Government Cheese

I promise it's no love lost
What that half acre house in the slums cost?
If I gave it my all, probably fall short
Tryna charge to the game? It's a blood sport
Mic check, least that's what it feel like
"Slow down, sit tight," what they tell me
You should try walkin' light with two left feet
Devils dance, prayin' hands can't protect me, on God

But I know if I prayed more, I could probably save more
Runnin' through these banknotes, stressin' as the waves roll by
Keep my fade low, I can't let the grays grow
Just another day closer to my demise
Keep the gang 'round, least the ones that stayed down
Love to see they face smile, love to see they heads held high
Everybody gotta die, only question, is it Hell or in the sky? Yeah

Just don't forget to smile, don't forget to smile
Know the world can weigh you down
Not now, then when? Not this, then how?
Don't forget to smile, don't forget to smile
Don't you lose your inner child, not now

I got a call the other day
From my partner on the four yard in Pelican Bay
Popped his pistol once and them people put him away
Promised him he would never get to see the light of day
Asked how I was, said he seen me on ABC
Told him that I was good, wonder if he believed
Couldn't tell him the truth, what kind of homie would I be?
Knowin' these 15 minutes, the only time that he free

See, it's hard to sleep when you the only one livin' the dream
Hard to leave niggas hangin' when you the money tree
Somethin' about the gutter that make us hate each other
Had to bury my older brother, it humbled me
Pullin' his plug like a trick from under my sleeve
Just the luck of the draw, don't know who shuffle the cards
Heard His name is God, just pick up when I call
Right now, it's free of charge

And don't forget to smile, don't forget to smile
Know the world can weigh you down
Not now, then when? Not this, then how?
Don't forget to smile, don't forget to smile
Don't you lose your inner child, not now