[Verse 1: Gospel-rap male MC, slamming live drums, bright stabbing keys, joyful shouted gospel-rap flow] Nineteen and dumb on a Friday night One bad call and it followed me for life Every application had a box near the end Every time I checked it, I was back in the pen Landlords smilin' till they ran the name Hiring manager's face don't ever look the same Twelve years paying on a bill I already paid Twelve years standin' in the back of the parade Then the lawyer called on a Wednesday, said come down Judge in the black robe wearin' half a frown Signed it with a pen that she didn't even look at Hallelujah, baby, now the whole thing's took back [Hook: Gospel-rap male MC, rapid handclaps, full band shouting] Now it's expunged, wipe the whole thing clean Same face, same block, but a brand new screen Yeah, it's expunged, check the box that says no Twelve years in the dark and the judge said go [Verse 2: Gospel-rap male MC, clap flood building, rolling bass, drums harder] First thing Monday, checked the box, no Landlord shook my hand, said the place is yours, bro Job called Tuesday, start me on the eighth Got a badge with my picture and I'm standin' up straight Got a mailbox now with a number on the door First letter in it, I was shakin' on the floor Jury summons, Lamont, report at eight Cousin said toss it, nobody shows, why wait Neighbors said lie, tell 'em you got a cold Nah, I been waitin' twelve years to be told [Hook: Gospel-rap male MC, rapid handclaps, full band shouting] Now it's expunged, wipe the whole thing clean Same face, same block, but a brand new screen Yeah, it's expunged, check the box that says no Twelve years in the dark and the judge said go [Breakdown: Gospel-rap male MC, clap flood, the handclaps double into a wall, testify shouts] Ironed my suit, I ironed it twice Shined my shoes, I shined 'em like ice First man there at seven on the dot Bailiff said, sir, you can have any spot Can I get a witness? Can I testify? They count me again, and I'm countin' why [Final Hook: Gospel-rap male MC, wall of handclaps, everybody shouting with him] Now it's expunged, wipe the whole thing clean Same face, same block, but a brand new screen Yeah, it's expunged, check the box that says no Twelve years in the dark and the judge said go [Outro: Gospel-rap male MC, claps ringing out] Juror number nine, sittin' up like a throne Hallelujah, the state finally let me come home [End]
