1. |
Better Place
03:46
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[Verse 1]
I need to believe it
And what I feel can’t be downplayed
Cus this life that we’re given
Is overdue for an upgrade
I know there must be something greater
It’s on the way sooner or later
But of this I am certain
I know it best not be delayed
[Chorus]
(Don’t you want to go?) And I don’t need streets paved with gold
(Don’t you want to go?) Don’t need great prophecies foretold
(Don’t you want to go?) I need peace, land and bread
Where there’s no more death
And life’s actually worth living
(I wanna go) Be reunited with my father
(I wanna go) And no one’s greater than the other
(I wanna go) I, I, I, I wanna get
Wanna get, gotta get to that better place
I, I wanna get
Wanna get, gotta get to that better place
[Verse 2]
No hunger, no diseases
The end of poverty and war
The thought of no oppression
Is what I’m breathing for
I’m over wages for my labor
Why can’t I just trust in my neighbor?
Where discovery and wonder
Is right outside my own front door
[Chorus]
(Don’t you want to go?) And I don’t need streets paved with gold
(Don’t you want to go?) Don’t need great prophecies foretold
(Don’t you want to go?) I need peace, land and bread
Where there is no more death
And life’s actually worth living
(I wanna go) Be reunited with my father
(I wanna go) And no one’s greater than the other
(I wanna go) I, I, I, I wanna get
Wanna get, gotta get to that better place
I, I, I, I wanna get
Wanna get, gotta get to that better place
[Spoken]
Now look here, see, the thing is…
If we’re gonna see this thing then we gotta be about this thing
We gotta manifest this thing, you know?
So follow me like…
Yea, I wanna go to that better place, yea
I gotta get to that better place
(I wanna go to that better place, yea
I gotta get to that better place)
[Vamp]
I wanna go to that better place
I gotta get to that better place
(I wanna go to that better place
I gotta get to that better place)
I wanna go to that better place
I gotta get to that better place
(I wanna go to that better place
I gotta get to that better place)
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2. |
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[Verse 1]
It’s a matter of truth
And our people being robbed of youth
It’s a matter of strife
And what matters most is we have life
They don’t build it by themselves
Then don't share with no one else
On their own won’t make it right
Have to fix it with our might
[Chorus]
Sounding the fire bell!
Cue amplifiers’ yell!
Together we’re stronger
So what are we waiting for?
End occupier’s spell!
Tear down empire’s hell!
Can’t take it no longer?
Then what are we waiting for?
[Verse 2]
If it’s a matter of love
Then we should work to make what we speak of
If it’s a matter of time
Well then the commitment should fit the crime
Graven images of greed
Keep us all from what we need
If we never signal change
It will become more deranged
[Chorus 2x]
[Bridge]
They don’t build it by themselves
Then don't share with no one else
Fighting for access to health
As conditions kill in stealth
On their own won’t make the change
They just do not have the range
Take up arms and stake a claim
Stop the reign in Jesus’ name
[Rap Verse]
Uh, Civil
How long is how long?
They keep the pile-on
Wearing kicks you can’t even put a mile on
I ain’t never been the type to call “bygones”
See the vision
Freedom I got my eye on
There’s a lot of this co-opting and appropriating
Skin folks get bought out, and I don’t have the patience
Phobias and -isms create these mental prisons
Division that’s placed on us and stop our living
We manipulated
We be punchin down
Crabs in a barrel instead of rising to snatch the crown
And I ain’t backin down
A mix of Sandinistas
And I’m “Black and I’m proud”
Done with later, it happens now
Ain’t tryna eat solo, I want us at the table
Time to rage against the machine and snatch the cable
You don’t see it Holmes but your time is coming too
When they done coming for us they gonna come for you
[Chorus 2x]
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3. |
Profit
03:41
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[Verse 1]
Was a while, and naysayers nay-say
Believed that things would never change
(Com)pulsive individualism
Yet in time, every tide starts turning
So it’s best you start discerning
And give up materialism
[Prechorus]
But if it feels good, why do you need self-control?
Power might lift you, but never will make you whole
Don’t want to worry, so you push the thought away
Of pending Judgement Day
But what if it’s today?
[Chorus]
Whatcha gonna do when they come for you?
And they find that your good fruits have been few?
How would you explain what you pursue
If you gained the world to lose your soul?
Whatcha gonna do when they come for you?
And they don’t see it from your point of view?
How you gonna live your life brand new?
Would you gain the world to lose your soul?
[Verse 2]
No need for feckless banter
The question’s already answered:
(Do) desperate times call for same measures?
To be sure, the people will rise up
Seize the land, distribute, and destruct
Deceptive symbols of pleasures
[Prechorus]
But if it feels good, why do you need self-control?
Power might lift you, but never will make you whole
Don’t want to worry, so you push the thought away
Of pending Judgement Day
But what if it’s today?
[Chorus]
Whatcha gonna do when they come for you?
And they find that your good fruits have been few?
How would you explain what you pursue
If you gained the world to lose your soul?
Whatcha gonna do when they come for you?
And they don’t see it from your point of view?
How you gonna live your life brand new?
Would you gain the world to lose your soul?
[Bridge]
(What if it’s today?)
Too consumed with the wealth that you could save
But that’s nothing you can take to your grave
(What if it’s too late?)
Is this really what you’ll die for?
Really what you’ll die for? You’ll die for?
[Chorus 2x]
Whatcha gonna do when they come for you?
And they find that your good fruits have been few?
How would you explain what you pursue
If you gained the world to lose your soul?
Whatcha gonna do when they come for you?
And they don’t see it from your point of view?
How you gonna live your life brand new?
Would you gain the world to lose your soul?
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4. |
Refuge + Strength
04:42
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[Intro]
You know sometimes
Life gets to getting good
And it just takes me over like
I…feel…so…free!
[Hook]
You are my refuge and strength
In times of trouble, times of trouble
You are my refuge and strength
In times of trouble, times of trouble
[Verse 1]
I don’t ever have to worry
I know that you’re there
You are constantly caring for me
And I don’t ever have to fret, no
I don’t have to fear
You always supply my every need
I don’t set high expectation (on people, I tend to act much more discreet)
But in you, I find foundation (you place me back upon my feet)
[Hook]
You are my refuge and strength
In times of trouble, times of trouble
You are my refuge and strength
In times of trouble, times of trouble
[Verse 2]
Whenever I’m in need of help
You are present
You’re right here in every circumstance
So I take that in and be still
Dependableness
Much too true to all just be by chance
When I’m met with tribulation (you show up and tell the floods and quakes to cease)
You extend an invitation (to be with you in holy peace)
[Hook]
You are my refuge and strength
In times of trouble, times of trouble
You are my refuge and strength
In times of trouble, times of trouble
[Bridge]
Through the perils of life
You bring wondrous light
I’m amazed at all your love answers for
In your harboring
How astonishing
Your abundant grace to mend and restore
[Hook]
You are my refuge and strength
In times of trouble, times of trouble
You are my refuge and strength
In times of trouble, times of trouble
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5. |
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But other times, every now and then, I can’t hear
And worst yet, is when I can’t see
And those time…
Those times are the worst times
On a cold night of especially polluting light
I lost my faith in Upstate New York
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6. |
Stars
04:15
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[Verse 1]
Yet another day
Means another vision deferred
Credulously pray
Ask for the strength
To bear the absurd
Day becomes a week
Week turns into month turns into yet another year
Virtuously meek?
Or yielding to angst,
Subjection, and fear?
[Chorus]
How do I scent the trail of life
When all I taste is what I despise?
How do I reach a joy divine
When all I hear are lies?
How do I sense beyond my plight
When I can’t see the stars at night?
[Verse 2]
Suffocating sleep
Heir to Vincent’s troubling roam
Drowning in the deep
Lost and alone
Even when I’m home
[Chorus]
How do I scent the trail of life
When all I taste is what I despise?
How do I reach a joy divine
When all I hear are lies?
How do I sense beyond my plight
When I can’t see the stars at night?
[Verse 3]
Inner-piloting will to survive these straits
Craving integrated fates
Is this birthing a radical shift of space?
A political core to deface?
Yet another eve
Yet another image obscured
So without reprieve
Dare I take command
And manifest word?
[Chorus]
How do I scent the trail of life
When all I taste is what I despise?
How do I reach a joy divine
When all I hear are lies?
How do I comprehend my sight
When I can’t see the stars at night?
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7. |
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[Verse 1]
I am tired of waiting
I’m in need of you now much more than before
Feels like suffocating
To be fighting in metaphysical war
And it's about my past
I long for resolution
Got to make it last
There must be a conclusion
I don’t have the forecast
And I've lost some motivation
But I'm holding fast
‘Cus in you there's an answer
[Chorus]
I need you to heal me from false convictions
Heal me from masquerades
I need you to heal me from old restrictions
Heal me from being afraid
I need you to heal me from all addictions
Heal me from all of my shame
I need you to heal me, I need you to heal me
I need you to heal me so I am whole again
[Verse 2]
I can't keep debating
If I'm turning this to you or if I'm not
At times, it's so deflating
When a hint of end is crushed with just one thought
And it's about my past
I long for resolution
Got to make it last
There must be a conclusion
I don’t have the forecast
And I've lost some motivation
But I'm holding fast
I'm on my knees, I'm asking please, Lord
[Chorus]
[Vamp]
I am whole again
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8. |
||||
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I lost my faith in Upstate New York
But I got it back in Western Mass.
Yea, I got it back
And so we run…
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9. |
Runaway
03:16
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[Verse 1]
Could it be persuading
Really is not working?
Need to try a different approach
Stolen pride, constant fear
Personal injury
Terror has completely encroached
Abuse is obtuse
Doesn’t care how much
Devastation is left in its wake
Look within for the thirst
The will to repair the loss
And to get out for your own sake
[Chorus]
(You try so hard to stay) But never heal the pain inflicted everyday
(What if you break away?) Blunt the force of weapons that are all at play
(Alright to run away) Though the choice of leaving feels the hardest
(Just try to run away) Find the path that leads you to your harvest
[Verse 2]
Shouldn’t it be that thinking
Is not clouded by
Manipulating forces of blame?
Bitterness and fatigue
Stunted plans, freedom lost
Topped with dirt all thrown on your name
Naturally your instincts
Tell you to fight or fly
But in this case fighting won’t do
The strength of escape
Lifeline most dignified
Flip the script on what you’ve been through
[Chorus]
(You try so hard to stay) But never heal the pain inflicted everyday
(What if you break away?) Blunt the force of weapons that are all at play
(Alright to run away) Though the choice of leaving feels the hardest
(Just try to run away) Find the path that leads you to your harvest
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10. |
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[Verse 1]
Pipedream: maybe I’m just too old for this racquetball
Mainstream: am I thinking too big? Better make it small
1-2-3-4-5-6-7
That’s 7 whole years I don't know where I’m headin’ (and then the…)
16 hours, 12 committed just to pay the rent
How am I supposed to write a song when I’m this doggone spent?
Hibernation, tryin’ hard to stay sane
I need a B12 shot, feeling out of my brain (but then it’s…)
[Pre-Chorus 1]
(Hold up, stop it, now) I don’t have to go loopy-spacey
(Think up, speak it, how) Because I know I’m larger than this
(Sync up, be it, vow) If what I’m promised won’t forsake me
(It’s not…too late, it’s not…too late…wow)
[Chorus]
No, it’s not too late
I can still create
Still got time to be who I’m supposed to be
No, it will be great
Yes, it’s worth the wait
I know what I need will come if I believe
No, it’s not too late
[Verse 2]
Bloodstream: feel it in my bones like my name Jeremiah
Ice cream: moose tracks swirls with the buckeyes
Yea, I like it, yea, you know I like it
But you know I’ve always liked it
Anybody else that like it? (it’s been…)
2-4-7 I done held it all inside my head
Got me thinking maybe I should just go back to bed
More grey skies and I can’t stand the rain
Need a vodka shot or a bump of cocaine (but then it’s…)
[Pre-Chorus 2]
(Hold up, stop it, now) I don’t have to go loopy-spacey
(Think up, speak it, how) Because I know I’m worth more than that
(Sync up, be it, vow) If what I’m promised won’t forsake me
(It’s not…too late, it’s not…too late…wow)
[Chorus]
No, it’s not too late
I can still create
Still got time to be who I’m supposed to be
No, it will be great
Yes, it’s worth the wait
I know what I need will come if I believe
No, it’s not too late (Yea!)
I can still create (Yea!)
Still got time to be who I’m supposed to be (Yea, yea!)
No, it will be great (Yea!)
Yes, it’s worth the wait (Yea!)
I know what I need will come if I believe (Yea, yea!)
No, it’s not too late (LC)
[Verse 3]
Yo, it’s not too late cuz the time is now
Think about it only time I could right this down
The journey long and my brain’s dizzy when life’s around
That’s why I’m blessed to have this booth and the mic, A round?
Cheers—we be toasting today
Here’s to consistency and efforts when so many have swayed
Here’s to the hours we devoured in the chase of a page
Tryna create the perfect color ways to brighten the grays—yes
This for us as we travel through
The life’s cycle we might like to be outta dude
We stay creating, they stay complacent, it’s attitude
Been at it 7 years plus why you mad at Lou?
Yo, how am I late if I’m here
There ain’t a deadline to greatness, that’s abundantly clear
Come to be company and so much steady wasted in fear
Comparing what we be doing with the work of our peers
I’m working til my goals all appear
And you can catch me still grinding if it’s taking me years
Check—I know that I’m supposed to be here
And I keep that belief closer than the words of my fear
[Chorus]
No, it’s not too late (It’s really never)
I can still create (It really can’t be too late)
Still got time to be who I’m supposed to be
(It’s impossible, as long as you’re here, there’s time)
No, it will be great (Yea)
Yes, it’s worth the wait
I know what I need will come if I believe (We always on time!)
No, it’s not too late (Yea!)
I can still create (Yea!)
Still got time to be who I’m supposed to be (Yea, yea!)
No, it will be great (Yea!)
Yes, it’s worth the wait (Yea!)
I know what I need will come if I believe (Yea, yea!)
No, it’s not too late
[Outro]
I know that I’m supposed to be here
And I keep that belief closer than the words of my fears
Dude, that’s dope
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11. |
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12. |
Something Special
04:09
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[Verse 1]
Don’t understand why it’s you that you are denying
Hiding and slighting, discredits keep you from trying
Every night, everyday, you keep yourself away from love
The very thing you scorn is what you should be proud of
I’ve seen this side of you and, wow, it’s so amazing
A beauty so divine; glory worthy of praising
Yet you won’t show the world, you barely will let me see
Embracing all you are is how it’s meant to be
[Prechorus 1]
I go up for you, baby, but it’s never enough
It’s messed up you won’t receive and you call it a bluff
Every blemish and scar is what makes you a star to me
What would it take for you to trust it and believe?
[Chorus]
I want you to know you’re a blessing to earth (and I)
Know God went way beyond when he made you somebody
You are celestial, more than just potential
You’ve got something special, and I want you to share it with you
And I really wish that you could see how much you’re worth (yes I)
I love your entire heart, mind, soul, and body
You are celestial, more than just potential
You’ve got something special, and I want you to share it with you
[Verse 2]
Not to be rude but I’m starting to think that maybe
The one who respects you least of all is you, baby
Always sell yourself short: the inner saboteur folly
Embracing all you are is how I wish it’d be
[Prechorus 2]
I go up for you baby but it’s never enough
Won’t let up and you deceive/treat your psyche so rough
Every blemish and scar is what makes you by far the dream
What would it take to hold yourself in high esteem?
[Chorus]
[Bridge]
Make centering yourself the first priority
Reject the spirit of inferiority
And see you have dignity
Imagineered by God, made in his own image
So nothing in the universe could diminish
Every freckle and trait is what makes you fully unique
Embracing all you are is how it’s meant to be
[Chorus 2x]
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13. |
Knowledge
04:31
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[Chorus]
I really want to see you
I want to get right to the core
Just to become your essence
And to know you more and more
I long to be enlightened
Your wisdom is what I strive for
To know we’re in accordance
And to know you more and more
[Verse 1]
I am a student of life, with an insatiable appetite
An ever-seeking heart in the fight, the pursuit of right
Take me inside the depths of your mind that reveal my confines
That my limits may be redefined to expand my shine
[Prechorus 1]
Then, when I’m down and out
Cus I’ve lost my way
Will you take my hand
And lead me back from stray?
And when I’m cornered by
Those who would do harm
Will you pull me up
In your loving arms?
[Chorus]
I really want to see you
I want to get right to the core
Just to become your essence
And to know you more and more
I long to be enlightened
Your wisdom is what I strive for
To know we’re in accordance
And to know you more and more
[Verse 2]
Such beautiful moments pulled away from the depressive day-to-day
Permitting engagement in elevation to a rightful plane
I treasure every gift that stimulates and encourages my play
Requesting that I take part in the advancement of this human brain
[Prechorus 2]
So when the lonely hours
Bring despondency
I will turn to you
For my clarity
And with my head held high
I will seek your face
And be consumed in your embrace
[Chorus]
I really want to see you
I want to get right to the core
Just to become your essence
And to know you more and more
I long to be enlightened
Your wisdom is what I strive for
To know we’re in accordance
And to know you more and more
[Dialogue]
In the margins of the pages of life
I uncover the true nature of the absolute
The knowledge isn’t out of reach
In fact, it all lies within me
[Chorus]
I really want to see you
I want to get right to the core
Just to become your essence
And to know you more and more
I really want to see you
I want to get right to the core
Just to become your essence
And to know you more and more
I long to be enlightened
Your wisdom is what I strive for
To know we’re in accordance
And to know you more and more
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14. |
Aroundabout
03:15
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[Spoken]
Ayy, so I really need to break down and finally get a pedicure, man
I’m not tired yet…but I think my feet might be
You know, running for Jesus?
[Pre-verse 1]
Round, round, round
[Verse 1]
Been around the block a few times now, and here’s the thing:
Life has a funny way of sending you back and back, back and back again
You could have conniptions worried ’bout what seasons bring (bring)
Truth is your need for closure could awaken events that once had been
I know you’re already ready for greener pastures (greener pastures)
Wanna kick and scream, feel like forces in charge have put you on parole
But what if the glow-up lies in unfinished chapters
And all you need to do is surrender to what is beyond your control?
[Pre-hook 1]
And if you ain’t get what you need on the first try
God will press repeat: it’s your chance for a rewind
Get in your lane, don’t let your exit pass by
’Cus if it does you’ll have to go back a…
[Hook]
Round and around and around and a oh-oh
Round and around and around and a oh
Round-round and around and around and aroundabout
(Keep your head and don’t let it take you out)
Round and around and around and a oh-oh
Round and around and around and a oh
Round-round and around and around and aroundabout
(You gon’ win as long as you don’t bow out)
[Pre-verse 2]
Round and around and around and a
Ooh!
[Verse 2]
You may be about to really, truly, catch a case
Same job, same commute, same funny money, same broke-down relationship
Look, I don’t know the reason why you’ve returned to this place
But I know a power discovering truth in thankless stewardship
If you don’t allow cycles to fill you up with spite
Finding new perspective for your circumstance unlocks exclusive scoops
Here comes the opportunity to finally get it right (mmm get it right)
Let it pave the way for you to find yourself out of that awful loop
[Pre-hook 2]
And if you ain’t get what you need on the first try
You can press repeat on this song for a rewind
Get in your lane, don’t let your exit pass by
’Cus if it does you’ll have to go back a…
[Hook x 2]
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15. |
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16. |
Make It with Me
05:52
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Wandered through the wilderness on faith
Burdened by the dying rule, and haunted by the wraith
The fabric of trust now bears a stain
Seems as if every attempt to reset was in vain
Every being has a cross to bear
And I know you’ve been crucified and left the worse for wear
But faced with these dehumanizing stares
Would you join hands with me to answer our own prayers?
For when it feels you’re under lock and key
Our love will pave the path towards free
And though I know life holds no guarantees
It could be great if you make it with me
Everybody else is unconcerned
Value shaped by stinginess and hoarding the unearned
I asked before if all of this is learned
Feeble misconstructed hearth that brought about my burn
Buried in a tomb and cast astray
Something else to be so unmade: dust returned from the clay
So as I work to roll the stone away
Would you break bread with me, join me in the fray?
For when you lose sight of what this could be
I’ll dry those eyes that you might see
And though a dream’s not yet reality
Imagine anything, make it with me
Yes, we have had a heavy cross to bear
Faced many dehumanizing stares
Buried in a tomb and cast astray
Laboring to roll the stone away
A mighty tough row to hoe these several years
But the object is closer than it appears
I can sketch the pictures held in your mind
Already designed
For when it feels you’re under lock and key
Our love will pave the path towards free
And though I know life holds no guarantees
It could be great if you make it with me
For when you lose sight of what this could be
I’ll dry those eyes that you might see
And though a dream’s not yet reality
Imagine anything, make it with me
It could be great if you make it with me
Don’t be afraid of change, make it with me
Ooo, make it with me
You can make it with me
Yea I know this road might get a little rough sometimes
And I know you may not understand it all sometimes
But if you hold on, hold on
Just hold on, my sister and
Hold on, my brother and
Hold on, my family
Hold on, my friend
You can just take my hand
And we’ll make it to the promised land
Make it, just make it with me
We can make it whatever you need it to be
Come on, walk with me
Imagine anything
We can, yes we can
We will, yes we will
We’ll make it, yes we will
We’ll make it, yes we will
I’m getting happy just thinking about this thing
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Ray Curenton Nashville, Tennessee
Spiritual R&B artist. Black liberationist. Cultural worker. Songwriter.
Ray Curenton recommends:
Charles is a brilliant producer, a beautiful soul, and a dear friend. A cohesive project with an inspiring message of liberation.
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Lo-fi grooves with a side of dream pop. Paul and Brandon are incredible friends (producers of my Backslider and Believer albums) and super inventive musicians. Catch me on a couple of these songs!
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