The title of my song, “Play Outside,” aligns with the unconventional recording process I chose. I took the concept literally and recorded the song outdoors, creating an authentic connection between the title and the actual production. This decision adds a unique touch, making the recording experience an integral part of the song’s identity.
In an effort to remind my kids that I love them, I express it through rap: “Learn how to maneuver. When you get outside, don’t expect too much. Look, I ain’t try’na start with’cha, you walking ’round with my heart with’cha.”
An Unapologetic Warning
In the chorus, I lay it out straight – “When you play outside, just know they don’t play fair.” Life beyond the confines of our home and comfort zones can be unforgiving. If the streets prove me right, don’t take my warning as an “I told you so.” I’m not here to frighten you but to prepare you. The streets don’t offer second chances, and I genuinely care about your well-being.
The Insanity Beyond
In the first verse, I paint a vivid picture of the streets as an “insane asylum.” People often look for scapegoats and blame others for their problems. I used to believe that everyone had some good in them, but experience taught me otherwise. It’s a stark reminder that the world outside can be treacherous, and some individuals can be downright evil. The streets won’t hesitate to kill you for absolutely no reason. I rap, “Long as you got breath in you, well, remain skeptical.”
I prefer to rap directly in my verses without similes and metaphors, but decided to humor myself with, “I know that’s older than a metaphor that’s been said before; some things you can’t ignore.”
The Unforgiving Streets
I reiterate the chorus because it’s a message that can’t be overstated. Life on the streets is a constant game of survival. You can’t always count on someone being there to help you out. “Can’t say I didn’t tell ya,” is my way of covering my ass.
Street Smart and Vigilant
The second verse dives deeper into the need to be street-smart and vigilant. I stress that you can’t just roam around without a plan. The streets are unforgiving, and people may deceive and manipulate you. In some cases, money blinds people to the point where they’ll do anything to get it, and they don’t care who they hurt in the process. This verse is a stark reminder to be alert and to take your safety seriously. “They vicious. They don’t give a fuck who you pray to, I seen a preacher rob God ’cause that muthafucka prey, too,” I rapped.
Final Thoughts
“Play Outside” isn’t a pretty picture; it’s a candid snapshot of the world beyond our homes, and comfort zones. But in this gritty depiction, there’s wisdom and advice for steering the streets and the complexities of life.
I hope you take a moment to listen to “Play Outside.” It’s a reminder that while the streets may not always be fair, with the right mindset, we can still find our way. Stay streetwise, my friends.
Play Outside lyrics
Learn how to maneuver. When you get outside, don’t expect too much. Look, I ain’t try’na start with’cha, you walking ’round with my heart with’cha.
When you play outside (when you play outside). Just know they don’t play fair (Oh, they don’t play fair). Can’t say I didn’t tell ya. This ain’t no ‘told ya so’. I ain’t try’na scare ya. I’m just try’na prepare ya. When you play outside, (when you play outside).
Won’t always be there to help ya (Oh, I won’t be there). Be careful (be careful, be careful, I care for you).
Outside, it’s an insane asylum. Everybody and they mama try’na blame you for they problems. They self-mediating, Ion know what they’re taking or they should be. I just know they’re crazy as they could be. I used to be so naive. I truly believed all people got some good in ’em hiding. I could find it. Uh-un.
All people can be evil. Nobody wanna tell ya when somebody’s try’na kill ya. Stay on a swivel nigga, yea, keep watch. And you know how we feel about the cops. They’ll kill ya, nigga, yea, and get off, after lying about the shit being your fault. Listen y’all, I know that’s older than a metaphor that’s been said before but some things you can’t ignore. Never been dead before. Long as you got breath in you, well, remain skeptical. There’s so many isms everybody’s playing victim.
Outside (when you play outside). Just know they don’t play fair (Oh, they don’t play fair). Can’t say I didn’t tell ya. (This ain’t no ‘told ya so’. I ain’t try’na scare ya. I’m just try’na prepare ya). When you play outside, (when you play outside). Won’t always be there to help ya (Oh, I won’t be there). Be careful (be careful, be careful, I care for you).
You can’t roam wherever you want. Better know, ’cause if you don’t you might not make it home. Be safe, see straight, cuidado vato.
Better be more than bilingual when they twisting them fingers. Oh, you’a full-time job. The streets are stalking and they be fibbin’ and adlibing when they talkin’ (true). They know more about you than you do. And, if you have ambition, ignore it but pay attention. Listen, don’t underestimate what people do to get paid. Stupid muthafucka convinced money’ll fix everything. They vicious. They don’t give a fuck who you pray to, I seen uh preacher rob God ’cause that muthafucka prey, too.
Lurkers lurkin’ for an excuse to take their hate out on you. That’s the streets. Always has been, always will be. Ain’t no love out here. Not cho’ problem to cure. Embrace it. It’s all part of the allure.
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