Living in a society
Designed to keep me down
In a world where non-minorities
Don’t want me around

Defined by the color of my skin
I ask you, please stop
And just look within

When I was younger, my mother said
Think big, aim high you can have it all
Make me proud, rise up, don’t be afraid to stand tall

I see no difference
We are all the same
But soon my reality will drastically change

Shun, mistreated,
And called out my name
All because my skin color isn’t the same

Feeling discouraged
No longer wanting to fight
Because the harsh reality is
My skin color could cost me my life

Divided in a system
By color and race
Saying to myself
“I thought we all we apart of the human race”

My heart is racing, overwhelmed with fear
Hearing sirens and seeing lights approaching near
Anxiety kicks in, I’m so confused
Thinking, “Oh Lord, what did I do?!”

They tell you
Stay calm, don’t move, make sure you comply
Lord please don’t let this be the day
They tell my mother I die

You may not understand
Or even agree
But this is my reality
And the things that happen to me

I pray daily
Lord let them see the good in me and truly care
Not just my dark skin, full lips, and kinky hair

Judged, condemned, and sentenced to fail
Screaming inside, “ Why am I living in hell?!”
I ask my accusers, “what’s my sin?”
They reply, “ The color of your skin.”

Have I enlightened you
Can you see how society's off track
Now, do you understand what it’s like
Living while black