From the recording The Cardinal Passage
Lyrics
I used to pray with bloody hands, unsure if God would even listen
Still had powder on my palms while beggin’ angels for forgiveness
What’s redemption to a soul that had to sin just for existence
When your stomach scream at night, you start to quiet your convictions
Mama cried behind the wall, I heard her through the kitchen vents
I was twelve, facing decisions most men wouldn't circumvent
She said “baby, keep your light” but I was cold and negligent
We ain’t had no guidance, just them corners full of anger
Where a burner made you righteous, and the plug became your savior
I seen angels turn to users, seen shooters cry in layers
Cause they sons ain’t know they name, and now they praying for a waiver
Poverty ain’t just hunger it’s how dreams get redesigned
Your momma skipping dinner so your siblings get to dine
It’s the chipped pride, tucked beside a pistol in your spine
It’s that swift lie, sanctified by rituals divine
While you smile and play provider, knowing death could hit rewind
They taught us pain was currency we spent it on survival
Now we praying to a God we fear more than we feel revival
I learned mercy through betrayal, trust can catapult disciples
If you raised where every “bless you” come with heathens tryna stife you
Where your best friend’ll snake you if he stressin’ for some J’s
Your next of kin’ll break you just to get some pocket change
I ain’t bitter I just get it, pain’ll push a man to hate
And pride'll make you empty out your future for some praise
But still I rise in defiance through purpose and precision
I don’t preach 'cause I survived, I speak for those still in the prison
Not just metal bars, but traumas that distort the inner vision
Where we fight to feel deserving of a life without conditions
So this verse ain’t just a verse it’s a psalm for those who roam
For the kid who got betrayed but still gon' guide his people home
The father counting seconds in a box he don't belong
For mothers who cry silent and speak with a broken tone