J. Cole — Can I Live

[Verse 1] Yeah Pussy my passion, never been a fan of flashin' Probably 'cause I never could, said if I had it, never would Then I got my first lil taste of paper and I splurged I guess it's just a nigga urge, this is The Boondocks I swear, yo, I’m like Huey mixed with Riley Thursday I be tryna save the world, and then on Friday, I hit the club Hopin' that my dick get rubbed by some fat asses Niggas get to scrappin' then you hear the gats blasting, damn Hope them niggas ain't got no problems with me My momma told me to speak like you got a college degree You see, I can, but I won’t 'cause I’m saying what I want Plus this slang that I speak don't change that I'm deep As the throat on a certified freak, will she choke? As we headed to the crib, yes, I let her give me head So she won't 'member where I live, my game is tight Baby, no need to bring pajamas, you ain't stayin' the night No disrespect, I just say it polite I drop her off before I sleep, I be praying for life Like Hov said it, can I live? Ayy, dear Lord, can I live? Hey, now am I living to get paid, just slaves for a wage, are we? I can't do no 9-to-5, told my momma sorry I can't do no suit and tie, no I want the glory If you knew me, know my life is like a movie starring me Pardon me, if it seems that I'm following my dreams I ain't reading off the script that they picked for me I ain't pissed, nah, couldn’t give a shit hardly I'll be shitting on them niggas that was shitting on me Will I live or will I die before they get to know me? If I go, I know the ones that’s pouring liquor for me And I know them fake niggas really hating on me Knew that I was 'bout to blow, so they was waiting on me [Bridge] But oh no, Lord You see, I'm smarter than they know So hold on, Lord, 'cause I ain't quite ready to go Can I live? Somebody told me that it's only one shot So I'll be goddamned if I'm ever gonna stop Promise to my momma I'ma make it to the top So I'ma keep climbing 'til my heartbeat drop [Verse 2] Like the phone when she heard the news Her sister on the other line talking to her shoes The only son, what a thing to lose More blacks singing more blues More niggas pouring more brews Poor dude, he was young like 21, straight up out that city that I'm from A real smart nigga, but his niggas, they was dumb He ain't even get a chance to run Before it landed in his lung God, breathe nigga His partner screaming “Don’t you fucking leave, nigga!” Took off his shirt, tryna stop the bleeding nigga, “Don’t you go!” But his life fading slow Did I tell my mom I love her, do she know? Did I tell my baby sorry from before? Won't get to see my son grow Lord, I ain't ready to go Can I live? Can I live? Dear Lord, Can I live? Can I live?