Hardball

When I was a kid I learned a lesson from another brother

Older than myself a lesson later that helped

It was a fundamental lesson in the rules of life we're living

Giving me the power later on to help myself

Sometimes you gotta learn the hardest way there is to learn

Can't teach a young man any faster said the master to the hopper

So I do the best I can see this life and understand

This life I lead just like my poppa said

I'm playing hardball

And that's straight down the middle

And straight down the line

So if you're gonna play the game of life son

You better play hardball

I'm up at the crack of dawn. I put my uniform on.

I'm catching the bus without a fuss while I'm sportin' a yawn.

I get to work late. I'm not feelin' too great

'Cause irritated and berated are my boss' best traits.

He says for me to wash the store, sweep and mop the floor.

Do the dishes grant my wishes or you work here no more.

I get minimum wage, I feel I'm trapped in a cage

But I can't survive or stay alive without gettin' paid.

My boss' name is hakheem. I'm not saying he's mean

But if you're leanin you're cleanin until your hands turn green.

I knew a man named Jake. The crap he couldn't take.

He said, "the manager will challenge ya. I'll be at his wake."

He brought a gun to the store. The manager asked what for.

He said, "I'm tired" and fired and ran out the door

But hakheem wasn't hurt when he pulled off his shirt.

He had a vest on his chest that made the bullets not work