Been around the block in a tour van
Driven from oakland to austin
Asheville all the way to Boston
yeah

Many many men I’ve forgotten
Between the drinking and all the talking
But there’s something about this one’s skin
Man i just couldn’t stop thinking

And i’m not sure why he’s on my mind
I meet new guys all the time
Plus he’s so unaffected

I’m rarely taken by rap guys
I know not to trust my own kind
That same unstable tour grind
But this time i am blind

Many many men act thirsty
As if they’ve never been around a lady
Plus I melt faces off with my RnB
So why hasn’t this one stepped to me?

And i’m not sure why he’s on my mind
I meet new guys all the time
Plus he’s so unaffected

You know I’ll get it!

Avery night is brand new
New city, always a new boo
I do whatever I want to (true)
I’ll admit I’ve had a few

We’re small fish in a big pool
We’re just trying to get a piece of the pie
I do what I have to
Right now I’m just trying to catch this one’s eye


And i’m not sure why he’s on my mind
I meet new guys all the time
Plus he’s so unaffected

You know I’ll get it!
credits

To every guy that I
Ever kissed and didn’t mean it
And when I went MIA
I just hope you took the hint

Thanks for all the compliments
They were all so sweet
But if you’re looking for a sure thing
You won’t find that with me

I just wanted conversation
Assumed that you were fine
But you were just being patient
Hoping I would change my mind

Didn’t mean to play games
Or give you false pretense
But sometimes a girl like me
Just needs some attention

Yeahhhh

You know sometimes a girl like me
Just needs some attention

For every time that I
Ever bounced in the middle of the night
Sorry I left you alone
I prefer to wake up at home

I hope you don’t think I’m cold
I really think you’re great
But you are just playing yourself
If you think I’m gonna stay

I know you wanted me
And I thought you were sexy
But baby you should have guessed it
I won’t ever be invested

Didn’t mean to play games
Or give you false pretense
But sometimes a girl like me
Just needs some attention

Yeahhhh

You know sometimes a girl like me
Just needs some attention

I hope you’re not too sad
Never wanted to make you mad

My baaaad

(Corina Corina)

Two cuts in my eyebrows stay wildin out
Eyes all black, bright pink on the pout
Like the isleys make em twist, make em shout
Cause all they wanna do is just put me in their mouth


Line up the shots don't forget to tip
Fortaleza for everybody in my click
Cause we gets it in on our business trips
And you already know I’m the boss in this


On stage shining slangin cds
Back of the house counting merch money
Some think I’m cocky but please believe
Sayin no all the time gets so tiring


Cause I'm not a floozy thirsty for the D
None of these lames coming home with me
But if I feel like a little roll in the sheets
Just call me a lyft, give a kiss on the cheek, peace!


Run the, Run the Blues

(DeShawn Timothy )

Crawled up from the bottom, fucking hater I’m here
I’mma stay in the field, like them trackers John Deere
Mow suckers over, until I’m worldly discovered
Dressed in all black, I’m gonna show my true color

Spit sick from da lips, honeybun, that’s valid
I’m the best forever, ask DJ Khaled
Middle fingers up, if you fucking with me
Put ya drank in the air, for the kid, DT

Whoa, Philly jawn, stay bomb, stay shittin
Bums still can’t see me so they stay squintin
Ghostwrite for ya fav, just call me Quinton
Miller, point blank, son, I’m iller

Not to mention that I’m so fucking gorgeous
“#STAYINYALANE” or proceed with caution
It’s Corina Corina, DeShawn Timothy
Visibly the sickest queens up in these streets

Don’t look at me with those beautiful big brown eyes
I know you can see right through to my insides
When you get close, I can’t even hide
That you bring my cold dead heart right back to life

I know they see it all from the outside
When you’re near me I can’t ever break my smile
It could be months or just a little while
From a foot away or three thousand miles

It’s obvious when I look at you
I'll never look away
There’s too much water under this bridge
But I still have to say

You’re mine, all mine
She thinks that you are hers but we all know that’s a lie
You’re mine, always be mine
Quit trying to be a tough guy, why even deny?

I don’t have the right to be mad that you’re gone
And I can't knock you for trying to move on
You aren't the first but you may be my last
But I walked out so what choice did you have

I wonder if right now you're thinking of us
Cause I just saw you and now I’m caught up
The only thing keeping me from calling now
I know you're not alone and three’s a crowd

You’re mine, still mine
She thinks that you are hers but we all know that’s a lie
You’re mine, always be mine
Quit trying to be a tough guy, why even deny?

Another night another let down
Wanna cry but I'm too proud
Can’t bring myself to call you out
So I hold it in for now

Can’t show you that it matters
Whether or not you’re there
Shit would look pretty different
If you actually cared

Yo, I've done so many shows
Wondering if you would appear
Hoping I have enough drink tickets
To wash it all down with beer

I murk stages every night
And there's the internal fight
I shouldn't give a fuck
I'm getting enough love

From strangers and my fan base
It’s growing every day
Don't want those who aren't there
To overshadow a new face

My pride is always compromised
I handle it with grace
Cause you have no idea
I'm keeping it that way

Thank God for this pen and paper
And the attention of strangers
For without some kind of outlet
I know that I'd be in danger
Of losing my shit

Disappointment, ohhh
Disappointment, yeahh
Disappointment

Disappointment
Disappointment

Because of people like you
Now I know the ugly truth
That no matter what I do
I'll end up with the blues

I could do amazing things
Win awards for what I sing
Perform for the president
But you still wouldn't give a shit

No power, yes I know
Over how you feel for me
And even of there was hope
You'd probably never let me know, so

I hope that the spotlight
Is extra bright tonight
Shining so hard in my eyes
That I almost go blind

The whole place will just be cutouts
While I hear them scream and shout
But I know you aren't there
Without a shadow of a doubt

I hope they buy me extra shots
Some x after my set
To distract me from the letdown
So faded I forget

Then all I could remember
Is how much they all loved me
And how I just bared my heartbreak
Where I’m okay being seen
Losing my shit

Disappointment, ohhh
Disappointment, yeahh
Disappointment

Disappointment
Disappointment

Day in and day out
Set up to be let down
I do it cause I have to
Ain’t no other way around

I strip myself bare behind the pop screen
Tears in my eyes, I sweat, I bleed

For every small victory
Is a little bittersweet
Cause another one has shown me
That they’re still not down for me

I may be young but I’m not a kid
And I’m not dumb, I know what this is
Reflective, self aware
Asking for trouble but I don’t care

You’re the only one that I can’t read
And another goal i have yet tot achieve
It’s gonna take work taming your beast
But I’ll get you to fall in love with me, so

Keep on playing hard to get
It’s torture but i love that shit
Cause nobody ever turns me down
And that all changed when you came around

Keep on keeping me guessing
You know that I love asking questions
Nobody can challenge me, but
You’re so damn refreshing, so

Touch me touch me touch me
Usually I feel nothing
Maybe in the morning
I won’t leave with no warning

Touch me touch me touch me
Finally I feel something
I’ll let you buy me coffee
All black no sugar no cream

Know what I mean?

Your eyes follow me around the room
Jealous of whoever I’m talking to
You’re trying trying to maintain your cool
But I’m cute, baby I don’t blame you

I so appreciate what you’re doing
You have my attention now please don’t lose it
Urgency is so overrated
They’re all thirsty but you’re well hydrated, so

Touch me touch me touch me
Usually I feel nothing
Maybe in the morning
I won’t leave with no warning

Touch me touch me touch me
Finally I feel something
I’ll let you buy me coffee
All black no sugar no cream

Know what i mean?

sleeping at a stranger’s house
floor car chair couch
hurry up and go
next city next show
my head hurts
back’s worse
from these hours on the road
and my only company is this radio

it's all worth it
for these 30 minutes
these precious 1800 seconds
i know it's all worth it
for these 30 minutes
these precious 1800 seconds

house lights dim
candles flicker
i’ve got my canned beer
a shot of liquor
mic check one two is the guitar tuned?
i’m gonna tear the roof right off of this room

empty bottles and fliers
all around the car
the highway is is so dark
i can’t even see the stars
i get more dazed and tired
with every passing mile
and right now my only friend
is the radio dial

when i say love you say love
when i say hurts you say hurts
when i say burns you say burns
but look what you get in return

i love so hard with all of my heart
even if it tears me apart
if i give more than i receive
it'll all all come back eventually


now when i say life you say life
worth the risk, worth the fight
sometimes you gotta sacrifice
but we'll be alright alright

when i say love you say love
when i say hurts you say hurts
when i say burns you say burns
but look what you get in return


when i say love you say love
when i say hurts you say hurts
when i say burns you say burns
but look what you get in return


when i love it's always true
with the old as with the new
and if they someday let me down
i’ll give the benefit of doubt


now when i say life you say life
worth the risk, worth the fight
sometimes you gotta sacrifice
but we'll be alright alright

when i say love you say love
when i say hurts you say hurts
when i say burns you say burns
but look what you get in return


when i say love you say love
when i say hurts you say hurts
when i say burns you say burns
but look what you get in return

i’ve just spent hours outside
saying goodnight to you
and i can't go to sleep just yet
first thing that i’m gonna do

call you
write about you
find someone to talk to
about you

do you mind if i go on some more?
since the last time that i saw you
i haven't touched the ground
would you come and join me on this cloud?

i’ve been spending hours with you
and i’m not close to through
as soon as i walk in the door
i’m gonna wish i had some more

call you
write about you
find someone to talk to
about you

do you mind if i go on some more?
since the last time that i saw you
i haven't touched the ground
would you come and join me on this cloud?

garlic on the roast purple carrots heavenly
hash in the celery floating on a memory
passing over a melancholy melody
him or me i let it be

turquoise and purple
all rose gold before me
my head spins in circles
i’m certain i’m falling

this organs a hammond
that's played to exhaustion
i’m stretched off a xan
thats not truly important

i’m cozy, don't force it
ya whole stee is banjee
my peepee engorges
tripped on semantics
in rooms stuffed in orchids
drip on blue petals
sweat soaked through the floorboard
floorboard

do you mind if i go on some more?
since the last time that i saw you
i haven't touched the ground
would you come and join me on this cloud?

i’ve been having trouble sleeping,
i see these images in my head
sometimes I need to scream out loud
to silence everything

i guess i watch the news too much
read trashy magazines
my mind is like a hamster wheel
it never stops turning

america america
the american way
america america
the good ol' U S of A

in america americans never learn that less is more
even when we a place to sleep and the world outside our door
we want more
we want more and more
we want more
we want more and more

i’ve been having trouble sleeping,
can’t get these thoughts up out my hair
i’m in a sweat, my mind is racing
with compare and despair

i’m thinking about changing
my my outlook upon life
cause i have the best intentions
but i never get it right


america america
the american way
america america
the good ol' U S of A

in america americans never learn that less is more
even when we a place to sleep and the world outside our door
we want more
we want more and more
we want more
we want more and more

where we blow trees cause this world is greedy
moved to new york hoping someone see me
these bright lights cast strange shadows
can i trust you? You look like eddie haskel

america so beautiful
bloody white and bruised yet so spiritual
i feel you though you want more you keeping score
what you cheating for?

you better lock your doors cause i had faith in you
you told me lies they sound like truths
but this ain't nothin new and we been through it before
we rely on you

and so we still want more

hey next lifetime wanna meet me on a beach?
we'll eat mangos drink mojitos and smoke the finest trees
read books all day and play guitar finally get enough sleep
and every night look at the stars let them tell us stories

next lifetime
next lifetime
let's take a much needed break
next lifetime
next lifetime
let's live the free way

next lifetime
next lifetime
let's take a much needed break
next lifetime
next lifetime
let's live the free way

hey next lifetime let's go live on a boat
we'd never have to swim upstream all we'd have to do is float
crack some brews squeeze a lime and fire up the grill
spend afternoons watching the sun set beneath the hills

next lifetime
next lifetime
let's take a much needed break
next lifetime
next lifetime
let's live the free way

next lifetime
next lifetime
let's take a much needed break
next lifetime
next lifetime
let's live the free way

hey next lifetime lets stop paying rent
we've worked so hard for all these years

and all that dough is spent
lets create new ways to trade that don't involve a bank
off the grid no more bullshit
like dollars pounds and francs

next lifetime you and i will see
the beauty in simplicity
salt air coming from the sea
the colors of the changing leaves

next lifetime
next lifetime
let's take a much needed break
next lifetime
next lifetime
let's live the free way

next lifetime
next lifetime
let's take a much needed break
next lifetime
next lifetime
let's live the free way

subconsciously i have tried
to avoid this feeling my whole life
it was always my job to inspire
those i never grew to admire

across the table is light
when he looks me in the eye
i can’t turn away
though inside i’m feeling the fight

across the table he smiles
i feel myself melting inside
terrified but i try
cause i’ve missed out on this my whole life


up until now i have fell
deeper into my own version of hell
gazing at those who were blind to
all the beauty that i see in myself

across the table is light
when he looks me in the eye
i can’t turn away
though inside i’m feeling the fight

across the table he smiles
i feel myself melting inside
terrified but i try
cause i’ve missed out on this my whole life


started out early
no one's had more fun than me
the first to try anything
no kid ever out-did me

i bought and sold my share of trees
tripped until i couldn't see
danced until the sun came up
4am still taking shots

so many nights that i forgot
woke up my head in a fog
but now i wonder what i missed
spending all this time

all the time i spent drinking
all the time i spent wishing
for time
more time

all the time i wasted
now it's time to face it
that time is gone
i’m never gonna get it back

i fall hard and quickly
no one has loved more than me
a sucker for that first kiss
i know i’m the best at this


same women and with men
it all falls apart in the end
fights and nasty arguments
some that i wish i could forget

so much wasted energy
no one's been through it more than me
it always ends so bittersweet
mistakes all doomed to repeat

all the time i spent kissing
all the time i spent wishing
for time
more time

all the time i wasted
now it's time to face it
that time is gone
i’m never gonna get it back

i called him my kryptonite
nothing came close to our highs
so now ‘’m wondering why
we ever had cause to fight

willing to do anything
to make sure he felt like a king
but i had to let him leave
he was never promised to me

i lost the very thing
that i had tried hardest to keep

but not slow and painfully
i took that leap set myself free

all the time i spend with him
all the time i spent wishing
for time
more time

all the time i wasted
now it's time to face it
that time is gone
i’m never gonna get it back

so much for my arts degree
at least i’m not out on the streets
i’m just here for the ego stroke
call me fine laugh at my jokes


new numbers up in my phone

but i always go home alone
t
hey walk in charming and grown

but by night's end they're four years old

i’m sick of all of it
then i take a sip
another buck a better tip
i’ll never quit
no
i can't resist

it's too late for something new
can't tell the truth from an excuse

you don't know the things i do

all the things that i’m used to

i’ve invested all this time
these years just keep passing me by
swallow regrets down with rye

bitterness with A twist of lime

i’m sick of all of it
then i take a sip
another buck a better tip
i’ll never quit
no
i can't resist

multi-million meal discussions power lunches talking numbers
truffle suppers hendricks punches garnished with cucumbers
serve fake grins for big tips tons of tight faces fake tits
missed mad shows so i could pay rent no need to negotiate if this makes sense

yea juice worth the squeeze how much work will it be? hella pulp
of course yea it's all on me tap into my tchi who's he?
true breed new leaf
i yam what i am that's me bah oui catch speed thru

the dips peaks shifts weeks riffs beats
what it is, what it'll be can't resist
in cutting my own piece
peace!

i’m sick of all of it
then i take a sip
another buck a better tip
i’ll never quit
no
i can't resist

i feel like i'm always left alone
no time to dwell gotta keep pushing on

never woulda planned it out this way

but i know there are no mistakes


prepared for everyone to let me down
but like a cat i land on the ground


over and over i’m reminded
don't need a thing from anyone
over and over i’m shown
there's no one else to rely on

over and over its more crystal clear
that i’m a tribe of one a tribe of one

from the day my life began
learned to be self sufficient
from teachers friends both parents
i learned never to ask for shit

i stand alone abundant in my strength
cause in myself i have the most faith

over and over i’m reminded
don't need a thing from anyone
over and over i’m shown
there's no one else to rely on

over and over its more crystal clear
that i’m a tribe of one a tribe of one

another day another
breakup make up
backtrack double back triple back
you're gonna give me a heart attack

trying to set boundaries
but you make me weak
Every time you're near me
whenever you touch me

i miss you
kiss you goodbye

we know that it won't work
but i can't go on
listening to sad songs
and wishing i could be strong

all i ever wanted was for this single person to love me
there's little that makes me smile
makes it all worth while
and there’s only one thing that I dream

to be loved
by not just anyone
by the only one
to be loved
by not just anyone
by the only one
i could never could get it from

another day another hang up
call back take back
insults react retract
who's gonna have the last laugh?

try a new hobby focus more on me
Watch time go by
give give it one more try
maybe this time it'll go right

we know that it won't work
but i can't go on
listening to sad songs
and wishing i could be strong

all i ever wanted was for this single person to love me
there's little that makes me smile
makes it all worth while
and there’s only one thing that I dream

to be loved
by not just anyone
by the only one
to be loved
by not just anyone
by the only one
i could never could get it from

day 21 it came to life
started to form left and right
before there were a pair of eyes
fingers toes ribs or thighs

this thing this thing
this thing inside my chest
so much to give away
so much to protect

from first time my mother ever kissed me
or inside of her where it started to beat

started out one perfect piece
eventually started to bleed
i may wear it on my sleeve
but don't give it don't give it up freely

i feel in all four chambers
there i carry hurt and anger
i go there to meet my grandpa
and where i go to talk with my God

this thing this thing
this thing inside my chest
so much to give away
so much to protect

from first time my mother ever kissed me
or inside of her where it started to beat

started out one perfect piece
eventually started to bleed
i may wear it on my sleeve
but don't give it
don't give it up freely

last night
i hardly recognized me
hungry like a lion
she felt the same thing

i saw
her lips shaking
eyes dialated
but i kept on moving

i know (i know)
it coulda been the best thing
(i woulda been the best thing)
with a different ending, yeah (i know i know)

there's no glory in taking it slow
we could both die tomorrow
and we'll never never never never know
never never never never know


last night
i wish that i could go back
to the very moment
she was wide open

where she
woulda let me kiss her
should have had one more drink
and then had dessert

i know (i know)
it coulda been the best thing
(i woulda been the best thing)
with a different ending, yeah (i know i know)

there's no glory in taking it slow
we could both die tomorrow
and we'll never never never never know
never never never never know

someday i’ll see you on the street
holding hands with a straight haired girl who’s nothing like me
she’ll be well dressed in high heels
she’ll be polite and even-keeled

it took awhile to realize
you never saw me as your future
i won't replace my last name
i won't slow down won't be contained

keep these memories of our young wild days
admit to yourself you threw it all away

someday your memory will fade
you'll start to dig yourself an early grave

work yourself down to the bone
for your tidy big suburban home


you'll think of me from time to time
how we had such a wild ride
but i know you had your doubts
that someday i would wear you out


keep these memories of our young wild days
admit to yourself you threw it all away


all because you were afraid
i wouldn’t settle down someday

all because you were afraid
i wouldn’t settle down someday

i know it's taking me awhile
the payoff will be in your smile
i don't know what you'll look like
or who will make you with me


will your eyes be green like my mother's
or will they be brown like both our father's

i’m not sure where you'll grow up
and if it's just the two of us

i’ll make sure you get enough
and you will have all my love


i know how much you'll change me
my priorities
can't do this prematurely
baby please wait for me

last night
i hardly recognized me
hungry like a lion
she felt the same thing

i saw
her lips shaking
eyes dialated
but i kept on moving

i know (i know)
it coulda been the best thing
(i woulda been the best thing)
with a different ending, yeah (i know i know)

there's no glory in taking it slow
we could both die tomorrow
and we'll never never never never know
never never never never know


last night
i wish that i could go back
to the very moment
she was wide open

where she
woulda let me kiss her
should have had one more drink
and then had dessert

i know (i know)
it coulda been the best thing
(i woulda been the best thing)
with a different ending, yeah (i know i know)

there's no glory in taking it slow
we could both die tomorrow
and we'll never never never never know
never never never never know

follow the head or go with the gut
at the end it's always if and or but
doing too much or didn't do enough
didn’t want to rush now i'm blowing her up

hit it like black jack and went bust
anti climax sidetracked missed the bus
tis the season for gang and puff
six months later buyer remorse look but don't touch

window shopper greener grass bubbly and robust
plush like velvet crush at first blush
blaze
now you pressed things flushed some nerve like kanye

there's no glory in taking it slow
we could both die tomorrow
and we'll never never never never know
never never never never know

it’s just more days more replays of
exactly the same thing
it’s the same stops on the same train
and the same people at every station

in their heads i know they wonder
is this the life i’ve been given?
they try so hard to be happy but
we all know it’s the opposite of being free

it’s the monthly low pay
always the same rate
no matter if i stay working late
clock out for my lunch time
spend half of it in line
fighting myself not to run away

i wish i could just hop on an express train
and play for the rest of the day
i wish i could just hop on an express train
and play for the rest of the day

it all starts with a swipe
and a stand clear of the closing doors please
good thing for this coffee
the night before was as short as they all seem

and the morning should come with a shot of morphine
everybody look a little offbeat
so i sink into my seat falling deep into my hip hop
i’m wondering if this is how it be and i wonder how it be not

so this is for the man who fell asleep and missed his stop
and this is for the young’n that had offered up a spot
and this is for the elder that accepted
while impressed with the gesture and a gracious thanks a lot

and this is for the shorty with the baby on her arm
the other lady with a stroller of her own
and for the student trying to enjoy a book in peace
while the kids are wildin out behind him jumping in their seats

we just trying to find relief

it’s the monthly low pay
always the same rate
no matter if i stay working late
clock out for my lunch time
spend half of it in line
fighting myself not to run away

i wish i could just hop on an express train
and play for the rest of the day
i wish i could just hop on an express train
and play for the rest of the day

i don't mean to alarm you like our time is running out 

but it feels urgent to me so i’m just gonna say this now

yo i’m so glad i met you
grateful for every tear

every single obstacle
that lead me here

i’m so happy to touch you
can't believe that you feel it too

it may sound dramatic to you
but consider all that i’ve been through

i’ve loved and i’ve lost more

i’ve gotten used to slamming doors

been betrayed by my so called friends 

damaged by both my parents

i’ve lived in so much misery 

but these days i’m happy for weeks

you're like my muse my drug
everything i want from love
everything i want from love
everything i want from love

oh i could just die with your hand here on my thigh

it sometimes reminds me i’m alive



i don't mean to wake you but
i can hear you breathing

i’m pretty sure that's
why my hearts still beating


i promise to let you rest
but can i keep my hand here on your chest 

don't think I can sleep without
some contact


this is second to none
i’d choose you over anyone

i hope you don't think i’m too intense
but consider all i've overcome

i’ve loved and i’ve lost more

i’ve gotten used to slamming doors

been betrayed by my so called friends 

damaged by both my parents

i’ve lived in so much misery 

but these days i’m happy for weeks

you're like my muse my drug
everything i want from love
everything i want from love
everything i want from love

oh i could just die with your hand here on my thigh

it sometimes reminds me i’m alive

i’m so exposed
you know just how crazy i can be
irrational
this is all making me
my heart on a string
when i want it firmly planted
you’re so beautiful to me
but so ugly when we’re fighting

when does it all get easy
the way my mama always told me
where’s the one she said would complete me

i love you hard and so deeply
but now you’re just making me crazy

over nothing
we treat each other badly
we’re both royalty
royalty royalty
you brought out the best in me
but lately you bring out the worst

in the mirror
not sure who i am anymore
did i really say that?
how quickly i am to react
my heart turning back
used to beat in living color
we’ve turned into enemies
how did we stop being lovers?

when does it all get easy
the way my mama always told me
where’s the one she said would complete me

i love you hard and so deeply
but now you’re just making me crazy

i love you hard and so deeply
but now you’re just making me crazy

over nothing
we treat each other badly
we’re both royalty
royalty royalty
you brought out the best in me
but lately you bring out the worst

royalty
royalty
royalty
royalty

royalty
royalty
royalty
royalty

when does it all get easy
the way my mama always told me
where’s the one she said would complete me

i love you hard and so deeply
but now you’re just making me crazy

over nothing
we treat each other badly
we’re both royalty
royalty
royalty
you brought out the best in me
but lately you bring out the worst

my skin's too tight and my eyes too dark
to be just a girl playing in the park

a dark shadow cast on my bassinet

no light for me to recollect

images of an endless sea

thoughts and sounds
swimming right past me

i'm free 
i'm free

i'm free

this is peace

it's just myself and me fighting endlessly

smothering in tears until i can't breathe

papa i beg of you don't make me go to school

too exhausted to try to maintain my cool

images of an endless sea

thoughts and sounds
swimming right past me

i'm free 
i'm free

i'm free

this is peace

what's a day feel like with some peace of mind

when i’m not fighting for control of my own life

it must be so nice in someone else's skin
is my answer to just take more medicine?

images of an endless sea

thoughts and sounds
swimming right past me

i'm free 
i'm free

i'm free

this is peace

feels like my dreams are in the dark
the unknown paralyzed at the start
slipping through the seams
trying to find my way in the city

city lights got me thinking bout the thrill
the possibility of a deal
but i’m so lost
so lost cause i’m

no good at ass kissing
no good at politicking
i’m not sure i’ll ever
catch up with this city’s cost of living

is there room for an outsider here
not looking for a handout
happy to sing for my beer
i know my talent is a blessing
but i’ve got no damn direction
they sure make it hardest for an artist

i’m tired of bartending and waitressing
trying to hustle just to pay my rent
can’t get a loan to save the life of me
it’s obvious that i don’t have the means

no good at ass kissing
no good at politicking
i’m not sure i’ll ever
catch up with this city’s cost of living

is there room for an outsider here
not looking for a handout
happy to sing for my beer
i know my talent is a blessing
but i’ve got no damn direction
they sure make it hardest for an artist

now i know why so many people give up
it’s rewarding but god damn is it tough
we give all we have but it’s never enough
there’s no compensation for our labors of love

is there room for an outsider here
not looking for a handout
happy to sing for my beer
i know my talent is a blessing
but i’ve got no damn direction
they sure make it hardest for an artist

sorry I can't meet you for lunch

no I can't do sunday brunch
while i'm out here busting my ass
ain't got no time or extra cash

well that's real cute that you clean and you cook
but i'm a real betty crocker when i get on the hook

midnight that's when i make breakfast
jamo in my cup and a bomb ass set list

you got no clue what i go through
just to sing a song or two
just to get some time onstage
just to hear my records play

come on take a walk in these shoes

you'll know how i do what i do

come on take a walk in these shoes 

you'll know how i do what i do

walk a mile in it

walk a mile in it

walk a mile in it

walk a mile in it

making moves to get to the next step 

running all my game i don't know if i won yet 

spawn on everything i want but i haven't got yet

hoping there's a little room for whiskey and weed yep

what you do in a month i do in a day
i let no moment go to waste
always perfecting my craft
so i’ll be getting the last laugh

i find the time to grind my way
inside the minds that want to say
this white girl must have hurt her brain
thinking she could ever be a hip hop name


you got no clue what i go through
just to sing a song or two
just to get some time onstage
just to hear my records play

come on take a walk in these shoes

you'll know how i do what i do

come on take a walk in these shoes 

you'll know how i do what i do

walk a mile in it

walk a mile in it

walk a mile in it

walk a mile in it

cry me a river build me a boat
imma go full speed bitch you don't get a vote 

ceasing the day paying my dues
get in my kicks walk a mile in these shoes

cry me a river build me a boat
imma go full speed bitch you don't get a vote 

ceasing the day paying my dues
get in my kicks walk a mile in these shoes

come on take a walk in these shoes

you'll know how i do what i do

come on take a walk in these shoes 

you'll know how i do what i do

walk a mile in it

walk a mile in it

walk a mile in it

walk a mile in it

I love seeing streetlights turn to white lines through the window
they think I don’t miss them are they kidding they’ll never know
wish i could take them with me to the city where i had to go
i wanted to be a rock star it was so hard to leave home

look at me i’ll show you
a california tattoo on my right wrist
i got it to remind me
where i came from and i still love it
i’ll always love it

sometimes i get so lonely that i can hardly stand it
but i promised myself that i wouldn’t go home empty handed

i love seeing street signs sprayed with peace signs, protest flyers
some call us berkeley hippies oakland hoodrats i call us riders
from richmond to san francisco nothing’s equal as far as I know
it killed me to have to leave there i got work here in the big apple

look at me I’ll show you
a california tattoo on my right wrist
i got it to remind me
where i came from and i still love it
i’ll always love it

sometimes i get so lonely that i can hardly stand it
but i promised myself that i wouldn’t go home empty handed

i pick up my phone and dial 510
sometimes i just need the familiar
people i love have things to let me know
local politics and news of so and so

out here i get so lonely that i can hardly stand it
but i promised myself that i wouldn’t go home empty handed

so the sun keeps setting on the west coast without me

got a room to call my own
no white fence around my home
no fences at all
no lawns to mow
no college loans
i don’t owe a thing at all

no mortgage, no down payment
no loans, no need for an agent
i only possess the basics

do do do do do do do

don’t need a holiday
to celebrate tonight
tonight tonight
cause it feels good to be alive
it feels good to be alive
it feels good to be
it feels good to be
living the good life

no 401k
to save for a rainy day
no rainy days at all

no vows no blood diamonds
fine china to shine and
i’m only gonna live this one time

do do do do do do do

don’t need a holiday
to celebrate tonight
tonight tonight
cause it feels good to be alive
it feels good to be alive
it feels good to be
it feels good to be
living the good life

i wake up when i wanna
or i sleep a little longer
cause i stay up so late
not to sound cliche
but i’m doing it my way
there’s no other way at all

don’t need a holiday
to celebrate tonight
tonight tonight
cause it feels good to be alive
it feels good to be alive
it feels good to be
it feels good to be
living the good life

This world is controlled enough
no one can tell me how to love (love love love)
there will never be too much
i can have abundance of love (love love love)

love my daughter love my son
i love my wife love my husband
love my mama love my pops
i love biggie i love tupac

love my sister love my bro
love etta james and aretha
love the east and i love the west
where the sun rises and where it sets

madly in love with everyone i love
so many ways to love someone
a world full of people that i can love
and i’m so blessed to have more than one

This world is controlled enough
no one can tell me how to love (love love love)
there will never be too much
i can have abundance of love (love love love)

i love clapton i love hendrix
i love thighs and i love hips
i love jazz and i love the blues
i love duke and basie too

love the nightlife i love day
i love heiro i love wu tang
i love you and i love me
all this love is but a dream

madly in love with everyone i love
so many ways to love someone
a world full of people that i can love
and i’m so blessed to have more than one

yeah that’s me i give love everyday
drop a love bomb now in love we’ll make a way
so i give it out unconditionally
i love it when you give it back to me

it’s my nature that’s who i be
and loving you is so easy

looking at the beautiful smile on your face
and how you fill the world with beauty and grace
i love it when i wake up to the sun so bright
and bask in the glow of the moon at night
watching all these palm trees sway in the wind
you could be the yang i could be the yin

pour it on the paper and pen let’s begin
add the baseline these words be a shrine
from the gougenheim to the hollywood sign
and let love be the lifeline

madly in love with everyone i love
so many ways to love someone
a world full of people that i can love
and i’m so blessed to have more than one

and let love be the lifeline

it’s just more days more replays of exactly the same thing
it’s the same stops on the same train
and the same people at every station
in their heads i know they wonder
is this the life i’ve been given?
they try so hard to be happy but
we all know it’s the opposite of being free

it’s the monthly low pay
always the same rate
no matter if i stay working late
clock out for my lunch time
spend half of it in line
fighting myself not to run away
i wish i could just hop on an express train
and play for the rest of the day
i wish i could just hop on an express train
and play for the rest of the day

fuck the government
these lips have all power over me
within his eyes,
earth wind and fire
love land and sea
and these two hands
they hold the world
in all its entirety

i’m obsessed need to get lifted
i’m a mess, must be addicted
i’m obsessed, need to get lifted
i’m a mess, must be addicted

and fuck food
i need only live on his energy
if something’s wrong
i can feel the blood
drain from my body
but when we’re aligned
stars in the sky
they shine brighter for me

i’m obsessed need to get lifted
i’m a mess, must be addicted
i’m obsessed, need to get lifted
i’m a mess, must be addicted

fuck both our jobs
forty hours when
we should be free
what good is money
the only thing i need
his hands all over me

i’m obsessed need to get lifted
i’m a mess, must be addicted
i’m obsessed, need to get lifted
i’m a mess, must be addicted

yo you believe when they say we ain’t shit
like if we ain’t pretty we ain’t worth fifty cent
we don’t need makeup we still buy it
anything to make us lose weight and we’ll try it

white girls feel ugly so they go tanning
skin bleach is applied to girls with dark skin
this is a problem it’s not the answer
spending our money and risking cancer

we look in the mirror fresh out the shower
judging ourselves can’t see our power
crippled by the fear of rejection
we’re being led in the wrong direction

don’t be led in the wrong direction
don’t be led in the wrong direction
don’t be led in the wrong direction
don’t be led in the wrong direction
direction
the wrong direction
the wrong direction

yo you believe when they say we ain’t smart
and to get ahead we have to work twice as hard
and if we’re sexy that’s all that they will see
and with each other they want us to compete

skinny girls feel ugly cause they’re not curvy
thick girls feel ugly for being healthy
we go on diets while they get wealthy
a dress size will never make you happy

we look in the mirror fresh out the shower
judging ourselves can’t see our power
crippled by the fear of rejection
we’re being led in the wrong direction

don’t be led in the wrong direction
don’t be led in the wrong direction
don’t be led in the wrong direction
don’t be led in the wrong direction
direction
the wrong direction
the wrong direction

i’m trying hard
to make this dollar stretch
before i’m tapped out

too scared of credit cards
judging my bank account
i’d only max them out

no good at ass kissing
no good at politicking
i’m not sure i’ll ever
catch up with this city’s cost of living

is there room for an outsider here
not looking for a handout
happy to sing for my beer
i know my talent is a blessing
but i’ve got no damn direction
they sure make it hardest for an artist

i’m tired of bartending and waitressing
trying to hustle just to pay my rent
can’t get a loan to save the life of me
it’s obvious that i don’t have the means

no good at ass kissing
no good at politicking
i’m not sure i’ll ever
catch up with this city’s cost of living

is there room for an outsider here
not looking for a handout
happy to sing for my beer
i know my talent is a blessing
but i’ve got no damn direction
they sure make it hardest for an artist

now i know why so many people give up
it’s rewarding but god damn is it tough
we give all we have but it’s never enough
there’s no compensation for our labors of love

is there room for an outsider here
not looking for a handout
happy to sing for my beer
i know my talent is a blessing
but i’ve got no damn direction
they sure make it hardest for an artist

i’m so exposed
you know just how crazy i can be
irrational
this is all making me
my heart on a string
when i want it firmly planted
you’re so beautiful to me
but so ugly when we’re fighting

when does it all get easy
the way my mama always told me
where’s the one she said would complete me

i love you hard and so deeply
but now you’re just making me crazy

over nothing
we treat each other badly
we’re both royalty
royalty
royalty
you brought out the best in me
but lately you bring out the worst

in the mirror
not sure who i am anymore
did i really say that?
how quickly i am to react
my heart turning back
used to beat in living color
we’ve turned into enemies
how did we stop being lovers?

when does it all get easy
the way my mama always told me
where’s the one she said would complete me

i love you hard and so deeply
but now you’re just making me crazy

over nothing
we treat each other badly
we’re both royalty
royalty
royalty
you brought out the best in me
but lately you bring out the worst

royalty
royalty
royalty
royalty

royalty
royalty
royalty
royalty

when does it all get easy
the way my mama always told me
where’s the one she said would complete me

i love you hard and so deeply
but now you’re just making me crazy

over nothing
we treat each other badly
we’re both royalty
royalty
royalty
you brought out the best in me
but lately you bring out the worst

since i don’t have anyone else
time to get to know myself
no one else can know my needs
neither did i until recently

i spent my time obsessed
longing for someone to love me
too damn terrified
of being my own company

lovers come and lovers go
but this one thing i know for sure
the next time when i’m with someone they’ll really be somebody
the next time that i fall in love won’t be just cause i’m lonely

dear amy
is that still your name
crazy how many things have changed
do you still smell the same?

and used the lines that you used on me
are you single now
or have a lady

if so is she a thing like me?

looking back in your history
where do I fit in 
how much did you love me?

i’ve moved on kind of not really

some days i even feel happy 

but i hope i don't die before we
speak again meet up for coffee

you should know what you meant to me

what you meant to me

dear amy
are you still angry

last time i tried you wouldn't talk to me 

i know i’m guilty again i'm sorry


out of nowhere you'll come to mind
sometimes i laugh others i cry 


i recall our first kiss

oh how i miss that innocence
before the fights
and bitterness

i’ve moved on kind of not really

some days i even feel happy 

but i hope i don't die before we
speak again meet up for coffee

you should know what you meant to me

what you meant to me

i hope i got your address right
don't feel any pressure to reply
just a few things that you should know
xoxo
love, co

i’ve moved on kind of not really

some days i even feel happy 

but i hope i don't die before we
speak again meet up for coffee

you should know what you meant to me

what you meant to me

i don't mean to alarm you like our time is running out 

but it feels urgent to me so i’m just gonna say this now

yo i’m so glad i met you
grateful for every tear

every single obstacle
that lead me here

i’m so happy to touch you
can't believe that you feel it too

it may sound dramatic to you
but consider all that i’ve been through

i’ve loved and i’ve lost more

i’ve gotten used to slamming doors

been betrayed by my so called friends 

damaged by both my parents

i’ve lived in so much misery 

but these days i’m happy for weeks

you're like my muse my drug
everything i want from love
everything i want from love
everything i want from love

oh i could just die with your hand here on my thigh

it sometimes reminds me i’m alive



i don't mean to wake you but
i can hear you breathing

i’m pretty sure that's
why my hearts still beating


i promise to let you rest
but can i keep my hand here on your chest 

don't think I can sleep without
some contact


this is second to none
i’d choose you over anyone

i hope you don't think i’m too intense
but consider all i've overcome

i’ve loved and i’ve lost more

i’ve gotten used to slamming doors

been betrayed by my so called friends 

damaged by both my parents

i’ve lived in so much misery 

but these days i’m happy for weeks

you're like my muse my drug
everything i want from love
everything i want from love
everything i want from love

oh i could just die with your hand here on my thigh

it sometimes reminds me i’m alive

so complicated
i don't have the tools

no one to help me
plot my next move 

not ready to throw in the towel yet

don't want to look back with regret

then i hear my father's voice in my head
he never looked at me with judgement

he just left me with five simple words

baby don't sell yourself short

baby don't sell yourself short
baby don't sell yourself short
baby don't sell yourself short

when we're apart
life's more efficient

i work write and record
wash clothes and dishes


i function fine when i don't rest my mind

but tears are waiting to flow from my eyes

then i hear my father's voice in my head
he never looked at me with judgement

he just left me with five simple words

baby don't sell yourself short

baby don't sell yourself short
baby don't sell yourself short
baby don't sell yourself short

baby don't sell yourself short
baby don't sell yourself short
baby don't sell yourself short

i can't sing cause i’m short of breath

sometimes i can't even get out of bed

keep seeing the face i love to death

oh i’m sinking becoming powerless

then i hear my father's voice in my head
he never looked at me with judgement

he just left me with five simple words

baby don't sell yourself short

baby don't sell yourself short
baby don't sell yourself short
baby don't sell yourself short

baby don't sell yourself short
baby don't sell yourself short
baby don't sell yourself short

we're birds of different kinds

some laugh and some cry 

some run some walk
some pray some just talk

some live in captivity
mostly their own doing

too scared to fly
they clip their own wings

maybe i’m being naive
to want you in the sky with me

it's so beautiful up here
won't you come join me my dear?

though i miss you
and i grieve
i can't go back to how it used to be
may be easier
but so boring

look at me my friend
i’m soaring

why were you so close

when i suffered most 

but the more i thrive

you become a ghost

in thunder and the rain
you join me in my pain

but when there's a rainbow

you're the first to go

why can't you be happy for me
my triumphs breed your jealousy

i won't dip below the clouds
and you will never leave the ground

though i miss you
and i grieve
i can't go back to how it used to be
may be easier
but so boring

look at me my friend
i’m soaring

my skin's too tight and my eyes too dark
to be just a girl playing in the park

a dark shadow cast on my bassinet

no light for me to recollect

images of an endless sea

thoughts and sounds
swimming right past me

i'm free 
i'm free

i'm free

this is peace

it's just myself and me fighting endlessly

smothering in tears until i can't breathe

papa i beg of you don't make me go to school

too exhausted to try to maintain my cool

images of an endless sea

thoughts and sounds
swimming right past me

i'm free 
i'm free

i'm free

this is peace

what's a day feel like with some peace of mind

when i’m not fighting for control of my own life

it must be so nice in someone else's skin
is my answer to just take more medicine?

images of an endless sea

thoughts and sounds
swimming right past me

i'm free 
i'm free

i'm free

this is peace

(D'Angelo Cover)

Woah woah woah yeah yeah yeah
Woah woah woah yeah yeah yeah yeah
Woah woah woah

when i first saw you baby
i wanted to die
me and those dreamin' eyes of mine
started to cry then i dreamed
wishin' my fantasy
would soon become a reality

cause every time i see you baby
all I do is sigh
you're the most precious thing baby
that my dreamin' eyes has ever seen
so i continue dreamin
me and those dreamin' eyes of mine

is it just that you're the finest little thing that i ever saw
or is my imagination runnin' too far
is it that my eyes are tellin' me something you could never see
somethin' like me being with you and you being with me

ooh wee baby you've redefined my vision of love it seems
you will be the cherry in my chocolate covered dream
so it would seem my oh my
me and those dreamin eyes of mine

oh my goodness
here she comes
switching that ass
i wonder if the men in her past
treated her bad
if i had the chance
i’d treat her like a queen
just like I do in all my dreams

if you only knew how many times
that I think of you
i’m quite sure that you’ll find (i’m sure that you will find)
i’m going out my mind
my oh my
me and those dreamin eyes of mine

is it just that you're the finest little thing that i ever saw
or is my imagination runnin' too far
is it that my eyes are tellin' me something you could never see
somethin' like me being with you and you being with me

ooh wee baby you've redefined my vision of love it seems
you will be the cherry in my chocolate covered dream
so it would seem my oh my
me and those dreamin eyes of mine