[Verse 1: X the Unknown Variable]
Pressure is applied to the nerves of 9-to-5ers
You better recognize the roots of 25-to-lifers
The youth is empowered through the handling of business
We're handed crack and coke and react with acquired quickness
Once we see the P.L.O.W., Purple Lights on Walls
All Hell breaks loose, and that's when downfalls begin
The avalanche of lives that would prosper
In a different area without a foreign roster
We're forced by oppressors of forms that vary
To "grow some balls and not act like "fairies"
Only "f*ggots" cry and only "b**hes" back down from an
Enemy, you better lay the smack down
There's no such thing as men who are pitiful
There's no such thing as part-time criminals
We're told to react when given certain looks, homie
(Ain't no such thing as halfway crooks!)
[Hook]
Ain't no such thing as halfway crooks! x4
Real Gs fear no man, real men fight
Gangsters aren't afraid of crime
You better learn to throw jabs and right hooks, (because)
Ain't no such thing as halfway crooks!
[Verse 2: X the Unknown Variable]
Look into the souls of people seen as danger
Don't judge a book by its cover, let alone a stranger
Realize that there are certain rules that were applied
Once the gangster era came and gore was glorified
You don't have enough money? Stand in the welfare line
And f** the system that f**s us with lies
You still don't have the cash? Well
I've got a list of windows that are easy to smash
Now, not everyone will share the same sentiment
But if he refuses, he'll be seen as feminine
That's the effect of the culture that's viewed as
Perfect and golden, tried and true
The more of a threat that you are perceived as
Gives you more respect on these streets
Yeah, that's the code of honor
That's gotten rid of so many brothers and fathers!
[Hook]
[Verse 3: X the Unknown Variable]
Testosterone rules in the Bad Man's land
With a fist of iron pounding down on those who choose to stand out
Out of the circle, outside the chain
Reaction's aim to keep us all the same
Close-minded apes beat their chests
Until they wear a black and purple vest
It covers the red, human heart in their anatomy
If I were gay, I'd lose all the trust that they had in me
What is it about the life that they live
That drives certain few to stab them with shivs?
It drives many more to stare them down with daggers
There's more than one way to be labeled an attacker
You don't seem to have a problem with it
When you see two girls macking after bottles and hits
One more thing, if you would let me
That's called a hypocrite if I remember correctly!
[Hook]