[Verse 1]
Played the game how it goes in this world full of hoaxes
Always got the interview, but always end up chokin'
Got the key to the ignition, but lost it shortly
Gotta play it out regardless if I lose
Gotta keep my hands up regardless if I stand a chance
Gotta keep my head up and learn how to be a man
I'm prey to these predators
Who work up a storm just to set you up
Bring you down to their level, just to lift them up
Out of desperation I'll do anything to make it
I'll push hours till' I drop, don't matter if my feet can take it
Always been about the cost, but your spending money's fading
Always want to cross the boss, cause you never had the patience; do your job!
You've been waiting, but you never had the gaul
Always take the easy routes, always seem to seem em' out
Always hate to hear the truth, the truth is all you hear about?
Then go find that person that you were—the one you never found
[Hook]
I be tryna man up (x2)
There's no place you can run
There's no turning back now
All I can do is man up (man up)
[Verse 2]
There are some desperate measures
I don't do it with pleasure
But I have to improvise through
Rain, shine, and weather
I don't need help, I can find my own leverage
Don't need a handout from you people, no never
I better pull myself out the gutter
Prove that I really love 'em
Accept the consequences, eventually you'll recover
I see a future 'bout a mile away
While others make one on the interstate
I'm-ma step up as a man to get my bread and bu*ter
Man up now, it's all or nothin'
Listened to the elders, now the wise runs in me
A boy in a man's shoes, I subside by lifting
Carry the name on my shoulder, I decide with wisdom
Apple doesn't fall far from the tree
The ball is in my court, I think I'm only me
Build your legacy up 'till your work here is done
You just need to man up and make a great run
Whether broken and numb—the point is you've won
[Hook]
I be tryna man up (x2)
There's no place you can run
There's no turning back now
All I can do is man up (man up)