Wrote this track about those crazy days when the streets offered refuge. Kiki Djan, a super-star turned drug addict's experiences, became a lense through which I viewed street life.
lyrics
On These Streets
On these streets
'Was born in need
Born, I was told
Of here in the cold
No mother, father, lover
Or cover from the higher
On these streets,
'Was born in need.
On these streets
'Was born in need.
Born, 'was told
Out here in the cold.
No mother, father, lover
Or cover from the higher:
On these streets,
'Was born in need.
On the streets I stand in need.
Born I was told,
Of here in the cold.
Streets have no hope,
Only problems
I cannot cope.
No opportunities surround.
Only disappointments abound.
Frustrations pour like rain.
Misery continues to reign.
The streets cannot be my house!
I'm like a helpless mouse!?
With no mother or father's love.
No cover from a caring dove.
But I need the warmth of a home.
I can't continue to roam.
Will I always remain on these streets?
Will no one even offer me a treat?
From the streets I cry aloud
To God above, I love.
On these streets,
I stand born in need.
Born, I was told
Of here in the cold.
No mother, father, lover
Or cover from the higher,
On these streets,
I was born in need.
Stand on line
And wait for time.
Search my place
In a great fast race.
I might be falling backwards.
But don't just count me out yet.
On these streets,
I stand in need.
Pain strikes through the heart like lightning in the clouds,
Comes through the night,
Prevented us from seeing light.
Paint tears hope apart
And makes dreams depart
Inflicts deep wounds that no balm can soothe.
Leave behind scars that are tell-tale marks.
None is spared from its blows.
Pain will not let mercy flow.
It will not accept any bribe
No matter what your tribe.
But after hard pain.
Comes the cool rain
That restores and redeems
The wretched and even withered
And makes all things beautiful even in His time.
Stand on line.
And wait for time.
Search my place.
In a great fast race.
I might be falling backwards,
But don't just count me out yet.
Stand on line,
And wait for time.
credits
from No Turning Back From Here,
track released November 24, 2009
Ishmael Adjetey Osekre: Lead vocals
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