Look Around
dead prez Lyrics

Everytime I look around, I see So much drama goin down
Every time I observe my surroundings, I witness a great deal of conflict occurring daily, be it in my personal life or the world at large.

Everytime I look around, I see So much fakeness goin down
Each time I take a glimpse at my surroundings, I find that deceit has become an integral feature of our society, and it is prevalent far too often.

Why I'ma- be stingy when I could share?
Why should I be selfish when I can just as easily share my resources and help others alongside myself?

Why I'ma- be hateful if I could care?
Why should I choose anger over compassion when it takes the same amount of effort to offer kindness and empathy to my fellow human beings?

Why would I hate my own?
What reason would I find appropriate to harbor negative feelings towards members of my own cultural or ethnic identity?

Or forsake my own?
Why would I choose to abandon or neglect members of my own community or family when they need me the most?

Why would I- fuck around and get a jake on my chrome?
Why would I put myself in a dangerous situation where I could potentially have a law enforcement officer take my weapon?

I wouldn't- have to stick you if we all could eat It wouldn't be no need for beef
If we were all provided for, there would be no reason to fight over basic resources, and there would be no need for any form of conflict or hostility.

Dyin over streets we don't even own anyway You could get bucked off anyday
People are dying for territories that do not belong to them, and they are putting their lives at risk just to prove a meaningless point.

We behind enemy lines y'all still writin Hennessy rhymes
We are living in an environment where our safety is not guaranteed, and some people still choose to focus on unimportant things like writing lyrics about alcohol brands.

While I'm tryna find a good price for a nine Feel like my life on the line That's why a nigga be hype all the time Ready for the revolution at the drop a'a dime
I am consistently on edge, trying to find a reasonable cost for a firearm because my life is always in danger due to my external circumstances. This is why I remain hyped up all the time, prepared to fight in a revolution as soon as the opportunity presents itself.

I got a duty to have security for my niggas My duty to serve the beautiful black sistas A duty to stand wit' anybody that's wit' us And fully criticize all bullshittas
I feel an obligation to provide protection and stability for members of my community, particularly black women. I also feel a duty to support everyone who supports us and call out any harmful or deceitful behavior.

There should be awards presented- to niggas who fight back Like Panther jackets, or sistas who light gats
Recognition and praise should be given to those who courageously resist their oppressors, be it through wearing symbols like Panther jackets or shooting back at their oppressors.

I'm a full-blooded warrior, ready for change Recognize any soldier that's doin the same
I am a warrior who is fully invested in creating a better future for myself and everyone around me. I respect and acknowledge anyone else who shares this same brave spirit of rebellion and progress.

Because I love who I am, and that means everything to me My life ain't worth a damn unless I'm dealin with reality
Loving who I am and developing a strong sense of self is of utmost importance to me, and I will continue to pursue these values in my daily life. My existence has no value unless anchored in reality and truth.

When I look myself in the eyes, it's just me And I don't have to tell nobody no lies, I feel free
I feel liberated and unburdened when I look within myself and face the truth, unencumbered by any need to lie to myself or others.

And I would rather deal with the truth and falsehood Than bein fake with my people and claimin 'it's all good'
I prefer confronting and dealing with harsh realities and disturbing truths, to falsely reassuring others through lies or pretense that everything is normal and under control.

You can't run away from ya self, so that's useless If your word is bond, then you don't have to make excuses
There is no place to hide from your inner self and your responsibility towards it. Tendency to make excuses might be unnecessary as long as you fulfill your commitment towards what you believe.