[Chorus]
Mama, pray for me please, I'm going outside
I'll be on the corner where my father died
I just hope my honor isn't compromised
It's the only thing I own
Mama, stay for me please until I'm grown
I can't face the troubles of this world alone
A world up where they only wanna make you known
Such a heavy cross to bear, it's really real out there

[Verse 1: Black Thought]
Yo, yo I could still hear my mother's voice
Telling me what to do if I don't have another choice
To never give thе devil a reason he should rеjoice
You better than the ignorant heathen, so kill the noise
I've been down on my luck 'til I was rail-thin
I slid way out of touch into a tailspin, but I could tell you this much
Your reflexes come through in the clutch
As long as you don't ever fail them
Ayo, my moms used to make beds and vacuum
And pick up dirty towels in hotel bathrooms
I used to hear my stomach rumbling in the classroom
I used to wish I could run up and pull a fast move
Remember listening to Marley sing the belly full
When you shivering where you stand, they can tell you're cold
Sometimes you might have to crease, but just never fold
And if you sing for your supper, never sell your soul, it's really real out there
[Chorus]
Mama, pray for me please, I'm going outside
I'll be on the corner where my father died
I just hope my honor isn't compromised
It's the only thing I own
Mama, stay for me please until I'm grown
I can't face the troubles of this world alone
A world up where they only wanna make you known
Such a heavy cross to bear, it's really real out there

[Verse 2: Common]
Mama, you wasn't privy to the shit we did
The drama of a gritty inner-city kid
The karma of the half-moons and pyramids
Gang life at the crib is inherited
'Cause when the shots'll lick off, you knew I could get picked off
For you to lose your only son would truly be a big loss
You kept me into sports and my thoughts on higher learning
On Reverend Wright sermons, a Black Christ returning
Desires burning, I was yearning for them thick girls
You dropped gems and quick pearls, said "Rash, there's a big world
For you to dance in, sing in, dream in it
Any room you enter, just be a king in it"
Back then it seemed vintage, I kept a team image
It's rules to this game, me and my team scrimmage
Now I see Bennet and the hood in a different way
My life's a gift I won't give away
[Chorus]
Mama, pray for me please, I'm going outside
I'll be on the corner where my father died
I just hope my honor isn't compromised
It's the only thing I own
Mama, stay for me please until I'm grown
I can't face the troubles of this world alone
A world up where they only wanna make you known
Such a heavy cross to bear, it's really real out there