Tracklist
- Day Ones and Day TwosE 3:02Verse 1Used to link at the corner shopOne pound in the potGet a drinkThen swapMums on our case“Be home by ten”We cut through the estateSame route againHand-me-down bikesNo brakesJust hopeRacing down hillsNo padsJust jokesOlder youts tryna drag man leftYou pulled me right backSaid “BroNot yet”Bus stop talks when the day went madYou man listened when I missed my dadTeachers said that we’d end up stuckWe just laughed it off and we called their bluffChorusGood friendsYeahWe really stayed trueDay ones turned day twosStill the same crew (still the same)Every little madnessWe got each other throughYou held me downI held you tooGood friendsYeahWe really stayed closeWhole block knowThat’s the code we chose (that’s us)Never let the road write the end of the storyWe wrote our ownShared the pain and the gloryVerse 2You took that hit when they blamed my nameStood in the officeSaid you ran that gameKnew I’d get kicked if they heard my pastYou risked your place just to save my classI backed your beef when they moved to youOutnumberedStill we stood in twosHeard them talk wild ‘bout your fam onlinePulled up calmMade ‘em all resignLate-night calls when your head weren’t rightSat on the wall till the sky turned lightSwore on the curb“We ain’t dying out here”We’ll find some workGet a life that’s clearChorusGood friendsYeahWe really stayed trueDay ones turned day twosStill the same crew (yeah)Every little madnessWe got each other throughYou held me downI held you tooGood friendsYeahWe really stayed closeWhole block knowThat’s the code we choseNever let the road write the end of the storyWe wrote our ownShared the pain and the gloryBridgeNow it’s group chatsKids and billsSame old jokesJust different thrillsStill roast man for that dead haircutStill tell the tale how the fence got cut (remember?)Same estateJust a pram not a bikeStill back you if it ever gets hypeIf my son needs unclesHe’s got like five‘Cause you man helped keep his dad alive (real talk)Verse 3Barbecue smoke in the summer heatPlastic chairs on the patch of concreteYour little girl chasing my boy round binsGrass stain kneesIce cream on chinsMusic low from the open flatMums in the shadeJust vibesJust chatWe watch our kids play where we once ran looseThank God we ducked every dumb excuseYou pass your son“Go tell uncle hi”He runs to my legsWon’t even shyLook round the yardSee my whole life thereSame old friendsJust grownWith careChorusGood friendsYeahWe really stayed trueDay ones turned day twosStill the same crew (still here)Every little madnessWe got each other throughYou held me downI held you tooGood friendsNow we’re watching our seedsTiny trainers where we planted our dreamsNever let the road write the end of the storyWe’re on this green with our kidsThat’s glory (that’s glory)
- My Boy NowE 3:03Verse 1Year nineEnd of the line corridorLunch timeHe’s there in that same grey shirtNeck frayedLittle holeOne sideDirty trainersLaces draggingTongues wideThey surround himFive deepPush and shove like they got prideHe tries talk backWeak toneWords dropping like bricks in a deep pond"Leave me alone" but it sounds softThey laughPush harderThen walk offI’m by the door with my headphones half onThinking"Say something"But my courage just logged offFeel the shame in my jaw when the bell ringsHe limps off slowLike his legs stingChorusThat’s my boy nowI ain’t lettin’ him fall againIf you touch himYou’re dealing with me insteadDon’t mess with my boy againDon’t mess with my boy againFrom that day onWe’re walking through it to the endVerse 2Couple weeks passSame shirtSame mark on the sleeveSee him on my estate pathThought I clocked wrongHad to squintHad to breatheFront door wideTV blaring from insideHear shoutingDeep voiceSharp like knivesDad’s hand raisedThen it lands on his sideHe folds overNo tearsJust tired eyesMum on the step with her head backGaze somewhere past the sky lineSmoke in the airHer laugh crackedNeighbours all watching from closed blindsI’m frozen at the gateHood upMy own key tight in my fistWhole world heavy in one quick glimpseGo homeLie downCan’t shake that imageChorusThat’s my boy nowI ain’t lettin’ him fall againIf you touch himYou’re dealing with me insteadDon’t mess with my boy againDon’t mess with my boy againFrom that day onWe’re walking through it to the endVerse 3Next day locker rowEnd of the dayHe’s there on the floorBack pressedHallway swaySame lads laughingOne hand on his chestOther on his bagTry ripTry flexSomething snaps in my headNot his neckI drop my bagSay "Move from my friend"They smirk"Your friend? Since when?"I step close"From nowFrom todaySay less"First push landsMy jaw ringsI swing backHit boneFeel skinHallway gaspsTeacher nowhere in sightWe scrapping in the half-lightFists spinHe stumbles on a lockerCrowd partsI stand over himHeart trying to departBreath heavyKnuckles redVoice calmThen:"Don’t mess with my boy again"ChorusThat’s my boy nowI ain’t lettin’ him fall againIf you touch himYou’re dealing with me insteadDon’t mess with my boy againDon’t mess with my boy againFrom that day onWe’re walking through it to the endBridgeYears flyWe’re grownDifferent postcodesStill link upSame jokes on the old roadsHe’s got fresh creps nowClean coatSays"You saved me" I shake my head"We both float"‘Cause I was silent onceWatched you get crushedHated myself for the fear I’d trustSo I chose youWhen it got roughNow you’re familyThat’s more than enoughChorusThat’s my boy nowI ain’t lettin’ him fall againIf you touch himYou’re dealing with me insteadDon’t mess with my boy againDon’t mess with my boy againFrom that day onWe’re walking through it to the end
- Stand Up If You CanE 2:57Verse 1Year 8 lunchCold windGrey skySee a kid in the cornerHood lowRed eyeThem man laughShove bagsPush prideWhole hall watch and they all just slideI’m on the benchTray downCan’t chewThink“If that was meWhat would I do?”Teacher look once then stare at her phoneWhole place packed but he’s still aloneVerse 2Catch him afterBy the bus bay railBag half openPE kit staleI’m like“BroYou good?” he shrugs“I’m fine”Voice all crackin’Words don’t lineSay“I see what they doThat ain’t right”He like“I ain’t built for that kinda fight”I laugh small“FamYou’d be surprisedStrength ain’t always what they see with their eyes”ChorusCome gym with meWe can wrap them handsLearn to stand tallLearn your stanceI’m not sayin’ swing firstI’m sayin’ you canJust know in your chest you’re a different manHead upChin tuckedFeet in the groundHeart beat heavy but you don’t back downI’m not sayin’ start warsJust know your planKnow you ain’t preyBruvStand up if you can (yeah)Verse 3First day inSmell sweatChalk dustOld bags hangChain linksRustHe look small in the mirror like“Why am I here?”I say“You’re here ’cause you’re done with fear”Wrap his wristsTape rough on his skinTeach guard firstElbows tuckin’ in“Left foot forwardRight hand tightMost of this game is how you hold your mind right”Pre-ChorusWeeks goSee the change so clearSame kid but the walk different this yearHe don’t talk muchBut he don’t foldGot a little bit of steel underneath that coldChorusCome gym with meWe can wrap them handsLearn to stand tallLearn your stanceI’m not sayin’ swing firstI’m sayin’ you canJust know in your chest you’re a different manHead upChin tuckedFeet in the groundHeart beat heavy but you don’t back downI’m not sayin’ start warsJust know your planKnow you ain’t preyBruvStand up if you canBridgeOne daySame bullies at the gate (gate)Try test himCircle up late (late)He don’t flinchJust look straight throughSays calm“BruvI’m done with you”Hands stay lowBut his back stay firmThey laugh less when the vibe don’t turnPower ain’t hitsPower’s choice in your handPower’s knowin’ that you really canChorusCome gym with meWe can wrap them handsLearn to stand tallLearn your stanceI’m not sayin’ swing firstI’m sayin’ you canJust know in your chest you’re a different manHead upChin tuckedFeet in the groundHeart beat heavy but you don’t back downI’m not sayin’ start warsJust know your planKnow you ain’t preyBruvStand up if you can (stand up)Know you ain’t preyBruvStand up if you can
- Sir, You Were RightE 3:05Verse 1Blazer onSame coffee stainTwenty-two names on the registerSame old gamePhones outChairs fly"sirYou’re deadYou’re lame"I just smileSay"CoolWrite your name"Got a bruise on my arm from last week’s shoveGot a meeting at four where they question my love"Why you even hereSirYou could leave this place?"‘Cause I see your older faceIn that baby rageChorusYou don’t see it yetBut I’ve seen your lightSame mouth that cussed me out gonna say "you were right"Years from now at the shopYou’ll be calling my nameSay "sirYou saved my life when I was playing those games"That’s what keeps meKeeps me going through the fightsEvery headacheEvery phone call late at nightI just picture you grownStanding tall in your primeSaying "thank you for your time"Verse 2Parents in my face like"Sort out my son"He ain’t sleptHe ain’t ateHe ain’t safe where he’s fromI get cussed on the daily"manSirYou’re dumb"But I’m the one who’ll still answer when the whole world runsGot a text last monthNumber I ain’t saved"Yo sirIt’s Jay from year nineI changed"Voice note came"Got a jobPassed tradeIf you never locked that doorI’d be in my grave"I just sat in my carLet the engine humAll them detentionsAll that "sirYou’re a mug"Turned into "thank you for shouting when I gave up"That’s the kind of thing that keeps my head upChorusYou don’t see it yetBut I’ve seen your lightSame mouth that cussed me out gonna say "you were right"Years from now at the shopYou’ll be calling my nameSay "sirYou saved my life when I was playing those games"That’s what keeps meKeeps me going through the fightsEvery headacheEvery phone call late at nightI just picture you grownStanding tall in your primeSaying "thank you for your time"BridgeSeeI ain’t your dadI ain’t perfectFamHalf the time I’m just praying I don’t lose my calmBut I’ll hold that line when you cross that mark‘Cause I’d rather be your villain than your name on a scarfSo scream in my faceSlam doorsThat’s fineOne day you’ll laugh at the kid you were that timeAnd if I’m lucky on a random nightYou’ll pull me to the side like"SirYou were right" (you were right)ChorusYou don’t see it yetBut I’ve seen your lightSame mouth that cussed me out gonna say "you were right"Years from now at the shopYou’ll be calling my nameSay "sirYou saved my life when I was playing those games"That’s what keeps meKeeps me going through the fightsEvery headacheEvery phone call late at nightI just picture you grownStanding tall in your primeSaying "thank you for your time"
- Daddy, When I Come HomeE 3:07Verse 1Alarm ringSame kettleSame toastSame cold busSame grey postcodeClock inHead downGraft in my bonesStill checking that pic of you on my phoneRain on the glassHands smell like steelBoss talking numbersI’m thinking of mealsThinking of trains I can’t afford to missThinking your cheek still warm from my kissChorusI work hardI work a lotBut I’m racing that forest sunDon’t dropTryna make it home ‘fore the sky goes darkJust to feel you jump straight into my arms (yeah)When I open that doorBoots on the floorAnd I hear you run from your little worldYou say“Daddy” like it’s gold on your tongueThat one word makes it all worth itSonVerse 2Hands on a spannerMind on your laughStaring at the clock like it’s doing me badBoys talk nights outI just see your bedStorybook openPage stuck in my headSun starts sinking behind them flatsTrees turn shadowsLong and blackForest sun going downTime to rest‘Cause it knows my boy’s waiting on my chestTrain line’s packedBut my heart runs freeSprinting those stairs with my aching kneesAll the day goes dumbSoon as I hear those little feet thumpChorusI work hardI work a lotBut I’m racing that forest sunDon’t dropTryna make it home ‘fore the sky goes darkJust to feel you jump straight into my arms (hey)When I open that doorBoots on the floorAnd I hear you run from your little worldYou say“Daddy” like it’s gold on your tongueThat one word makes it all worth itSonBridgeSome days I’m lateSome days I’m brokeBut I’ll walk through fire just to smell your coatJust to hear you shout my name once moreLittle voice echo in this small front roomForest sun sleepClose your eyes tooI’m still out here grinding for youBut every shift endEvery road I runLeads right back to you calling“DaddyI’m home”ChorusI work hardI work a lotBut I’m racing that forest sunDon’t dropTryna make it home ‘fore the sky goes darkJust to feel you jump straight into my arms (oh yeah)When I open that doorBoots on the floorAnd I hear you run from your little worldYou say“Daddy” and you cling to my shirtThat one word makes every long day worth itWorth it
- Good Heart, Short On RentE 3:18Verse 1Keys on a ringLong hallDad said"SonJust knockDon't stall"First doorSingle mumCoat half-onBaby on her hipCartoon still onLetters on the tableAll red"Give me one more week" she said"I've cleaned his placeI've tried my bestIt's food or rentYou know the rest"I clock the cracked mugCold teaPram in the cornerBag on EHear my dad in my head"Be firm"But my chest feel tight on every word I turnChorusI’m coming back home with pockets lightBut a good heart heavy in my chest tonightEvery door had a story they’re trying to mendHow you charge full price on a life like them?I’m coming back shortYeah the math ain’t rightBut I saw real pain in the hallway lightIf money’s the rule that we both respectThen what do you do when a good heart objects?Verse 2Next flatBoy answers in socksGame pausedGrandma in a chair with a boxPills lined up by the old remoteOxygen maskTangled coatHe says"MisterCan you come back soon?Nana’s sickMum’s back after noon"Hands him the slipSee his fingers shakeHe folds it neat like a paper planeLast stopSister with tied-back hairSchool shirt on but she’s still right thereTwo little ones drawing on the wallBurnt toast smell in the narrow hallShe laughs it off"I’ll get it lateGot shifts all weekI’m just running late"I see her knees bruised from the bus-run chaseGrown-up eyes in a teenager’s faceChorusI’m coming back home with pockets lightBut a good heart heavy in my chest tonightEvery door had a story they’re trying to mendHow you charge full price on a life like them?I’m coming back shortYeah the math ain’t rightBut I saw real pain in the hallway lightIf money’s the rule that we both respectThen what do you do when a good heart objects?BridgeLate duskNotes in my hand smell like dustLay the stack downCount comes thinDad just stares at the space betweenWords all queued in my throatExcusesNumbersEvery quoteHe sighs oncePushes them aside"Tell meSonWhat you saw inside"Verse 3I talk ‘bout the mum and the baby feedBoy and his nan and the hospital needSister with a backpackEyes so tiredWhole block held up by thin worn wiresI wait for the stormFor the raised-up toneFor "business first" carved into stoneHe just nods slowRubs his browLines on his face looking softer nowHe says"When I was your ageI’d slam that doorChase every pound like there’s nothing moreGuess I raised you better than the man I was"Puts his hand on my shoulderQuiet pauseChorusI came back home with pockets lightBut a good heart burning in my chest tonightEvery door had a story I can’t forgetAnd you saw themBoyYou didn’t just collectWe’re coming up shortYeah the math ain’t rightBut I’m prouder of you than the rent tonightIf money’s the rule that we both respectThen thank God you’ve got a good heart to checkOutroKeys on the hook by the kitchen wallDad says"Next monthWe’ll make that callCut some slack where the weight’s too hard"Landlord’s son with a changed man’s heart
- Bread For My BrotherE 3:20Verse 1End of the blockShop shutters all bentSame grey hoodieSame benchSame scentOld man walks upPaper bag in his handHands it to the twitchy guyStains on his tracksuit pantsWe’re on bikesBack wheels spinJust staringHe mutters some thanksFingers all tearingTakes one bite like he ain’t ate in daysCrumbs on his beardFar-off gazeWe circle round like“FamWhat you doing?”“He’s finishedHe’s goneManWhy you still choosing him?”Boys laughKick cans on the curbHalf-heartedHe just sighsEyes glassedHeavy-heartedChorus“That’s my brotherNot by blood but by streetWe were kids onceRunning round these same concreteHe never had a chanceLife stacked on his headSo if the world left him starvingI’ll still bring breadI’ll still bring bread”Verse 2He leans on the railingLooks past usNot throughVoice goes lowLike he’s talking to a room“Used to be your ageHim and meSame bootsSame schoolSame ballSame loose toothHe’d come round mine just to sitJust to breathe’Cause his dad used fistsMum packed to leaveGas off in the winterIce on the platesI had dinner every nightHe just had faithThen the wrong man smiled at him by the stairwellSaid‘Try thisLil manIt’ll fix hell’Cheap highQuick blinkColours all fakeCouple years later and the colours wouldn’t fadeHe missed classMissed callsMissed birthdaysI moved onHe moved where the hurt staysNow I walk past and it cuts my chestSeeing my childhood mate as a public mess”Chorus“That’s my brotherNot by blood but by streetWe were kids onceRunning round these same concreteHe never had a chanceLife stacked on his headSo if the world left him starvingI’ll still bring breadI’ll still bring bread”BridgeHe looks at us like a warning sign“You lot laugh nowThink you’ll be fineBut it’s one bad dayOne wrong lineOne cheap escapeThen you’re out of timeSo when you see him shaking on that benchDon’t just see a problemSee a friend’Cause under all the scarsAll the mess in his headHe’s still that kid I used to race to the end of the estateStill himSo I bring bread”Chorus
- If It Wasnt For YouE 2:26Verse 1Summer night breezeWindow crackedFan on slowPhone on blackNews on mute in the background chatHad a weird feelNever watched thatYou by the door on your blanket laidOne ear upAlways half-awakeClock hit twoStreets all drainedWhole block quietJust you and the rainPre-ChorusHeard that creak on the loose floorboardYou were up quickTail stiffEyes warnedLow growl firstThen you left that porchStared at the dark like you’d seen the sourceChorusIf it wasn’t for youI might never wake upYou barked that place downMade the night shake up (yeah)Middle of the night when the fear climbed upYou stood your groundMade the masked ones runIf it wasn’t for youI might never wake upMight never wake upVerse 2Curtain half-openBreeze blew twiceShadow on the wall didn’t look rightGlove on glassFrame pulled wideThree black hoods trying to creep insideDoor on latchI was dead in sleepYou hit that barkCame straight to meClaws on floorThen you flashed your teethRan at the dark like “it’s you or me” (grrr, hey!)They stumbled backOne slipped on the sillOne dropped bagSaw your jawGot stillI came out shouting in my night-time kitYou at my sideThey were gone in a blinkChorusIf it wasn’t for youI might never wake upYou barked that place downMade the night shake upMiddle of the night when the fear climbed upYou stood your groundMade the masked ones runIf it wasn’t for youI might never wake upMight never wake upBridgeNow every treat’s like a medal on chain (yeah)Every walk’s like a debt I repayScratch your earWhisper your nameYou don’t know you changed my fate that dayChorusIf it wasn’t for youI might never wake upYou barked that place downMade the night shake upMiddle of the night when the fear climbed upYou stood your groundMade the masked ones runIf it wasn’t for youI might never wake upIf it wasn’t for youI might never wake up
- Count Your BlessingsE 2:58Verse 1Woke up moanin'Scrollin'Same old stressBills on redMind on messThen I stopThinkManI’m blessedGot breath in my chestI’m steps from the bedSome kids never seen their mum’s face onceBorn into darkStill they laughStill they stunI’m mad ‘cause my wage came light this monthThey’d trade my whole life for a glimpseFor a sunThere’s a lad on my block that can’t move from the chairNeck up onlyBut he still say prayersStill crack jokesStill buss bare flaresI’m moanin’ ’bout traffic while he stuck right thereChorusCount your blessingsDon’t count your stressin’Some would kill just to stand where you steppin’You got eyesGot legsGot a chanceThat’s a weaponMake the most of what you gotThat’s the lesson (yeah)Count your blessingsNot your lossesSomeone’s dream is the weight on your pocketsYou got timeGot breathThat’s profitMake the most of what you gotDon’t drop itVerse 2There’s a girl that I knowBorn missin’ half her faceStill smile so wideMake the whole room straightI’m vexed ‘cause I gained five pounds in a weekShe out here lovin’ on life with a scar on her cheekMan crash carsNever walkin’ againSpend years in a ward with machines as a friendI’m pissed ‘cause my Uber came ten past tenThey’d switch in a blink for my slow weekendBeds in them wards where the days don’t moveCurtains closedSame ceilingSame foodI’m bored ‘cause the WiFi cut in my roomThey’d beg for my boredomMy bus stop gloomChorusCount your blessingsDon’t count your stressin’Some would kill just to stand where you steppin’You got eyesGot legsGot a chanceThat’s a weaponMake the most of what you gotThat’s the lesson (yeah)Count your blessingsNot your lossesSomeone’s dream is the weight on your pocketsYou got timeGot breathThat’s profitMake the most of what you gotDon’t drop itBridgeSo when that rain keeps hittin’ your hoodAsk“Is it badOr just not that good?”You’re still hereHeart still knockin’ woodLive it like only you could (only you, yeah)ChorusCount your blessingsDon’t count your stressin’Some would kill just to stand where you steppin’You got eyesGot legsGot a chanceThat’s a weaponMake the most of what you gotThat’s the lesson (that’s the lesson)Count your blessingsNot your lossesSomeone’s dream is the weight on your pocketsYou got timeGot breathThat’s profitMake the most of what you gotDon’t drop it (don’t drop it)
- Older, Not GrownE 3:28Verse 1I been counting all these birthdaysSame blokeJust a little more drainedSame blockBut the names all changedCouple goneCouple locked in chainsMum said"SonThat’s lifeIt’s mad"I said"NahThat’s choicesFam"I had to sit with the pain I hadTurn scars into schoolThat’s class I plannedHad to train my mindTen rounds with doubtShadow box fear till it tapped right outTalk to myself when the room too loud"Are you proud of you?" tryna say that proudChorusYou don’t grow upYou just get olderBones get weakBut your heart grow colderAge is just a number on a folderExperience the weight on your shoulderYou don’t grow upYou just get olderSame postcodeBut the view feel closerYou wanna be wise? Teach yourself soberLessons in the painThat’s the real grown soldier (yeah)Verse 2I seen man hit thirtyStill sixteenNew kicksSame habitsSame quick schemesChase dripBut they never chase clear dreamsNew yearBut the mindset still mid-teensMe? I was brokeBut I read those booksWatched man flop and I took those looksTurned every L to a quiet little notebookSat with the truth till the lies got shookHad to unlearn half what I’d been told"Real men don’t cry" had my chest on holdNow I let it pourThat’s how steel gets mouldedHeart still soft but the will got bolted (yeah)ChorusYou don’t grow upYou just get olderBones get weakBut your heart grow colderAge is just a number on a folderExperience the weight on your shoulderYou don’t grow upYou just get olderSame postcodeBut the view feel closerYou wanna be wise? Teach yourself soberLessons in the painThat’s the real grown soldier (ooh)BridgeEvery mistake was a late-night lectureEvery dark day drew a clearer pictureIf I didn’t fallI’d have stayed that kidNow I thank God for the things I did (yeah, yeah)ChorusYou don’t grow upYou just get olderBones get weakBut your heart grow colderAge is just a number on a folderExperience the weight on your shoulderYou don’t grow upYou just get olderSame postcodeBut the view feel closerYou wanna be wise? Teach yourself soberLessons in the painThat’s the real grown soldier (real one)
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