Welcome to hard times back again like it's never been for the first time
Seems to mess with my head so when I realize what it takes
Can I relate with whatever but never will you drive me to hate
Could be the next guy that you take before I wake
Now I lay me down to sleep, eyes tight when I pray
This her is real life, circumstances make you think
Shall I be counting my blessings, the next second my eyes blink

Here in the Southtown and you know that kids don't play
Put it down in the streets, will I see another day
If I make it back this time, got to hold what is mine
And thank God that I made it alive
Here in the Southtown and you know that kids don't play
Put it down in the streets, will I see another day
If I make it back this time, got to hold what is mine
And thank God that I made it alive

One love it's easier said than done
Can I rise above everything that gets in my way?
Like words you say, you let your tongue get loose
And when push comes to shove, I'm not used to walking away
I keep on looking up, because these times are getting tough
Tomorrow's gone and it's the same old song
Father fill my cup, give me strength to power up
A life to shine, you're the diamond in this rough

Here in the Southtown and you know that kids don't play
Put it down in the streets, will I see another day
If I make it back this time, got to hold what is mine
And thank God that I made it alive
Here in the Southtown you know that kid don't play
Put it down in the streets, will I see another day
If I make it back this time, got to hold what is mine
And thank God that I made it alive

It ain't got to be like this
Don't wanna throw up my fist, I must resist
Don't wanna throw up my fist, it ain't got to be like this
Don't wanna throw up my fist, I must resist
Don't wanna throw up my fist, it ain't got to be like this
Don't wanna throw up my fist, I must resist
Don't wanna throw up my fist, it ain't got to be like this
Don't wanna throw up my fist, I must resist

It ain't got to be
It ain't got to be
It ain't got to be
It ain't got to be

Life isn't got to be like this
Life isn't got to be like this
Life isn't got to be like this
Life isn't got to be like this
Here in the Southtown
Right now

Here in the Southtown and you know that kid don't play
Put it down in the streets, will I see another day
If I make it back this time, got to hold what is mine
And thank God that I made it alive
Here in the Southtown you know that kid don't play
Put it down in the streets, will I see another day
If I make it back this time, got to hold what is mine
And thank God that I made it alive, here in the Southtown