[Mos Def]

They say the goodness in life belongs to those who believe

So I believe...YES!

[Chorus] 2x

I start to think and then I sink

Into the paper like I was ink

When I'm writing I'm trapped in between the line

I escape when I finish the rhyme (aiyyo)

My pops said he was in love when he made me

Thought about it for a second wasn't hard to see

I could hear he was sincere was a game of promotion

The entire affair's probably charged wit emotion

But love call your heart, I guess you got to persue

12-11-73 my life is testament

Praise the beneficent, element that rest

Devoid in the form that make love manifest

I spent my early years in Roosevelt Project

It was a bright valley wit some dark prospects

In '83, Venny C was the host wit the most

I listened to the Rap Attack and held the radio close

I listened to the Rap Attack and held the radio close

This is far before the days of high glamour and pose

Aiyyo power from the street light made the place dark

I know a few understand what I'm talkin about

It was love for the thing that made me wanna stay out

It was love for the thing that made me stay in the house

Spendin time, writin rhymes

Tryin to find words that describe the vibe

That's inside the space

When you close yo' eyes and screw yo' face

Is this the pain of too much tenderness

To make me nod my head in reverence

Should I visit this place and remember it?

To build landmarks here as evidence

Night time, spirit shook my temperment

To write rhymes that portray this sentiment

We live the now for the promise of the infinite

We live the now for the promise of the inifinite

And we believe in the promise (love, love *repeat