I'm so sick and tired of my generation stuck in a rut
Never ever wishing to do anything but shake their butt
And when you asked them why their achieving nothing
They have to give the white man credit for everything
But when will you get off hind parts and do anything
I am not telling you what need to do but do something
You will never getting anywhere using race as an excuse
The white man foot on your neck is one you tend to abuse
My race will never be a justification for what I can not do
It is because of my race that continue to channel through
My ancestors' blood, sweat, and tears push me to seek it all
And I venture out of the nest attempting flight even if I fall
But like the proverbial crabs in the bucket you hold me down
The white man doesn't have to put on a lid with you around
For every time I think I've made it out I feel you pulling me
Never allowing me to achieve all that God called me to be
You don't want anything but are upset when I refuse to stay
Why can't you be happy that I am trying to paving the way
I wish you'd come with me but if not please loosen your grip
For the weight of your shackles is just too much for this trip
I love you but I refuse to die with you in the bottom of this jar
When I can see the faint light from the door left slightly ajar
While you ignorance plasters you to the master's floor
I refuse to accept it because I want so much more
And never will I quite striving for the prize
For my anthem will always be still I rise
Never ever wishing to do anything but shake their butt
And when you asked them why their achieving nothing
They have to give the white man credit for everything
But when will you get off hind parts and do anything
I am not telling you what need to do but do something
You will never getting anywhere using race as an excuse
The white man foot on your neck is one you tend to abuse
My race will never be a justification for what I can not do
It is because of my race that continue to channel through
My ancestors' blood, sweat, and tears push me to seek it all
And I venture out of the nest attempting flight even if I fall
But like the proverbial crabs in the bucket you hold me down
The white man doesn't have to put on a lid with you around
For every time I think I've made it out I feel you pulling me
Never allowing me to achieve all that God called me to be
You don't want anything but are upset when I refuse to stay
Why can't you be happy that I am trying to paving the way
I wish you'd come with me but if not please loosen your grip
For the weight of your shackles is just too much for this trip
I love you but I refuse to die with you in the bottom of this jar
When I can see the faint light from the door left slightly ajar
While you ignorance plasters you to the master's floor
I refuse to accept it because I want so much more
And never will I quite striving for the prize
For my anthem will always be still I rise