[Intro] Shield not the sword… [Dj Scratching] “T.Y.S.O.N” [spoken, gruff & playful] They say once a thug always a thug? Pfft. I say once washed in the blood — I’m the one they call T.K. Birmingham streets raised me, Jesus remade me. “Let It Go!” [Verse 1] Used to run with the pack, name strike fear in the lane Every corner I claimed, every enemy maimed Till the Word hit my chest like a fist through the wall Ephesians 5 said “stand tall, don’t fall” 1 Timothy 5:8 Yo, I read the fine print I don’t hunt for the trouble, But trouble gonna find it quick… Exodus 22 — if you break in the dark I’m protecting my heart, Yo, I’m protecting my ark Nehemiah four — One hand hold the trowel, one hand hold the steel Build the kingdom while I watch who creeping for real Not vengeance, Nah- Romans twelve say sit that down I’m the shield now, Not the whole damn town Got the gift from the block See the snake ‘fore it strike Disappear in the shadow, Cut the threat just right Folks call me hero, Neighbors wave from the stoop, I say it’s God’s grace, not my attitude? [Vocal Snap] “Duh!” [Chorus] I’m T.K. — reborn, remade, reloaded! Old hands still steady but the soul got retooled Scripture in the left, wisdom in the right Defend who I love through the dark of the night Not savior of the world — that’s already took! I just guard what the Father gave, keep it off the hook! Yeah! Shield, not the sword — that’s the new code Fight for my own, walk the rest on the road! [Dj Scratching] “T.Y.S.O.N” [Verse 2] Now Lola — bright smile, said she prayed for a king Said she loved my new walk, said she’d wear my ring Said the past don’t matter, said we’d raise ‘em together I lowered the guard — thought I found me a tether Till one stormy night — headlights blaze through the gate Masked men pour out, heavy hands, full of hate Snatch her up screaming — “T.K., help, don’t wait!” I grab the coat, grab the keys, say “Your mistake, too late!” Move like a ghost through the alley, over the fence Scripture as my map, every step had defense Take ‘em down one by one — quick, quiet, precise Old reflexes sharp but the heart ain’t cold as ice No extra damage, just drop ‘em, secure the space Don’t beat ‘em half to death — just put ‘em out the race Batman moves but the faith’s the real engine I ain’t playin’ hero, I’m playin’ protection! Burst through the door — “Lola, you safe, let’s go!” She ain’t tied up — standing there, looking low… [Chorus] I’m T.K. — reborn, remade, reloaded! Old hands still steady but the soul got retooled Scripture in the left, wisdom in the right Defend who I love through the dark of the night Not savior of the world — that’s already took! I just guard what the Father gave, keep it off the hook! Yeah! Shield, not the sword — that’s the new code Fight for my own, walk the rest on the road! [Dj Scratching] “T.Y.S.O.N” [Verse 3] [twist, flow shifts sharper & wry] Then she laughs — cold, sharp, ain’t no relief “Took you longer than I thought — thought you’d crack your teeth” “Sent to break you, T.K. — watch the saint fall back to beast” “Sleepin’ in your bed while your enemies feast” Jezebel spirit, smooth talk, double face All the while feeding intel to the place Said my redemption was weak, said the church was a joke Used my love like a weapon, cut me open wide, spoke… I stood there — heart heavy but the spirit stayed calm Didn’t curse, didn’t strike, didn’t rejoin the harm Said: “You got me good — played the role real sweet” “But God don’t need your lies to make my life complete” “You wanted me savage? Wanted me back in the dirt?” “I’m still clean in the fire — you just got burned first” “Take your message back — tell ‘em the shield still stands” “I don’t need a fake queen to hold my plans” “God gave me the skills to save my blood and kin” Not to chase no ghosts or fight the whole world’s sin So go on — walk out that door while I pray for your soul You lost the real thing — I got it, but that’s the goal. [Chorus] [Explosive, harder, triumphant] I’m T.K. — reborn, remade, reloaded! Old hands still steady but the soul got retooled Scripture in the left, wisdom in the right Defend who I love through the dark of the night Not savior of the world — that’s already took! I just guard what the Father gave, keep it off the hook! Yeah! Shield, not the sword — that’s the new code Fight for my own, walk the rest on the road! [Funky-Pop Breakdown] [Dj Scratching] “T.Y.S.O.N” [Dj Scratching] “T.Y.S.O.N” [Dj Scratching] “T.Y.S.O.N” [Dj Scratching] “T.Y.S.O.N” [Outro] [Energetic Tone, spoken then fade] Ha! Thought I’d snap? Thought I’d go back? Nah — I been where you goin’, and I ain’t tryna pack God didn’t bless me to rule the whole street He blessed me to spot the wolf when it’s wearing sheep Keep the faith, keep your circle tight And when the danger come — stand right! Real Is Rare is in effect! [church organ fades out] [END]
