Justin Aswell - How to Make it in America lyrics

[Intro: Headcase] I got a question, yo What does it take for someone like me to make it America? I see so many people out here struggling So I'm wondering if anybody knows... [Verse One: Headcase] The sun rises on another apathetic morning As I awake from the dream that I've been exploring Once again, I'll be performing on the stage of deception Not receiving any praise or affection, it raises the question In my life, where did I go wrong? I could have reached the top but my struggle was prolonged Now I'm stuck working this menial job for minimum wage I smile at customers, holding in my venom and rage To live out your dream and shine is the ultimate high But I chased that dragon for so long, I can't remember why I wanted to live the 'Glamour Life' that Pun dreamed of Til I found out its just some bullsh** Hollywood schemed up Luxury rap convinced us being wealthy is what's important These kids would rather 'die enormous than live dormant' But they're in for a rude awakening When they're stuck with a poor position that's easy to get complacent in Its not like this life is inescapable, we're fully capable But these jobs try to scare you, saying you're replaceable So you try to stay content with barely living check to check It's depressing, so let me ask this question: [Hook: Headcase](2x) What does it take to make it in America? If anyone knows the answer, it should be shared with us The working cla** will always have their grievances (the American Dream) you have to be asleep to believe in it [Verse Two: Headcase] My homey Laz once rapped about something like this But I never realized how true it really is I graduated community college with nothing to show for Cause every road I tried to take lead to a closed door It seems you can't do sh** with an a**ociate's degree From my experience, the whole process is odious to me Cause if I find a good job, I'll be denied my destination "You're under qualified, you should pursue a higher education" So now I'm in my mid twenties, in school again Balanced with a awful job where I'm only making sh** money And most people don't understand my purpose They tell me its a waste of time and that college is worthless Yeah, I'm a talented emcee with rhymes galore But I'm also a student with a job and no time to tour A diploma doesn't represent knowledge gained, just money spent But for me, its the only thing right now that makes sense [Hook](2x) [Verse Three: Cyrano Sinatra] American dreams, bought with American schemes If your team's got a goal, it should be going for cheese (mouse trap) she's got a college degree but no job (how's that?) she's getting down on her knees for bl**jobs In the back of the backpacker's van, capitalism is high (what?) They got us fooled, we've been taught to be living a lie (what?) If you don't hustle hard, 24/7 You'll be in the Slammer rag, Crime watch at 11:00 It's a brand new day but it's the same old thing Who got an Iphone? I'm still waiting for freedom to ring (haha) Success is a hard test when you ain't got all the answers And the pendulum be swaying like them Reggaeton dancers You can bet your bottom dollar, you know I'mma bear, black Nobody living in America is guaranteed jack In the trap, they be going for gold But in a working cla** home, a pink slip might be the end of the road And how's that? [Hook](2x) [Outro] Headcase/Steady Flow collboration Cyrano Sinatra, Sharp Cuts