They put it on you to protect yourself
Velcro your vest 'cross your chest, grab your mace
You are the hardened steel they didn't even know that they forged
You act butch, pretend, hide yourself, you find your exits
And you work to improvise weapons
They don't care if you live, they don't care if you die
It's only ever been about control

Grip, hammer, trigger, cylinder, barrel, muzzle, bullet, killer

They never wanted you, they couldn't handle who the fuck you are
You call your girls, get dressed, grab your cash
You don't deserve to die because you want to drink and to dance
Are you preparing for the coming war? Will you be ready to defend yourself?
'Cause they don't think you are
They don't care if you live, they don't care if you die
It's only ever been about control

Grip, hammer, trigger, cylinder, barrel, muzzle, bullet, killer
Shoot, kill, because you had a crush on a girl

Another day when she wouldn't give you the time
Thinking "A black man took what should be mine"
Another boy grows up, is still a brat
A single mother gives in, she's tired as fuck
Then the analysts wonder if he got enough hugs
Another cycle of "too early to mention guns"
Yet another last breath let out of lungs
Yet another last breath let out of lungs

Another femme is being lit on the pyre
We gotta burn just because you are inspired
You really think you're the savior that we all need?
Like we can't see
You just wanna see us all bleed