Born And Raised

I was the first of three sisters

My older brothers would treat me like a princess

Sporting flattops and hightop sneakers

My feet too small for my brand-new adidas

7 in the evening when my mama calls

Were playing dodge ball up against the berlin wall

That's how i was born and raised

Now mama, look at where i am today

[pre-chorus]

(it's alright) even though we had to struggle

(sometimes) even if we stumbled

(it's all good) cause i learned how to stay on my feet

(it's alright) even though we had to struggle

(sometimes) even if we stumbled

(it's all good) cause i learned how to do for me

[chorus]

If my life's like your life, then i want for you to know

There's not a thing in the world you can't achieve

If your life's like my life, you got to keep on keeping on

Cause there's so much more you can be

16 when i first left home

Already hard headed thinking i was grown

Berlin girl, half african, half caucasian

Imagine conflicts i'm facing

Skipped school, went clubbin with them black gi's

Arguments on the phone would make my mama cry

I fell in love with this thug, daddy threw a fit

Only took one year, that nigga's doing a bid

This is back when p.e. gave us identity

A young girl in the streets of west germany

That's how i was born and raised

Now mama, look at where i am today

[pre-chorus]

[chorus]

Hip hop soul was the brand new rage

Became my real love with mary j.

I took my first steps on a spot lit stage

It was clear i was here to stay

See it wasn't always easy on this path i chose

When it starts getting sleazy don't know friend from foe

That's when i learned to discern and stand up for me

And took control of my own destiny

[chorus]