Check Me

[Verse 1: Gripp]
Fountain bars, how to start wandering and counting stars
Pondering this callous art while I'm monitoring this house of cards
But I learned to deal, purpose-built nerves of steel
All of us need to wait, need to pump the brakes and maybe turn the wheel
Curb all the fervency, son, passing the test
Peel the sticky notes from our faces, thumb tacks in the flesh
Slow the run, catching our breath, put our cash on the bet
That the people around us can actually get this crap through their heads
Look, there's a bigotry epidemic. It's spreading
And getting bigger. I figure we should do something to stem it
It's fucking systemic. It'll consume you if you let it
We're beset on both sides by the typhoon too busy fretting where it's headed
And them same dudes out there screaming how enlightened they are
Sell ironic homophobia like gas that they siphoned from cars
Life is bizarre. I hate that shit, but I'm frightened i'll start
So body-check me hard if you ever catch that tripe in my art

[Hook: Gripp]
You catch me being ignorant then check me
Heard me saying something bigoted? Then check me
I take a cheap shot? Be direct and check me
Pick your side and select your chess piece
You catch me being negative then check me
Heard me saying something prejudiced? Then check me
If it's race, class, orientation, or sex, B
I expect no less. So yes please check me

[Verse 2: Shane Hall]
I know I ain't perfect
I've got a lot to learn, only a few tools to work with
But if we sit down and break through the surface
Then we can come around to something that is purpose
I know I've said some awful things in my songs
But it never meant shit 'til people were singing along
Then I realized I wouldn't be living as long
As the words that I recorded or my opinions were wrong
Well, now I can't take it back
But I realize that ain't the way to make it in rap
'Cos you either taking a nap or you make an impact
And either way you could make it to the face of the pack
But I know now what I can and cannot live with
If it's candor, it's a gimmick, or makes my family feel diminished
And the truth is, I've actually got no plans to be timid
But who's gonna do that for me whenever I'm the man who did it?

[Hook: Gripp]

[Bridge: Gripp]
Stop supporting these bigots, even if they're talented
The only way you change the status quo is challenge it
Show them just how it is. Show them their cowardice
Strength in numbers: that's where our power is
Stop supporting these bigots, even if they're talented
The only way you change the status quo is challenge it
No more closing our eyes and playing make believe
And if I ever pull that shit, you better do the same to me

[Verse 3: Gripp]
I'm no saint; I don't believe in 'em. A heathen
With an evil tongue? Nope. Just still learning to see the love
Beat the drums of freedom, speaking up. Don't want to eat and run
I just want to see the progress of the people speeding up
I know I'm so privileged it's ridiculous, true indeed
A tall, light-skinned, straight, American man with two degrees
Make no excuse for me. I deserve your scrutiny
When I say something stupid, put it foolishly tryin'a sound cool on beats
Oh now you want beef? Homie, it's just as well
You want to get to the meat of the coconut, you've got to bust the shell
You want to make an omlette, you've got to break some eggs
You want to really understand the wine, you've got to taste the dregs
Nothing I say is meant as an attack, taking baby steps
Chew on that like a Raisinette and pay respects
Put it this way instead: everything I'm saying to you
Should help you to change and improve, and I hope you'll do the same for a dude

[Hook: Gripp]