The train screeches looking out with the subway windows
Streetlights shadows someone else is widowed
The streets are cold and you memorize each crack
If the pavement could talk it would tell you about each that
Has walked and run from the hand of gun
Self defense or offense in the game of no fun
Trying to outrun your destiny and your memories
Friends and family that become history
No textbooks or rule books just shook
Cause ain't no such thing as halfway crooks
This ain't peer pressure just pressure
From collections and cops just to paint the picture
It's just eviction or addiction
This affliction isn't quitting
So I'm trying not to give in
This isn't what I plan on living
Death isn't scaring me
Lord, I pray are you really hearing me
Cause it's a cold world and you know it
Love is a rare thing and you show it
And it's too dark when the streetlights glowing
No hope shows always hopeless
But I see the streetlights shining bright, Yeah
But I see the streetlights shining out, Tonight, shining bright
We're on the corners where the bums ask for change
But it's way too hard to change
Trying not lose your mind trying to sustain
Mind set in stone that doesn't wash with rain
Mainstream rap makes us out all as clones
Glamorizing the lifestyle drowning in loans
Just trees no money it's a joke
Everyone at a breaking point
At this point were all broke
Trying to keep a job minimum wage
Steal or sell so we can grow just grow old
My days are numbered trying not think of numbers
I wonder in this universe of wonders
If God really cares
Is God really there
They say if you know Jesus you know peace
Where's Jesus when there's no peace
Feeling all alone in these cold streets
Cause it's a cold world and you know it
Love is a rare thing and you show it
And it's too dark when the streetlights glowing
No hope shows always hopeless
But I see the streetlights shining bright, Yeah
But I see the streetlights shining out, Tonight, shining bright
I'm in the alleys in the corners and the streetlights
When you struggling the find yourself I'm
With the beaten mother picking up the broken dishes
With the hardworking father working 3 jobs viscous
For three boys and two girls that complain
About the same food and clothes and maintain
A cold look at life it's hard to look alive
When marriages fall apart all the time
No child support and rape victims abortions
Legal extortion still they ask for my portion
I'm the light to the cheater
Murder and drug dealer
Rapist and robber and the absent father
I'm the rose that blooms through the concrete
Above the insecurities to endure the streets
Five percenters and religions
Man is selfish on his own
It's time for you to come home
Cause it's a cold world and you know it
Love is a rare thing and you show it
And it's too dark when the streetlights glowing
No hope shows always hopeless
But I see the streetlights shining bright, Yeah
But I see the streetlights shining out, Tonight, shining bright