Don't say No

Don’t say no—nah, I can’t say no Back on the ropes, still I stayed ten toes Came from the dark, now I glow, I glow If it’s pressure on me, I don’t break—I grow Don’t say no—nah, I won’t say no Even when it hurt, I was built for the cold They see the shine, they don’t know my road But I came from the bottom, had to take that load [Bar 1] pain in my body, I carry it deep [Bar 2] Smile on my face but it’s hard when I sleep [Bar 3] Back to the wall, I was stuck in a jam [Bar 4] Ain’t nobody reachin’, had to be my own hand [Bar 5] Look— (quick drop) days I was broke, I was losin’ my hope [Bar 6] Talkin’ to God like “just give me a rope”— (cut) nope [Bar 7] Snapped out quick, I ain’t goin’ that route [Bar 8] Turned all that pain to a voice I could shout [Bar 9] Uh— stayed in the field, I was playin’ for keeps [Bar 10] Even my wins came with losses and grief [Bar 11] I took a hit— (pause) then I doubled it back [Bar 12] Now every L turn to fuel in the tank [Bar 13] Breathe— (half-beat pause) I was down but I stood on my own [Bar 14] Learned from the dirt, had to build me a throne [Bar 15] Pressure on me, I adapt, I adjust [Bar 16] If it’s me vs me, then I’m earnin’ my trust Don’t say no—nah, I can’t say no Back on the ropes, still I stayed ten toes Came from the dark, now I glow, I glow If it’s pressure on me, I don’t break—I grow Don’t say no—nah, I won’t say no Even when it hurt, I was built for the cold They see the shine, they don’t know my road But I came from the bottom, had to take that load [Bar 1] Yeah— I had to tighten my circle for real [Bar 2] Some of them love you, but envy you still [Bar 3] Kept it a hundred, I never could fold [Bar 4] Even when everything outta control [Bar 5] Hold up— (pause) walked through the fire, came out refined [Bar 6] Pressure was heavy, it sharpened my mind [Bar 7] Learned the game quick, now I play it to win [Bar 8] Lost a few brothers, I carry they sins [Bar 9] Uh— now when I talk, they be feelin’ the pain [Bar 10] Every lil’ scar got a story engraved [Bar 11] I don’t say no when it come to my growth [Bar 12] That’s why I’m here and I’m doin’ the most [Bar 13] Wait— (beat pause) I remember them nights I was lost [Bar 14] Now every move calculated, it cost [Bar 15] Built from the struggle, I carry the code— [Bar 16] When life say quit… (pause) I don’t say no