My Speak New Words 2008 Video Entry
Ages (13-20)
Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
Just because I didn't grow up poor doesn't mean I'm blind
It's not very hard to see the problems I find
So listen carefully as I illuminate the proof
Because it's the drugs, sex, and violence infecting the youth
Like the AIDS epidemic it's gone through the roof
Now there's child soldiers in Africa carrying AKs
And some fear we're living in the last days
But it's easy to believe when you read the front page
Because you see that Katrina and FEMA,
A war in the East
Where young men and women my age are being killed in the streets
And it's starting to look like civilization's collapsing
I'm looking around like what's happening.

(Chorus)
But I know we can make this better
If we stand united together
Willing to fight through the stormy weather
Because the future lies in the hands of our generation
Powerful minds without limitation
Fueled by the fire of a burning motivation
And a passion to serve those in need without hesitation
That's why I hope my words can transcend this song
And give you the courage and inspiration to stand against what's wrong
Because it will take more than clever rhymes and ingenuity
To help save our community
But I know we can make this better
If we stand united together
Willing to fight through the stormy weather

(Verse 2)
Because it will take a leader like the man who'll win the office
The compassion and care of the man upstairs
And the love of a mother who will always be there
It's about the will of the man who laid these floors
Fighting to ensure his family wasn't poor
The strength of the men who put up these walls
Try hard as they might but they will never fall
Because our house is built from brick and stone
We're stronger together
Than we could ever be alone
So join me now in this revolution as an army ready to fight
The evils of poverty into the night
Because if they say these streets are a battlefield then we'll earn stripes.

(Chorus)
But I know we can make this better
If we stand united together
Willing to fight through the stormy weather.
Because it's about a generosity that's more than a donation
Hard work and relentless dedication
The tools we need to crack this safe's combination
Because it will take more than clever rhymes and creativity
To help save our community
But I know we can make this better
If we stand united together
Willing to fight through the stormy weather.

(Verse 3)
Because everyday there's thugs selling drugs on the corner
But I'm hoping to restore some law and order
Like you see on TV
It can be done but won't be easy
But we can do it together now please believe me
And it don't matter if you're black, white, hispanic, or asian
Because we won't let race be a hurdle in our race to save the nation
So let's peel back this skin and look within
Because it's time to forget the past and let change begin
Because the options are endless
From aiding the weak to feeding the homeless
Or counseling young teens when they feel trapped and hopeless
In a cycle of violence they're losing focus
But I know how to escape that cage and I'm not talking about that hocus pocus
Because I hold the key in my pocket
So join me now as I share some of this green in my wallet
Because we need to fund these schools and spread the knowledge
So everyone has a chance to go to college
Because education leads to jobs
And jobs destroy poverty
And no more poverty means we're all living happily
United as one
Finally together
No more rainy days, we're enjoying the weather

(Closing)
But I know we can make this better
If we can stand united together
Willing to fight through the stormy weather (less info)