Footsteps in the dark, but I see no face
Paranoia in my chest, can't escape this place
Every shadow looks like death on the run
Enemies surround me, but I'm still not done
Eyes on my back, I can't trust the air I breathe
Whispers in the night like they plotting underneath
I'm trapped in the cycle, steel tucked in my jeans
Blood on the pavement paints these ghetto scenes
Every smile's fake, every handshake's cold
Even my reflection looks like it wants control
I walk with the gang, that's my only shield
Brothers in the hustle, never back, never yield
I hear the steps, but the streets don't lie
Enemies around me, waiting for me to die
Paranoia in my soul, but I'll never fold
Surviving in the fire, heart colder than gold
My shadow cuts deep, like a blade in the night
My mind's my own enemy, I'm losing the fight
Every stumble I make, they clap from the side
Praying for my fall, but I still survive
I chose this road, destruction was my deal
Signed in blood, pain the only thing real
Mama, forgive me, I know I let you down
But in this jungle, weakness gets you drowned
I hear the steps, but the streets don't lie
Enemies around me, waiting for me to die
Paranoia in my soul, but I'll never fold
Surviving in the fire, heart colder than gold
Demons in my head, angels walked away
Every night's a war, I fight to see the day
If tomorrow never comes, at least I played my part
The ghetto raised a soldier with a stone-cold heart
Eyes wide open, can't afford to blink
Every second's danger, deeper than they think
Brothers at my side, we ride till the end
No trust for the foe, no trust for a friend
Bullets in the wind whisper death's refrain
Survival's the prize in this life of pain
I carry the burden, can't erase my scars
But I'll die on these streets reaching for the stars
I hear the steps, but the streets don't lie
Enemies around me, waiting for me to die
Paranoia in my soul, but I'll never fold
Surviving in the fire, heart colder than gold