Since 82 I been making moves
Steady paying dues always portrayed the truth
I broke the basic rules wrote with amazing tools
Only way to lose now if I replace the fools
So uhh hey kids stay in school
Success I taste it oooh but barely breaking through
Rapping till I run out of breath and my face is blue
I used to dream of a mansion with a pool and a Mercedes too
Potatoes I been mashing for years while letting my gravy brew
Ever since I lost my top been stuck like crazy glue
Straight Jamaican rude when I feel naked n***
Like I only got one shotta gotta makе it good
But if you know the rest of the Ford's you know thеre's more to Desmond
These ain't just rhymes and metaphors I'm recording lessons
Demons tryna swallow me follow me through my door to Heaven
Every night I pray on my knees asking my Lord these questions

When will I know I've paid my dues
When will I know that it's my turn
I've been so hungry and I've got to make my moves
And I ain't one to waste my time so I can't just let it burn

I keep Wisdom like Cryptic plus I'm hard to decipher
I done mastered my craft this the art of the cypher
I'm just using what I got cuz I'm resourceful like MacGyver
I stay driven no driver save ya ribbon give me the title
I'm like Marty McFly though wondering where did my time go
Like a roach I'll never give in shadow living for survival
DEF davyne the star attraction and the sideshow
With a heart of passion and my mind gold
Cold in the booth outside I'm chill as well
Flames all around me though cuz I'm real as hell
Lotta fishes in the sea I like them killer whales
Fat ladies singing it ain't over 'til you hear Adele
I only fear myself cuz I got spirit help
They ill as fear itself loyal like a bearded elf
That's word to St. Nick but I really ain't shit
Cuz I'm on top of the world and still feel complacent
When will I know I've paid my dues
When will I know that it's my turn
I've been so hungry and I've got to make my moves
And I ain't one to waste my time so I can't just let it burn

I spent my whole childhood tryna be the man
My life the opposite of Peter Pan
Oldest male up in my momma's house barely even ten
Older brother showed up just in time to leave again
Now he locked up in a group home
Needed some advice from my father but he was too gone
Tried to call my daddy but I think he got a new phone
Brothers crying mother's sighing guess it's me and you mom

When will I know I've paid my dues
When will I know that it's my turn
I've been so hungry and I've got to make my moves
And I ain't one to waste my time so I can't just let it burn