In the heart of the city, where the nights ain't pretty Tales of hustlers, no luck, no pity Walking these alleys, with shadows so tall Hustling for paper, backs against the wall Chrome pieces gleaming, under streetlights beaming Trust is a luxury, every corner scheming Mama in the window, tears in her stare Make it back home, baby, a silent prayer Lost in the struggle, carrying burdens we wear On these hard concrete streets, man, life ain't fair But every night I lay, with hope so deep Asking the lord, my soul to keep Stacking up dollars, danger around every bend Old homies turned foes, can't trust a friend Graffiti on walls, tell stories of pain Of brothers we lost, in this concrete rain Fast life, fast cars, seeking fame and respect But every bullet leaves a mark, an eternal effect Kneeling on corners, whispering prayers in the night Guide me through this, lord, show me the light Gangsta ties, street wise, under urban skies Seeking redemption, before the Sun rise Fighting for a way out, from this endless maze Looking for brighter days, through the smoky haze Lost in the struggle, carrying burdens we bear On these cold city streets, man, life ain't fair But every night I pray, with dreams so deep Asking the lord, my soul to keep Golden chains, and watches that bling In this world of chaos, material things But deep inside, there's a void, a hole Seeking peace, a way to console To every young g, trying to find a way Remember there's hope, brighter days to sway Put down the heat, lift up a prayer There's a way out, a life that’s rare As I lay tonight, in this bed I've made I pray for salvation, from the choices I've weighed If tonight's the end, if fate decides to take Lord, grant me mercy, my soul, please take