[Chorus] We cookin' on the block, everyone can get a plate No matter where you from, no matter what is on your slate The smoke is risin' high, underneathe the city grey In the heart of the ghetto, love is pavin' the way Yeah, love is pavin' the way [Verse 1] Mama Jenkins brought the greens, Uncle Willie on the grill They been heavy on the seasoned ribs, keeping it real Little TJ running past, laughing loud with the crew We got folding chairs lined up on the avenue If your pockets looking thin, don't you worry 'bout a thing We got plenty here to share, hear the neighborhood sing Through the struggle and the noise, we find a way to unite Once a month we light the fire, make the dark world bright Pass the paper plates around, pour the ice-cold sweet tea This is more than just a meal, this is family, you see No one goes to bed hungry when the block comes alive It's the spirit of the people helping everyone survive [Chorus] We cookin' on the block, everyone can get a plate No matter where you from, no matter what is on your slate The smoke is risin' high, underneathe the city grey In the heart of the ghetto, love is pavin' the way Yeah, love is pavin' the way [Verse 2] Marcus set the speakers up, playing old school soul While the heavy dark bass keeps us grounded and whole Even when the streets are cold, there's a warmth in the air Every kitchen brought a dish, showing everyone cares We got elders on the porch, telling stories of old Sharing wisdom in the night, worth its weight in gold It's a sanctuary built on a cracked asphalt floor Where the only rule we have is to open up the door From the alley to the main, we are standing as one Serving love under the heat of the late evening sun No one left behind, we got enough for the crowd In the shadow of the towers, we are standing tall and proud [Chorus] We cookin' on the block, everyone can get a plate No matter where you from, no matter what is on your slate The smoke is risin' high, underneathe the city grey In the heart of the ghetto, love is pavin' the way Yeah, love is pavin' the way [Outro] Keep the fire burning high Block wide family under the sky Yeah, "Ghetto Cookout" forever We stand together [Fade Out]
