[C-Note] 1975, I was barely alive Mama took me to the Clover, where I learned to survive Lil' skinny a** n***a, weighed bout 165 Although my life wasn't easy, I had to struggle and strive Chopping weight on a plate, maybe cook up the shake Then it's back to the corner, where it's money to make Was money to take, young ghetto stars Young n***as coming up, running up the cars I didn't wanna sell cheese, but I had to do it I had to pray to the man, for him to guide me through it When I came into this world, I wasn't breathing at all That just give me more reason, that I should ball [Hook - 2x] I know the man, had a plan for me Picked me up on my feet, so the world can see I know the man, had a plan for me Made my way through the streets, now I'm a Clover G [C-Note] I know the man had a plan, and he let me know That I can sport mo' ice, than sleet or snow Tough luck growing up, in the hood that's rough Going in and out of jail, but still ain't had enough Flipping birds smoking herb, everyday of my life Broke the rules skipping school, I'm trying to do what's right I thank my 5th grade teacher, cause she did what she did She told me if you think big, you can make it big It was then that I knew, that I had some'ing to do
So I got my own company, I ain't working for you So much stress on my chest, more than I can stand Fifty G's up in my hand, I know the man had a plan [Hook - 2x] [C-Note] Now take a look at that new Benz, parked outside All my life I've been setting trends, rolling these rides I've been blessed we success, and yes I must confess I thank the man that I made it, instead of flunking the test Living life as a ghetto star, foreign cars Blowing Cuban cigars, now people know who we are When we pull up in the Escalade, with six screens Man I came a long way, from dope fiends and street dreams Living lavish as I have it, yeah we ball this year Much love to my grandparents, dada my dear In the dropper rolling late night, hitting my switches Let my piece shine bright, I came from rags to riches [Hook - 2x] (*talking*) Know I'm saying, I know it's hard growing up in this ghetto You know, to all the kids mayn just keep your head up Know me bout to do this here, you know I'm saying Minor set back major come back, you know I'm tal'n bout Think big, you could make it big mayn Don't let nobody put you down, I done had my up's and down's Smiles and frowns, you know I'm tal'n bout