I went to the movies — it was Kanye, myself and John Mayer, and we went to see "Ray." We were watching it, and I was just inspired by the movie, just… - Common

The perseverence of a rebel, I drop heavier levels </br>of unseen or heard, a king with words </br>Can't knock the hustle, but I've seen street dreams deferred </br>Dark spots in my mind where the scene occurred </br>Some say I'm too deep, but I'm in too deep to sleep

I fight, with myself in the ring of doubt and fear </br>The rain ain't gone, but I can still see clear </br>As a child, given religion with no answer to why </br>Just told believe in Jesus cause for me he did die </br>Curiosity killed the catechism </br>Understanding and wisdom became the rhythm that I played to </br>And became a slave to master self </br>A rich man is one with knowledge, happiness and his health </br>My mind had dealt with the books of Zen, Tao the lessons </br>of the Koran and Bible, </br>to me they all vital </br>And got truth within 'em, gotta read them boys </br>You just can't skim 'em, different branches of belief </br>But one root that stem 'em, but people of the venom try to trim 'em </br>And use religion as an emblem </br>When it should be a natural way of life </br>Who am I or they to say to whom you pray ain't right? </br>That's who got you doin' right and got you this far </br>Whether you say "in Jesus name" or "Al hum du'Allah" </br>Long as you know it's a being that's supreme to you </br>You let that show towards others in the things you do </br>Cause when the trumpets blowin', 24 elders surround the throne </br>Only 144,000 gon get home

Yo...on the amen, corner I stood lookin' at my former hood </br>Felt the spirit in the wind, knew my friend was gone for good </br>Threw dirt on the casket, the hurt, I couldn't mask it </br>Mixin down emotions, struggle I hadn't mastered </br>I choreographed seven steps to heaven </br>and hell, waiting to exhale and make the bread leavened </br>Veteran of a cold war its Chica-i-go for </br>What I know or, whats known