Part Of The Game

(album: Give Thanks - 2023)

Are people talking 'bout a man? (Statik Selektah), Paul Wall

I know it's part of the game, be cool and stick to your lane
I know, I tried so hard but I can't stay longer (Got some advice for anybody out there, do you)
I know it's part of the game, be cool and stick to your lane ('Cause I'ma do me)
I know, I tried so hard but I can't stay longer (I'ma do me, you do you, ain't that some shit? Look, woo)

They tell you do you, it's cool to be different
Then they criticize and clown, you, it's a cold world, isn't it? (Cold world, isn't it?)
Square pegs, I just don't seem to fit in it (Don't seem to fit)
The hate is imminent although insignificant ('Significant)
I gotta follow the game plan and focus (Focus)
With hard work and faith I'm ferocious ('Rocious)
No hand outs or short cuts, they always end up bogus (Bogus)
They rather I was broke instead of meeting with stock brokers (Brokers)
I had to switch the grip up 'cause I kept on striking out (Out)
I had to ask myself, "Do I want money or the clout?" (Clout)
I had to redirect my actions, rearrange my route (Route)
Prayers keep my mind strong to keep away the doubt (Doubt)
I gotta keep my faith strongest when under duress ('Ress)
Sacrifice and dedication come with the success ('Cess)
Hard work more, whine and complain less (Less)
They'd rather criticize than participate I guess (Guess)
But me, I'd rather find a way to get it done regardless of constraints ('Straints)
Everything's all good until it ain't (It ain't)
The true test of a man's power is restraint ('Straint)
Doing me and now I'm heading to the bank (Bank)
The hate is max-strength but my mind's stronger (Stronger)
Grind harder, nights longer (Longer)
Atmosphere the opposite of somber (Somber)
I shake the haters off like the ash on a blunt
I can't front, I ain't looking back, I'm looking front

I know it's part of the game, be cool and stick to your lane
I know, I tried so hard but I can't stay longer
I know it's part of the game, be cool and stick to your lane
I know, I tried so hard but I can't stay longer

My mind racing everyday soon as I wake up
I know you want me down at the bottom, but I can't stay stuck
Rather keep my integrity and take a pay cut
'Cause money is my bitch, and I promise we'll never break up
It's cheaper to keep her and I ain't with the alimony
Internet can say what they want, that never mattered to me
I've slept in penthouses and in project staircases
I took risks the average man wouldn't dare taken
They shitted on my name, prayed I wouldn't make it
Then I rose from the ashes, look at their faces
Made a clear statement, I'ma win regardless
They slander me, I just smile and defend the charges
These other artists come around, they just steal and borrow
I could open my rap book and reveal a novel
My two cousins got killed, I still feel the sorrow
Rather be a square today than be a round tomorrow
I do me, they could say what they want
Never take a step back but keep the paint in the front
An old bum told me once, "What you laughing at?
If you can't remember the last time you struggled, it hasn't happened yet"
I can't catch another charge, I got two strikes
So I make the page and the pen connect like two flights
They left me behind so now I move right
Spit this on the tenth anniversary of my new life

I know it's part of the game, be cool and stick to your lane
I know, I tried so hard but I can't stay longer
I know it's part of the game, be cool and stick to your lane
I know, I tried so hard but I can't stay longer (Woo)