[Chorus]
Hands up, don't shoot
Hands up, don't shoot
I just used to be a young black man, now I'm black and blue
You see fifty stars on the flag, but they don't see a star in you
They say I'ma be the one to blame even if I keep it cool
Even if I keep it cool

[Verse 1]
Every day, we find a way to maintain
Police reign hell on our great name
To make us think being black ain't a great thing
Feels like a trap, it's so sad we get shot for being

[Chorus]
Hands up, don't shoot
Hands up, don't shoot
I just used to be a young black man, now I'm black and blue
You see fifty stars on the flag, but they don't see a star in you
They say I'ma be the one to blame even if I keep it cool
Even if I keep it cool

[Verse 2]
Got rid of the chains, still gotta find a way to escape
I try to be brave, I pray the Lord my soul to take
I'm thinking anyone could be a traitor
I wonder when the world is gonna wake up
Supposed to protect our lives, not take 'em
Supposed to protect our lives, not take 'em

[Chorus]
Hands up, don't shoot
Hands up, don't shoot
I just used to be a young black man, now I'm black and blue
You see fifty stars on the flag, but they don't see a star in you (They don't see a star in you)
They say I'ma be the one to blame even if I keep it cool
Even if I keep it cool

[Outro]
Even if I keep it cool
Even if I keep it cool
Even if I keep it cool
Even if I keep it cool