Rules of the Street

[verse] Internally unconventional, externally conform, In the game of life, it's the norm. Always watch yourself, like you're on a stage, Avoid regrets, don't let your actions rage. [verse] Bullies on the block, they don't care if you're nice, Speak soft, carry a big stick, that's my advice They don't care that you meant well, or how you feel your weakness is the foe, your strength keeps it real. [chorus] you see the same rules on different scales Where national policy spectacularly fails you see in school and in the street Details differ, same human flaws, they just repeat [verse] Psychopaths and criminals, a mystery untold, Their motives twisted, their stories bold. Confronting bad men, assume the worst, Act accordingly, before you're cursed. [verse] Watch out for the idealist, promising revolution, They'll manipulate your mind, cause confusion. Destruction lurks in unseen directions, Beware the traps, and their misdirections. [chorus] you see the same rules on different scales Where national policy spectacularly fails you see in school and in the street Details differ, relax, take a seat, its the same beat [verse] No one's exempt from history's grip, Great men's mistakes, we all might slip. Bad organizations, breeding ground for sin, Leaders rise, with darkness within [verse] Beware the people with a disconnect They preach one thing, but act incorrect Environmentalists, on Indian land, say they're green, Then leaving trash all over, for natives to clean [verse] Reading minds from faces, a futile endeavor, Intentions hidden, like a cryptic treasure. Don't make assumptions, from a two second look It takes time for people to reveal the inner book. [verse] Troubles compound, the more you go down Gotta face the facts, can't get out of town One trouble leads to more, it's a vicious path, The worst it gets, the more they laugh [chorus] you see the same rules on different scales Where national policy spectacularly fails you see in school and in the street Details differ, same human flaws, they just repeat [Outro] These rules of life, hard-earned and wise, Navigate the world, with open eyes. In the dance of existence, don't be naive, Leave the matrix, take care what you believe.