A Million Ways

There's little kids out here overdosin' on heroin
'Cause they ain't got no heroes or heroines
When shootin' up and tyin' off is their therapist
They're shootin' up entire blocks out in Maryland
When the American Dream isn't as fair as it seems
It's such a dreary routine, it's just a pyramid scheme
School shootings, not a year in between
Hearin' the screams before police appear on the scene
Children missin', no anonymous tips
It feels like we slipped into a bottomless pit
They don't wanna admit that these problems exist
And they still won't drink the water in Flint
A million ways to die, better choose one
They refuse ta let ya move up to a new rung
On the ladder of life. It's just a matter of time
Before they put your brain matter on ice

A million ways to live, a million ways to die
A million ways to give your all instead of wasting time
You can live a million ways, welfare and minimum wage
Gettin' rich off criminal ways, pop a pill to get rid of the pain

A million ways to die, a million ways to live
We're just tryin' to stay alive and raise our kids
You can die a million ways, any time and any place
This life is give and take. We survive with different stakes

I remember back in the day when I had to work that fast food
I was always super tired and I was always in a bad mood
But I did just what I had to. I did what any dad do
'Cause when you got kids you ready to do anything that you just have to
I was sick of grease and sticky cheese and a 50 piece
They were in the front tryna flip some meat, I was sittin' in the back tryna kick a beat
I don't really care if you hip to me 'cause I got legs, I'ma hit the street
If you wanna go get wit the beef
I'ma tell you right now you better back back gimme 50 feet
I promise it won't bother me if you don't wanna follow me
I keep my mind on money and everyday it keeps callin' me
And if you try to stand in my way, you must need a lobotomy
I'm sorry I'm not sorry, no apologies
I can remember when they said I'd never make it
When they said I'd never make it, when they said I'd never make it
I can remember back when everybody hated
Back when everybody hated, back when everybody hated

A million ways to live, a million ways to die
A million ways to give your all instead of wasting time
You can live a million ways, welfare and minimum wage
Gettin' rich off criminal ways, pop a pill to get rid of the pain

A million ways to die, a million ways to live
We're just tryin' to stay alive and raise our kids
You can die a million ways, any time and any place
This life is give and take. We survive with different stakes

Trying to make it out this place, yet it's rare that we thrive
Livin' paycheck to paycheck, we barely survive
Sometimes it feels like we're buried alive
Scared and deprived, that's why we carry the .9
They'll look you square in the eyes, tell you arrogant lies
But if you stare into mine, you'll see the care and the pride
They're aware of the crime. Ain't nowhere you can hide
Unless you turn a blind eye to despair and deny
We're just tryin to get a slice of the American pie
They don't wanna see the pain we inherit subside
All I see is hate, love's on an apparent decline
We'll always be afraid. Trust would be very unwise
I'm sure the pastor of the parish is fine
Takin' every last dime they can spare and can tithe
We're all just actors. So we wear a disguise
A million different factors why we perish and die

A million ways to live, a million ways to die
A million ways to give your all instead of wasting time
You can live a million ways, welfare and minimum wage
Gettin' rich off criminal ways, pop a pill to get rid of the pain

A million ways to die, a million ways to live
We're just tryin' to stay alive and raise our kids
You can die a million ways, any time and any place
This life is give and take. We survive with different stakes