Just To Be Different

(album: Halfway House - 2008)

[Hook: Shinedown Sample]
I feel like there is no need for conversation
I wonder if the things I did were just to be different
I would rather reveal myself than my situation
I wonder if the things I did were just to be different

[Verse 1: Joe Budden]
(Going... going... gone)
Look, look, look...
See, I don't trus' no one (talk to 'em)
So stubborn
I could dream a thousand paths, wake-up an' walk a ol' one.
(Why?) An' I follow wherever it take me
Insteada' wherever the crew go like Traylee.
They see distinguished
I see a nigga erasing that fine line between crazy an' genius.
Got the jewels out, see 'em on my Colorado shit (but...)
I'd rather put the suit on an' not follow it. (Look)
Ay'thing is perception, (I mean...) ay'thing is deception (but...)
When niggas fuck wit' 'em 'cause I be the exception
(Look) I got a warm reception way before any song hit
I think too outside of the box ta' be cornered
(I'm) Too real ta' be fickle
Grounded, but too fly ta' meet a nigga in the middle
Too big ta' be belittled.
Wise way beyond my years, here's the motto of a manchild:
Why try ta' fit in when you a standout?

[Hook: Shinedown Sample]
I feel like there is no need for conversation
I wonder if the things I did were just to be different
I would rather reveal myself than my situation
I wonder if the things I did were just to be different

[Verse 2: Joe Budden]
Uh, you in that mood yet?
Why not?
Look...
They said I had ta' make music that would have the kids feining
Screaming, make nutting wit' a meaning
(But..) I ain't know the meaning.
They told me go Hollywood
For a split-second thought I prolly' could
But pollee on, would I be understood?
Tol' me even if you not able ta' cop cable
Ay'time you hit the club you better have a table.
Tol' me they would take me out my worse
Tol' me "image is everything"
(So I...) Tol' 'em I'd obey my thirst (whoa!)
Tol' me do what'chu gotta or what'chu on
Hit the scene, make it rain
I told 'em I'm already in the storm.
Ay'thing's in an uproar (whoa)
They tol' me front, I said what for? (I mean whoa)
Said it again, I said, fuck y'all!
I won't succumb to all the stereotypes
Won't sacrifice me for what the stereo hypes.
They tol' me get in where you fit in
This is what's in demand now
(So I...) Tol 'em why try ta' fit in when you a stand out?

[Hook: Shinedown Sample]
I feel like there is no need for conversation
I wonder if the things I did were just to be different
I would rather reveal myself than my situation
I wonder if the things I did were just to be different

[Verse 3: Joe Budden]
Naw'mean?
Yo...
I understand some's off 'bout me, but nuttin's forced 'bout me
I never gave a fuck of what a nigga thought 'bout me.
(Oh!) I look down upon what some see as a must
Maybe I'm regular an' the World needs to adjust.
I mean I'm everyday people, hood, but still formal
I'm normally abnormal, taking life as a lesson.
I'll leave the past in the past, Tomorrow's not promised
An' Today's just a gift, I guess that's why it's the present.
Did I outgrow me or shit jus' didn't stick
The baggier my jeans, the more shit didn't fit.
(But I!) Didn't quit, inspired by hate, even wit' homeless
When you a star you already down wit' The Joneses.
My thoughts outloud (I mean...)
Sometimes if the leader walks slow enough, he fuck aroun' gets lost in the crowd
But he ain't gotta speed-up, ay'thing'll plan out (why?)
'Cause they'll spot'chu from far when you a standout.

[Hook x2: Shinedown Sample]
I feel like there is no need for conversation
I wonder if the things I did were just to be different
I would rather reveal myself than my situation
I wonder if the things I did were just to be different