[Intro] Uh-huh From the block to the book (yeah, yeah) I had to learn my lane [Verse 1] Momma said, “Boy, move slow” On a stoop with a soda can Two steps from a bad choice And I’m trying to be a better man My homies laugh when I pass by While they chase that quick cash rain But I seen how fast it burns Seen pride turn to chain [Pre-Chorus] So I count my breath Count my days Keep my feet from the old ways When the pressure talks I don’t fold I keep my hands on self control [Chorus] Self control, self control I need self control In the cold, in the smoke I need self control (hold me down) When the block call my name I don’t move that way Self control, self control Keeps me safe [Verse 2] Late night on the corner store run Same temptations, same siren sound Had the old me in my left ear Said, “Go on, just take it now” But I got a little fire in me And a book in my front coat Walking with a heavy heart Still I keep my spirit broke open, woke I ain’t clean, but I’m learning I ain’t gone, I’m turning [Bridge] Bare feet on a cracked floor I pray hard, I breathe slow If I live by my hunger I’ll be empty when it shows So I bend, I don’t break I rise, then I wait (hey, hey) Teach my hands a better way [Chorus] Self control, self control I need self control In the cold, in the smoke I need self control (hold me down) When the block call my name I don’t move that way Self control, self control Keeps me safe [Outro] Uh-huh From the block to the book (yeah, yeah) I’m still learning to stay
