Better Off Now

[Verse 1] I came up on the wrong side Cold coin in my palm Blue notes in the ashtray Mama said, "Hold on" Men in white hats, black lies Smilin' by the door I learned to read the room first Then I learned the floor [Bridge] I don't ask for mercy I don't beg the rain I just keep my name clean When they speak it in vain (keep it clean) The town got teeth, baby But I got my own And every scar I carry Made a better home [Chorus] Better off now Better off now I was lost, now I'm found Better off now Better off now Can't drag me back down (freedom song) Better off now Better off now [Verse 2] Lucky dice on the table Bad luck in the silk I wore that old suit ragged While they sipped their milk Dice click, glass clink Smoky room, hard stare I kept my hands out open They kept their knives there [Bridge] Hear that bass line walking Like a man with proof I don't need no pardon I just speak the truth (tell it) If the whole block watches Let 'em see me stand I was made for the exit With my hat in hand [Verse 3] Neon? Nah, too easy I took back dawn From the cracked-up porch steps To the fields and beyond They said, "Boy, you better" I said, "Watch me move" Now the same old shackles Can't fit my shoes [Chorus] Better off now Better off now I was lost, now I'm found Better off now Better off now Can't drag me back down (freedom song) Better off now Better off now [Bridge] Every old chain rattles When I pass the street Every old ghost falters When they hear my beat (hush now) I don't run from shadows I just let them fade What they called a curse, baby Turned into a blade [Verse 4] Hands on the wheel steady Eyes on the line I seen kings fold fast When the night took mine So I toast to the broken To the ones who stayed We ain't built for cages We were built to break [Chorus] Better off now Better off now I was lost, now I'm found Better off now Better off now Can't drag me back down (freedom song) Better off now Better off now [Bridge] Let the horns cry low Let the floorboards shake I crossed that thin water For my own sake (own sake) No more borrowed sorrow No more rented fear I can hear tomorrow Calling from here [Final Verse] So I walk with the daylight On my collar bright No more backroom bargains No more borrowed night If they ask what saved me Tell 'em I got wise Turned the key in my own lock And looked them in the eyes [Final Chorus] Better off now Better off now I was lost, now I'm found Better off now Better off now Can't drag me back down (freedom song) Better off now Better off now