Verse 1 (Cas Metah)
Hey yo, my homie called the other day// He said “What up bruh? We got to find another way// Folks dying out here from all the drug decay”// Fam I feel what you saying we done dug enough graves// ”This gutter’s a maze, where good people plummet in faith// ‘Cause no matter where they run, they never escape”// I’m wondering if it’s because they never equate// the weight of their own worth with the worth of the weight// “I think boredom’s the gate toward exploring foreign exchanges with dangerous portions of pain// I wish that it was all simple but it ain’t”// I wish that I could understand man but I can’t// Nobody even sleeps, the whole worlds awake// Some are up on speed, some are up to pray// “So are some going to heal? Are some going to tame?”// As soon as summer’s here I could say// It’s a cold climate we reside in// Why you think the needle users pulling sleeves over they veins?// Is it shame that they hiding?// Or just too broke for a coat and they rather shiver than change?//
Hook (Ruffian)
Yo why my man struggling for free, instead of trying a little harder? Sold his life for cheap, you understand// Why his daughter choked and couldn’t breathe? She inhaled the scent of hell and she couldn’t sleep, you understand// Why the pastor forgot how to preach? And his wife toss and turn awake in the sheets? Can’t duck his hands// So she bruised from her heart and cheek// Can’t understand, won’t you stand in this place for me and understand//
Verse 2 (Cas Metah)
I met this lady from around the way// I run into her every time I’m running to the bank// She always sitting on the same cracked sidewalk begging for change// I told her change ain’t going to come ‘til she settles her pain// She said “You don’t know me and you don’t owe me a thing// What makes you my judge? You ain’t been in my place”// I said I’ve seen enough ghosts to recognize the face of those being chased by the killer that awaits// by the gates of your soul// ready to take control of your physical and make it cold seis below// I can tell you make no goals// haven’t slept one wink for one week or even ate for a day or so// She felt the truth as I spoke, but didn’t hate it though// Unfazed, one gaze made it plain// She’s in a haze, content with her shade// She don’t see the sun, so she don’t feel the rays// Addicted to the high life of fixing the crave// Living a slave without the whips and the chains// So it took me by surprise when she looked me in my eyes and said “Honey you’re right but can you please spare some change?”//
Hook (Ruffian)
Yo why my man struggling for free, instead of trying a little harder? Sold his life for cheap, you understand// Why his daughter choked and couldn’t breathe? She inhaled the scent of hell and she couldn’t sleep, you understand// Why the pastor forgot how to preach? And his wife toss and turn awake in the sheets? Can’t duck his hands// So she bruised from her heart and cheek// Can’t understand, won’t you stand in this place for me and understand//
Verse 3 (Blueprint)
Uh huh, Too many questions and not enough answers make a brother want to throw his hands up// And maybe throw in a towel// I’m dawning a scowl thinking it’s wild how diseases like cancer still killing// If everybody and they mama rocking pink ribbons// And the company that makes them receives millions// Why we never see results on anything we’ve given?// I bet their exec’s are somewhere on a beach chilling// We all notice it but nobody speaks about it// ‘Cause we think showing solidarity means being silent// Instead we’re mislead// Obedient sheep that never keep the hair on they heads// Being force fed opinions and views from television// Maybe that’s why they call it the tube// Few choices in what we consume// But just because we eat it up, doesn’t mean that it’s food// You want change? Then start thinking long range// Tomorrows happiness is built on what you do today// Get committed to improving your days and be prepared for them to look at you strange when you change//
Hook (Ruffian)
Yo why my man struggling for free, instead of trying a little harder? Sold his life for cheap, you understand// Why his daughter choked and couldn’t breathe? She inhaled the scent of hell and she couldn’t sleep, you understand// Why the pastor forgot how to preach? And his wife toss and turn awake in the sheets? Can’t duck his hands// So she bruised from her heart and cheek// Can’t understand, won’t you stand in this place for me and understand//
credits
from Old Fashioned,
released November 10, 2015
featuring Ruffian & Blueprint
beat produced by soulseize music
Rich Jones and Montana Macks join forces for a passionately rapped, impeccably produced reflection on the trials and turmoils of 2020. Bandcamp New & Notable Nov 3, 2020