[soundcloud id=’179886384′ artwork=’true’]
Produced by: Gawvi
Additional Vocals by: J. Paul
Artwork by: Alex Medina
Mixed and Mastered by: Jacob “Biz” Morris
Verse 1:
Don’t nobody wanna hear our pain
That’s how I’m feeling when I’m flipping through them twitter comments, all I feel is rain
They telling me get over it’s old
That stuff don’t exist no more
But that don’t ring true when I look in these streets
So it’s real when I feel like it coulda been me
Hook:
Man can I tell you how I’m feeling right now
Ah they wanna know how I’m feeling right now
I feel like it coulda been me
I feel like it coulda been me
We all made in God’s image you know
All our lives matter, our vision is broke
We feel pain cause we been here before
Who’s innocent I don’t know
But it coulda been me
I feel like it coulda been me
Verse 2:
I didn’t know Mike Brown
I ain’t know Trayvon
I didn’t know Sean Bell
But I know they gone
I ain’t know Oscar Grant or Tamir Rice
I didn’t know Eric Garner
But I know they life
Is worth more than they saying on the tv screen
I hate I got a long list, you finna see me scream
Cause I feel like they don’t see we kings
Made to rule like Him, they think we needy fiends
I wasn’t there when they shot at the man
I can’t solve cases, won’t say that I can
But I do know life as a young black man
Guess I can’t be mad that some don’t understand
But maybe you would
If you looked at my life and you stood where I stood
Use my eyes to look at these streets
It’s too real when I feel like it coulda been me
Hook:
Man can I tell you how I’m feeling right now
Ah they wanna know how I’m feeling right now
I feel like it coulda been me
I feel like it coulda been me
Verse 3:
Picture me as a teen
Picking out drinks in the store when I seen
The cashier looking at me, then he screams
Points at my hip and tells me I’m seen
But hold up, I ain’t know that I was that scary
And I ain’t know that I could shoot you with a blackberry
Very odd, that he saw me as a thug
When I’d never caught a case, never stole or bought drugs
Or how bout the time that I flew to a show
Full of joy, finna rap for a room full of folks
Outside then I find it’s a gun in my face
Handcuffs on my hands, pat down at the waist
It’s the same ol, same ol
I fit the description of a criminal that they know
They showed me picture, come on
Are you kidding? We don’t look a like
Well the cops thought we did if you looking right
Every black man I know
Got stories like those, reaping what they ain’t sow
When they assume you a thug from the jump
It don’t matter if you strapped with a pump
Look I don’t know if Mike Brown had his hands up
But I’m writing saying homie I’ma stand up
And I’ma tell you I feel I look in these streets
And say it’s real when I feel like it coulda been me
Hook
Verse 4:
Skies feeling grey, eyes red
Black and white clash, clouds over head
How long till they heard what we said
How long till they hear what I said?
Shout out to all the good cops
Fighting bad guys, making good stops
I hate that on the hood blocks
In the end they might try to lump you in with all the crooks
I wanna say to all my young black men
I know it’s feeling like we just can’t win
But in your anger don’t sin
Don’t affirm what they thinking
Don’t let nobody tell us we ain’t got worth
Some will try to shut us down it will not work
I know it ain’t fair, but we know that He cares
And one day he’ll wipe away tears
Outro
Where’s your hope at? Mine is in him
Where is your hope at? Mine is in him
We got work to do, but my hope is in him
They got work to do too, but my hope is in him
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Jordan
December 4, 2014 / at 12:53 am
I see some of the points made in the lyrics, and I know this song is personal, but it feels like it’s a song that’s giving in to this chaos.
The second section of the 3rd verse, talking about being patted down because he “fits” the description of the criminal. I’ve been patted down before, on the side of the interstate after being tailed for 3 miles, because I wore a beanie and a sweatshirt that made me look like I was from the harsher side of town. Not just that, but I was driving my grandfathers Impala with my dad in the passenger seat, and they checked our stories about us heading back from the local Apple store where I dropped off my Macbook to be fixed. Call it profiling, call it whatever, but it was anything but the color of my skin. One officer was white, the other was black. That was me.
First line of the first verse: “Don’t nobody wanna hear our pain”. Pretty sure I know what it means. The word “our” in that phrase, to me feels like alienation from the song, like I won’t understand what the struggle is, or how you feel. I may not be able to understand, but God gave me the means to support, through Prayer.
Continuing on that thought, “We all made in God’s image you know”. There’s the whole counter to the song. God created us in His image, and no color, disabilities, gender or origin of nation has ever made God look at any individual He created any differently, so why should we? Why should I look at myself any differently from you, and vice versa?
I could get further, but I feel I’ve said enough. Trip, as a follower of Christ we wear our faith, we don’t look at any person any differently or treat them differently. We throw away Self, and focus and put the attention on Him, and regardless of how any one of us feels, when we say we are Christians, the way we act and the things we say reflect how people see Him through us. So if it could have been you, should I look at you any differently? What if it was me?
My point is, be “Colorblind” in this world.
Tory
December 4, 2014 / at 10:13 am
Brother Jordan, can I just express that “colorblindness” is not the answer to these issues? Let me switch it quickly from race to gender. Men and women are very different, and that is a good thing! To be “gender blind” would be very detrimental, because it would naturally cut off the importance of our differences, and make us miss out on God. What I mean in that is that as men, mercy tends to not come as naturally as it does for women (notice the word tends!). If we only looked at men, we would miss out on the mercy of God. We would read about it, but see no tangible, human example of His mercy (I’m know I’m speaking in aggressive generalities, but only to make a point).
Race is the same way. We are actually very different, naturally! Blacks, Asians, Whites, Hispanics, we are usually very different in our worldview, personalities, culture, etc. This is a beautiful thing. By looking at one cultures passion over another, we can see that God is a passionate God (passionate about the right things). By looking at one culture’s “slow to anger(ness),” we can see that God is patience with us, and is slow to anger. By looking at different cultures, we actually get to see many pictures of God.
Without question, we are all to be treated the same, because we are all created in the Imago Dei. However, we are different, and that’s okay! I’m half black, half white, and have a ton of “black traits,” and “white traits.” Okay. That’s great! Hopefully they show us something about God! I vote for celebration and learning of differences rather than colorblindness, and a true celebration can only happen in the gospel.
Nate
December 6, 2014 / at 2:45 pm
Tori,
Your words have inspired me to write a song using a variation of your words: “We are all created in the Imago Dei, however, we are different and that’s more than OK”. Thank you for your initiative to speak and spark wisdom. The rest of the song has turned out to prove itself as purely an undeserved gift of words to express our unity in diversity and in Christ.
Grace and Peace,
Nate
Nate
December 6, 2014 / at 2:46 pm
Sorry….*Tory*….not Tori.
Taevan
December 4, 2014 / at 10:53 am
Well said Jordan. I will say this one thing: Instead of being colorblind, could we instead see our different ethnic backgrounds as God’s creativity? We stand together with Him under the name of Jesus. He is our banner – no matter if we’re from Ferguson, Cali, Oregon, Alabama or New York. Jesus is our focal point. And in a culture that wants to separate us into “minorities” and different groups, we stand as Christ’s body, underneath Him.
But I do appreciate your insight on the song. Thank you for building the Kingdom up for His glory!
Josh
February 2, 2015 / at 1:09 pm
trip, thanks for these thoughts. I appreciate your sharing your experience as a man of color who thinks of his identity and the tragic state of our culture through the Lens of the Gospel. May the Lord continue to build his Kingdom and fame through your work. Thank you.
Gabriel
December 4, 2014 / at 2:13 am
Thank you Trip, you’re a true role model and inspiration. Keep up the good work and lean on the lord’s guidance.
Michael
December 4, 2014 / at 5:17 am
It’s saddening reading all the events going now in the world. Right from NYC to Kenya. Painfull issues yet we don’t learn from them and keep doing the same things. It’s time we truly became our brothers keepers
Michael
December 4, 2014 / at 6:01 am
Trip Lee, this could not have come at a different time. We need to stress the point more and by all means #couldabeenme
Cristella
December 4, 2014 / at 6:05 am
Thank you Trip for the blog post and the soñ
Richard
December 4, 2014 / at 7:37 am
really sad to hear, still can’t really imagine how y’all feel but I see that a lot of black ppl just get just really to fast… feel sad for u al, I feel powerless at all…
Richard
December 4, 2014 / at 7:38 am
*just = judged
Todd
December 4, 2014 / at 7:48 am
Powerful statement, beautifully crafted. Brought years to my eyes when I least expected it. I only recently discovered your music and it has been a wonderfully inspirational discovery at the time in my life God deemed it so. Much praise to you, young brother.
Louis
December 4, 2014 / at 8:09 am
This is a real gem, Trip.
Kish
December 4, 2014 / at 8:14 am
Love this song! My hope is in HIM too!! Help us FATHER!!!
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Robert
December 4, 2014 / at 9:42 am
Trust God and Keep Doing Good Trip! Let your light shine.
Amanda
December 4, 2014 / at 12:51 pm
To say that God doesn’t see color is unBiblical. (Jordan) The Bible says that God created different nations and tongues to showcase His majesty. We shouldn’t pretend that it doesn’t exist! If you say you want to be there for a believer who deals with these things by prayer or whatever avenue then why are you trying to argue his song? He is sharing his hurt. His pain. Stuff that black people, go through. Why do you have to feel alienated for him saying that. Why does your ONE example of a bad experience have to rule out or invalidate the hurt and frustration that many black people have to face daily. Not just that one time. My husband always has to go above and beyond to make sure he comes off as non threatening to people!! Why? Why is it that he is black so he is considered scary and threatening. Why is it that he talks articulate that people feel they need to make the comment, wow you are not what I expected, or you are not like other black people. Do people go up to you and are they surprised by the way you speak? Stop for a min and just hear people out, you don’t have to agree or understand. Just show some empathy and help be a part of the solution! Thanks for sharing your heart Trip Lee.
Abigail
December 4, 2014 / at 1:28 pm
Trip, this is good.
My heart is hurting because there is still a reason to write songs like this. There is still a fight for black lives.
Maybe one day we can make it right.
<3
Will
December 4, 2014 / at 2:44 pm
Keep up the good work Trip! Your words and your witness are powerful! May the Lord bless you, keep you, make his face shine upon you!
Tyrone
December 4, 2014 / at 3:45 pm
Eyeopening. Thanks.
Charlotte
December 4, 2014 / at 4:25 pm
Trip Lee man,
Can I just state that I have grown to love the major authenticity in your voice?! Ahh it’s so raw and real! This is a great feat. bro. Very true, I am very saddened to hear about all of the corruption in which has been shown here on the air and it is crazy how bias and upside down this world can be – I’m very disappointed in my own race in which has been stereotyped and broadcasted upon. The video from Brooklyn NY is one of the most saddening things I’ve seen in a long time.
Victoria
December 4, 2014 / at 4:28 pm
I love what Jordan is saying. I myself am a black America, a woman, but in my opinion, gender doesn’t play a huge role, black woman can be targeted in discriminatory ways also. I have never been targeted personally for the color of my skin, but I like to think I’d never hate or wish bad things to someone who was to harm me or kill me in a circumstance like the ones we are talking about. Being a Christian, I’m constantly reminded of the verse where Jesus tells us to turn the other cheek. If someone hates you, you love them despite that. Racism will never stop happening, but if someone attacks you, turn the other cheek. You can’t make anyone accept you, stuff like this isn’t going to stop. But we need to stop thinking that blacks are the only race targeted. The only difference is, the white on black crime is the only crime being brought up in the news. What about a white guy killing a Hispanic? Or an Asian killing a black? We are all created equally. Yes, there was a time when slavery was all black people knew, but today there’s slavery and racism happening among every race. God does not see the deaths of these black men any differently than he sees the death of anyone else. I think we are forgetting that concept, no person’s life matters more than another. And let’s also not forget that we really don’t know the exact facts of these crimes. Trip, I’m not hating on your song at all, it’s great that every person has their own opinion and this is yours. Although, I will say, yes it could’ve been you, but it also could’ve been a white man. Us black people are not the only targets. Let’s try to see each other the way God sees us, 100 percent equal.
Danielle
December 4, 2014 / at 10:02 pm
As a biracial, Color blind(Yes, because my heritage and culture include too many different races to start focusing on one at a time. I celebrate THEM none the less) woman I can’t imagine anything that a black man is going through. Especially when people jump straight on race and leave God out of it. But I’m glad that you put God in it where he belongs. He belongs in this situation, He belongs as the Justice giver. We belong and trust in Him.
Ryan
December 4, 2014 / at 10:49 pm
Thanks
Anthony
December 7, 2014 / at 10:20 pm
I played this song for a room full of people trying to hear their brothers and sisters cries yesterday. There were about 18 of us and 6/8 were white. Your words cemented things.
Know that your words are reaching people in deep, beautiful ways. Thank you for your honest reflection.
Johnny
August 13, 2015 / at 7:36 pm
If you are making this about yourself or about a specific race then it has nothing to do with God. Your song only shows why the racism issue continues the way it does because no one is willing to change the cycle only cry about how they are treated poorly white, Mexican, Asian, people die in the same ways all the time by committing crimes and being stopped by someone we have accepted as a protector. Your either for justice completely or you aren’t there is no fine lines or excuses. You bring up fears and anger, Gods not in those yet you choose to be. You put God in this so g just so Christians keep listening to you rather then making the right stand for God instead your our lyrics say your gonna stand up for racism that your going to make tis song about racism and not God. You can’t sit at 2 tables you either sit at the table if the Father or you sit at the table of the fallen. Either way you’ve lost a fan. I hope you can come to terms with your fear and see how simple respect would change fear into shared respect and working together. If it coulda been you, then maybe you need to rethink your life choices.
Jon
August 17, 2015 / at 12:00 am
He isn’t against the cops right? I don’t think. I love trip and can’t wait till his next album, whenever that maybe. Great song.
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Kianna
May 20, 2016 / at 4:30 pm
I just listened to this song and the lyrics are powerful. “Where’s your hope at?” -Trip Lee. I loved it!
Mark
November 21, 2016 / at 6:43 pm
Do all my brothers, sisters, disillusioned, and hurting. I am sorry. I am a part of this as an American. But I am listening. I hear your pain.
I am sorry.
The word is getting out. No criticism, only love.
Agen Slot
March 23, 2018 / at 7:02 pm
Hi! I know this is kind of off-topic but I
needed to ask. Does building a well-established blog like yours require a massive amount
work? I am completely new to blogging however I do write in my diary on a daily basis.
I’d like to start a blog so I can share my own experience
and feelings online. Please let me know if you have any
recommendations or tips for new aspiring blog owners.
Thankyou!