Walkin' five blocks every day to earn my keep   It ain't easy when you're walkin' on these streets   Runnin' on a tightrope it's a real thin line   Thinkin' that you might die this time   Some things will never change, a street education   So close yet so far, just a block from the station   Standin' on the corner, I might get taken out   Five blocks to the subway, just five blocks away   Five blocks to the subway, I can do that any day   There's a local wise guy he owns the whole damn block   It's easy doin' business when you're payin' off the cops   Makin' money pushin' drugs wouldn't stop if he could   Killin' kids in his own damn neighborhood   Watch out for muggers and the pickpockets beware   You get to play these games when you pay transit fare   Trials and tribulations, a journey made each day   This is my reality,the hardest game to play   Standin' on the platform and I'm waiting for the train   Good thing I'm underground, now it's startin' to rain   Always stand alone, hold the wall up with my back   Or else you might get pushed on to the tracks