Optimistic (from "Voices For Change" compilation)

[Rexx Life Raj:]
Optimistic
Tryna stay optimistic
Ooh, life moves with a quickness
And switches in an instance
I pray I stay optimistic
Hmm, hmm, hmm
I pray I stay optimistic
Hmm, hmm, hmm

Look, ayy
Make sure you checking on me, any friend of me would
I light that Paulo Santa up, make sure the energy good
I thought the whole purpose of stacking, was to get out the hood
Traveled the world and learned some things, I couldn't get out the hood
I learned my patience as a back up, when I sat on that wood
Fell on my ass but I got back up, like a real nigga should, uh
'Cause ain't no backup, ain't no plan B, on mammy
I know what I am now, I know what I can be
An overthinker, my mind be moving and scrambling
Like fried eggs but when I sang it, it's candy, uh
Niggas throw so much salt, it look sandy
I hope that all of the hate is making you happy (I hope you niggas happy)

Optimistic (Ooh woah)
Tryna stay optimistic (Tryna stay optimistic)
Ooh, life moves with a quickness (Ooh woah)
And switches (And switches), in an instance
I pray I stay optimistic
Hmm, hmm, hmm
I pray I stay optimistic
Hmm, hmm, hmm

[D Smoke:]
My mind is way up, way up (Way, way, way, way, way)
I see the homies, I tell all them niggas stay up
I lift my hands, thank the Lord, each day I wake up
Must be a baker the way I'm getting my cake up
Listen
The usual written prescription
Is being grateful every day for all that you been given
Although you hurting and you flirting with urgent decisions
The pain reminds you alive, still you barely living
Family business, belly up
Bills hitting my celly up
My cousin locked up for years, I can't just hit my relly up
I know that God ain't made me average, anything but regular
Why faith is in the clouds but my actions secular?
Ain't have shit for breakfast to my recollection
Everybody worried 'bout to shut down, who wins the next selection
To keep it honest worrying ain't part of my tradition
I was taught to practice the art of staying forever optimistic

[Rexx Life Raj:]
Optimistic (Ooh woah)
Tryna stay optimistic (Tryna stay optimistic)
Ooh, life moves with a quickness (Ooh woah)
And switches (And switches), in an instance
I pray I stay optimistic
Hmm, hmm, hmm
I pray I stay optimistic
Hmm, hmm, hmm