknowledges that illegal and immoral practices such as burglary and prostitution are common in his community due to financial desperation

How we live is what we do, so we don't live like this no more
Z-Ro justifies the illegal actions taken by himself and others as a means to achieve a better future, one where they are not forced to live in poverty and engage in criminal activity

How we live is wrapping em up, sipping on my weight to receive
Z-Ro describes the drug trade and the personal financial gain that can be achieved from it

An overloaded Houston Texas, niggaz make they own bleed
Z-Ro points out the overpopulation and high crime rate in Houston, Texas where people suffer from the actions of their fellow community members

Every night another murder scene, that could of been prevented
Z-Ro reflects on the senseless violence and loss of life that occurs every night in his community, potentially avoidable if proper action had been taken

But the truth is we most def, and the last soul tormented
Z-Ro acknowledges that his community is stuck in a painful cycle of poverty and crime that doesn't seem to have an end in sight, causing the torment of the last person still suffering

Every now and then I duck my head, up in the sunday service
Z-Ro suggests that he turns to religion for comfort and solace amidst all the negativity in his environment

That's the only place where 5-0, won't burst us bust us
Z-Ro appreciates the safety and refuge that a church offers, even from law enforcement

In this land, we need you Jesus
The chorus of the song expresses the need for God's mercy, guidance, and protection in a world full of problems and hardships

Yeah, Rosta fall right help me, help me
Z-Ro cries out to God for help with conviction and urgency, addressing him by a Hebrew-inspired pseudonym

All the young picking them, living in a rush just to get wealthy (wealthy)
Z-Ro recognizes the desperation and ruthlessness of young people who pursue wealth and prosperity through harmful and sometimes fatal means

And in the ghetto, we struggle or we hustle til we bubble
Z-Ro explains that, in underprivileged areas, one must either work hard or take great risks to achieve financial success

On top, eliminating competition when we buck shot
Z-Ro describes how those who manage to rise to the top of the drug market use violence to eliminate rivals and maintain their position

Don't press that new, but a new clear shot
Z-Ro juxtaposes the deaths and destruction caused by nuclear weapons with the lethal power of handguns that can be easily obtained and used within minutes

Too many sickness and disease, under attack from overseas
Z-Ro acknowledges the threat of foreign illnesses and infections that can devastate local communities

Mighty job me and for God, please come save the day
Z-Ro repeats his call for salvation and deliverance from God's intervention

If I should die before I wake, me leave a blessing for the people today
Z-Ro expresses a desire to leave a positive legacy and impact on his community even after his own death

Now I lay me, down to sleep
Z-Ro references a popular bedtime prayer to demonstrate his reliance on God and his hope for rest and peace

I pray the Lord keep my body, as my enemies creep
Z-Ro acknowledges the threat of violence and danger that he faces on a daily basis and seeks divine protection

Don't want to be another statistic, living through c.d.'s
Z-Ro expresses a desire to escape the fate of so many young black men who are killed or imprisoned, often documented in rap music

Either the graveyard or max. security, prison you'll see G
Z-Ro points out the two likely outcomes for those who engage in violent and illegal activities: death or imprisonment

Look at the homie's little girl, she ain't nothing but sixteen
Z-Ro shows empathy for the plight of a teenage mother who struggles to take care of her children despite her youth

Trying to support three kids, so she stay coming out her jeans
Z-Ro suggests that the girl is so financially strained she can't afford proper attire or sufficient clothing

Getting pimped, by somebody that still live with they mama
Z-Ro shows disgust and frustration at the exploitation of young women by men who still live with their own mothers and lack financial stability themselves

But that's the only way she know, to get away from all the drama
Z-Ro acknowledges the difficult circumstances that might make young women resort to prostitution as a means of escape from poverty and abuse

As for books, the mind is a terrible thing to waste
Z-Ro recognizes the value and importance of education as a means to break the cycle of poverty and hopelessness

As for crooks, the line is a terrible thing to taste
Z-Ro warns against the dangers of criminal activity and how it can lead down a dark path with little hope of redemption

Ask them niggaz that don bit the bullet, but they still here
Z-Ro references those who have survived gunshot wounds and seen the consequences of their actions firsthand, yet continue to engage in violent behavior

My nigga we ain't seen God befo', but we still fear
Z-Ro acknowledges the fear and respect that God commands, even if one has never personally seen or experienced him

I asked him for a plexing, and he sent me Eugene
Z-Ro tells a story of how he prayed for a solution to his financial struggles and received help from his friend Eugene

Now I got two cars, a crib and everyday I dress clean
Z-Ro contrasts his previous hardships with his newfound success and material possessions

But it ain't no love, they want to put a nigga in the Penn
Z-Ro recognizes the lack of empathy and compassion from those who enforce the law and seek to imprison those who engage in criminal activity

I want to do right, but all I see is sin
Z-Ro expresses a desire to change his ways and live a righteous life, but feels trapped by the environment and culture he is surrounded by

Uh-huh, well, well, well
The chorus is repeated to reinforce the song's central message of needing God's guidance, mercy, and protection in the face of adversity