Matthew 5:38-48; Matthew 26:50-52; Genesis 9:4-7; 1 John 4:7-21
Over time, the belief surrounding supremacy has shifted to a message of fear and self-defense. In America and in the west we have been convinced that the only way to have a safe and fulfilling life is to keep others out. Specific populations of people have continued to be the scapegoat for the larger society. They have taken the brunt of pain and suffering, and it’s all justified by a perceived fear of the ‘other’. This ideology has given way to genocide, mass incarceration, segregation, discrimination, and has justified the rise of gun sales, sanctioned killing and mass murder. All of this has further fed into the idea of ‘fear of the other’. This song serves to call attention to the lie and the effects of that lie. Matthew 5:38-48 is a message to the persecuted. God is challenging those who are blamed, persecuted, oppressed to overcome through character and integrity. Be strong. Know truth. Keep going.
lyrics
Verse 1 (The Citizen):
Now I lay - me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep, and if death calls - before I wake... I swear to God I'ma take two of ‘em with me at least,
They said the only way to peace is with a piece, the only way for you to die is in the streets,- or I said, on my doorstep laying at my feet, I really ain't no killer but if you push me I’ll squeeze, what the television told me I believe, and what it said is that it's either you or me, the real way to be free and protect my family - is with a fully loaded AR-15,- only the strong survive - everyone else has a right to die, there are two types of people - good and bad guy's - I’ll decide.
Chorus:
Cuz out here it's an eye for an eye, and I don't cry - dead or alive.
Either you do or you die, don't ask why - dead or alive.
Either it’s you or it’s I, and ain't no ties - dead or alive.
And one day I’ll expire, but it won’t be tonight. Aye yie Last Rights.
Chorus
Verse 3 (The Truth):
His love to guard me – as I rest (protect)… And lay my head on his chest cuz to be honest I'm scared, (no lie) it's getting hella dark out here, (whole world) I don't feel below the neck - only fear, this year- the nation told me there’s love for me, just slugs for me, if I’m black, brown or give up the glory to any other story than nazareth - just death, it’s confiscate or confess - cause he don’t bless the rest, and when they said lock ‘em in because dark skin is sin, man everybody said yes (“YES!”), they can’t help themselves - danger! Keep them in their place - the ghettos kinda like a crate - scraps from the masters’ plate - keep your women close,- kids closer don’t ever venture late - it’s like a jungle they gone harm you - predisposed they got a trait - you stack your paper safe - behind your white picket gate - dark bodies that’s their fate - let’s build a wall,- build a cage! Build it! And if they ever adjudicate, they’ll never escape, and if they ever escape, money they’ll never make, and if a life they do make, then it won’t be that great, if they want great - they only choice is to assimilate, and if one day they awake - then tell ‘em make your day, justified homicide - let’s prey.
Chorus
Outro:
Justified homicide - let’s pray, yeah, yeah, Aye yie last rights
Justified homicide - my prey, yeah, yeah, Aye yie last rights
Justified homicide - let’s pray, yeah - police sir, Aye yie last rights
Justified homicide - yeah!
Don’t pull it out. Don’t pull it out!
Daddy.
credits
released September 6, 2019
Produced by Decap
Mixed by J Mumbles
Mastered by Dan Shike (Tone and Volume Mastering)
Songwriter and producer CRFT celebrates his spirituality and family on this thoughtful debut LP, featuring Blu, nobigdyl, and more. Bandcamp New & Notable May 10, 2022
