take a minute

how did mandela get the will to surpass the everyday

when injustice had him caged and trapped in every way?

how did gandhi ever withstand the hunger-strikes at all?

didn't do it to gain power or money if i recall. it's the gift

i guess i'll pass it on

mother thinks it'll lift the stress of babylon

my mother knows

my mother she suffered blows

i don't know how we survived such violent episodes

i was so worried

it hurt to see you bleed

but as soons as you came out the hospital you gave me sweets yea

they tried to take you from me

but you still only gave 'em some prayers and sympathy

dear mama

you helped me write this

by showing me to give is priceless

and any man who knows a thing

knows he knows not a damn

damn thing at all

and every time i felt the hurtin'

i felt the givin' gettin' me up off the wall

i'm just gonna take a minute to let it ride

i'm just gonna take a minute and let it breathe

i'm just gonna take a minute to let it ride

i'm just gonna take a minute and let it breathe

all i can say is

the worst is over now

we can serve the hard times

divorce is over now

they try to keep us out

but they doors is open now

my nigga akon is gettin' awards and covers now

this k'naan

and still reppin' the s

comin' out of muqdisho and still draped in the mess

and no matter how we strong homie

it ain't easy comin' out of where we from homie

and it's the reason why i can never play phony

tell 'em the truth" is what my dead homies told me