Lord knows it's hard
In this world this ain't no way to live
But life gave us these cards, how we play it is
On us, ain't no givin' up, we gotta stay in this
Aw, yeah, I know it's not fair
Lord knows it's hard
In this world this ain't no way to live (way to live)
But life gave us these cards, how we play it is
On us, ain't no givin' up
We gotta stay in this (stay in this)
Aw, yeah, aw, yeah

They say times have changed (yeah)
But I still feel the same (the same)
Too many of my people dyin' in the most wicked ways
Still see babies havin' babies, so young that it's a shame
So many of my brothers playin', still caught up in the game

Still see these mothers and grandmas, they prayin'
I see some fathers tryin', hopin' they find their way
Havin' to choose your bills over meals when you slavin'
The kids need your attention, seem like no time to pay it

Lord knows it's hard
In this world this ain't no way to live (way to live)
But life gave us these cards, how we play it is
On us, ain't no givin' up, we gotta stay in this (stay in this)
Aw, yeah, I know it's not fair
Lord knows it's hard (hard)
In this world this ain't no way to live (way to live)
But life gave us these cards, how we play it is
On us, ain't no givin' up
We gotta stay in this (stay in this)
Aw, yeah, aw, yeah

Still see racist faces starin' at me
Still folks filled with hatred (just let us be)
Nobody beatin' cases (but the police)
Say it changed but it's hard to believe 'cause

'Cause see these mothers and grandmas, they prayin' (oh)
I see some fathers tryin', hopin' they find their way
Havin' to choose your bills over meals when you slavin'
The kids need your attention, seem like no time to pay it

Lord knows it's hard
In this world this ain't no way to live (way to live)
But life gave us these cards, how we play it is
On us, ain't no givin' up, we gotta stay in this (stay in this)
Aw, yeah, I know it's not fair
Lord knows it's hard (hard)
In this world this ain't no way to live (way to live)
But life gave us these cards, how we play it is
On us, ain't no givin' up
We gotta stay in this (stay in this)
Aw, yeah, aw, yeah

Aw, yeah (yeah), aw, aw, yeah (yeah)
Aw, yeah (yeah), aw, aw, yeah, yeah
Aw, yeah (yeah), aw, aw, yeah
Aw, aw, aw, yeah (aw), aw, aw, aw, yeah