In conversation with a youth, I noticed a 3-dot tattoo on his hand and face. We talked about the meaning of it: jail, the hospital or the grave. He shared it represented the promise of the gang lifestyle. I asked him if he had known that when he got the tattoos and if he had, would he still have gotten them? His answer was no to both. There are two promises as we live, life and death. Each road promises a destination and the past forecast that guarantee. Doing this song with a choir ensemble was incredible. Recording with live instruments brought this song to life and brought the emotion from our conversation to the track. The promise tells that young mans’ story and the reasons why so may young people choose this lifestyle.
Proverbs 1 talks about a young man who has two roads before him. It contrasts when he follows the voice of wisdom and when he follows the voice of deception. So many of our youth sign up for a destination they don’t really want. The gang lifestyle has a guaranteed end – death, and life in the kingdom results in life, and that life lived to the fullest. We all have to choose.
lyrics
Intro:
On this road called life – there’s a fork in it,
You can either go to the left or to the right – you choose,
But they both have a guaranteed end – they both have a promise,
This is the promise… this is the promise.
Verse 1:
This Year I’m so alive – my predecessor died – now I’m the other guy, (say goodbye)
I never cried,- let a tattoo tell the story – cause sometimes I lied, (no lie)
I had to get right – the OG’s on my block told me put a few dots on me, pitch a few rocks for me, bust a few shots for me,
And when it’s all over homie you gone get the glory, (shine)
But I know better, cause last year my fam did it all and still got wet up, (pour it out)
They never let up – down people in the hood keep you down,- never get up, (hold me!)
It’s like a set up – 25 to life or get to know the nurse on a first name basis – that forever stay list,
Or what’s worse man, you can get the hurse cause I learned…
Chorus:
From Pac to Big Papa,
It’s one of them 3 dots yeah,
Mi vida loca,
Or life beyond measure,
No matter where you’re from – this where you’re goin’ if you runnin’ with me,
History is a prophet,
Two roads and both pay what they owe.
From Tookie to Monster,
It’s one of them 3 dots yeah,
Mi vida loca,
Or love they can’t top yet,
No matter where you’re from – this where you’re goin’ if you runnin’ with me,
History is a prophet,
Two roads and both pay what they owe.
Verse 2:
On GP – an empty ____ guarantee – what that really means to me, (what I'm talkin bout)
Cause some people think loyalty is comfortable and that includes family, (see)
But street law speak “money over everything” and that includes family,-
My folk call me family – “really” man you kill me, (call me) Cuzz (call me) Blood – ain’t that so ironic?
And now frankly I’m offended – cause really from the start man – we all need our daddies – honestly I’m lonely – that’s why my hood own me – I understood the cost man – when they put me on,- but they buy my mama groceries – corner pay my light bill – walk my,- talk my,- understand my,- man they speak my language – relate to my anguish – motivate my hustle – it’s a hustle cause they promise me reward when they only pay me damage…. I LEARNED!
(Chorus)
Vamp:
No matter where you’re from, this is where you’re goin’ if you runnin’ with me,
No matter where you’re from, this is where you’re goin’ if you runnin’ the street,
No matter where you’re from, this is where you’re goin’ I guarantee,
History’s a prophet, two roads and both pay what they owe.
(Repeat 2x’s)
credits
from MAGNIFICENT,
released September 10, 2013
The Promise
L. Brown
Steady Pro Music (ASCAP)
Prod. Brilliant Handz and Proxy (Steady Pro Music)
Ad Vocals: Olivia Robinson, Ellice Zoe Whittington, Caroline Emerson, Timothy Martin
Bass: Brady Watt, Drums: Tarell Martin, Classical Piano: Brandon Hughes, Guitar: Ty Hughes
Vigilant Studios and Derry Berry Audio
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