Monday, November 26, 2012

Role Model

Track 2 - Volume 1
Production by: Blackbird Productions (Brother Epithet)



"Role Model" is a slightly fictionalized story, about a late night custodian I got to know when I was in Philadelphia. He'd usually be outside one of the school buildings smoking a cigarette, around the time that I would take a walk, one or two in the morning.
Although I didn't speak to him too many times, I did find out all about his kids, and how hard he worked so that they could have a good life. It hit home on a lot of levels, and so thinking back on it inspired the track (As well as the beat, that shit is crazy. Shout-out to the producer, Epithet).

(Lyrics)
He’s 36, About 6’2, single dad, couple of kids, with a couple of bills past due.
But that don’t bother this dude. It’s just the disrespect, and not to mention the fact that he’s breaking his back for this worthless check.
But that’s the everyday, just the same old shit.
Wake up at dawn and pick up the broom for another shift.
It’s not so glamorous, and when his kids are at school talking about what they’re parents do, they don’t even mention it.  
But since his wife passed, he has to work more to provide.
I mean, if he doesn’t then who will man? There’s no end in sight.
Plus, he has no ride. So he has to wake up at the crack of dawn just to catch the bus at 5:05.
Man, that shit’s not right, but it’s what he has to do to give his kids a better shot at life and a different view.
Cause as they get older it only gets harder, To convince them that even though they struggle, he can be a good father.

He wants to be a role model by showing them what not to do, and what not to follow.
No matter what, He’s going to be the role model.

How many kids? He’s got three: Kayla is four, Chris is ten and Miranda is sixteen.
It’s Miranda he worries about the most, cause all her friends at school are rich and have things from Gucci, Louie and Coach.
And though he tries to explain that it’s not about what you have, try convincing a teenage girl of that.
She just sneers, and through her tears tells him that she hates him. She slams the door, he breaths a sigh, and wishes for a vacation. 
Then there’s Chris and Kayla, with nothing but love.
Although he’s young, Chris understands and never really asks for much.
He just wishes that his dad could stay at home. He just wants to play some games, but more than that he feels alone.
Along with Kayla, who dearly misses her mama. Too young to understand death, even so it made her stronger.
The only little girl that will hardly ever cry, which makes her dad sad, cause what she needs he can’t provide. But he’ll always try.

He wants to be a role model by showing them what not to do, and what not to follow.
No matter what, He’s going to be the role model.

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