RELEASED: October 9, 2019
LABEL: Island Records
LINKS: Amazon | Apple Music | Spotify | SoundCloud | Tidal | Deezer
You are about to listen to the mixtape Keep Going.
The mixtape is 52 minutes long and is best listened to front to back with no interruptions.
That means no e-mail, no texts, no phone, etc.
If you do not have 52 minutes of undivided attention to devote
I politely and humbly ask you turn this off and come back at a later time.
By the time you hear this, I will be in the middle of the hardest journey of my life.
That is, I will be walking, yeah, walking, from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean.
I will not fail.
I created this project, these songs, and these affirmations
To remind myself who I am when things get hard.
I hope they can provide you the same strength.
Love
No, no
No, no, no, no
No, no
No, no, no, no
No, no
No, no, no, no
No, no
No, no, no, no
(Verse 1)
Life’s crazy
My parents worried ’bout me
‘Cause I didn’t talk to nobody, just made beats
And now I get paid by the syllable
Gotta thank ’em though, I know it can be difficult
As I tip-toe in and out of zip codes
All on a mission of love, that’s what I live for
I got big dreams, ma, I got big goals
You see my old ones now because I lived those
You got to admit, ma
I told you I was gonna get into Duke and I did, ma
I told you I would get signed and I did, ma
Look at this, ma, look at this, ma
(Interlude)
No, no
No, no, no, no
No, no
No, no, no, no
(Verse 2)
All my friends feel trapped and afraid
I close my eyes and try to imagine a way
To wash all my old patterns away
I had to stop smokin’ ‘cause it scattered my brain
“Fuck bitches” is what my favorite rappers would say
I say there is something beautiful after the pain
After the pain, this can’t be real
Turns out the ladder to fame is a hamster wheel
When we played the Palace, my parents were first row
That’s a feeling that I don’t even have words for
I did my song, went backstage, and drank a Henny bottle
Picked up my phone and then I started texting any model
I used to put a target on every cute face
And keep Plan B pills in my suitcase
“That’s gross, time to grow,” that’s what Ronny said
Man, Willie just called, “Dawg, Ronny’s dead”
I’m tryna stumble to a truer view
I’m noticing the sky is a bluer hue
It’s time to get to work, that’s what doers do
I’m looking in the mirror like, “Who are you?”
Make room for a little sweet love
The Lord is all around you, child
And that’s what you’re made of
Remember: there is a light
And it shines bright just for you
And you can’t cut yourself off from it
No matter what you do
I had a 3.5 at Duke
And I was blowin’ up
Three albums, I got a row of ducks
When my dad was 22
Dawg, he drove a truck
January in Detroit is cold as fuck
You know its tough
But I came this far I ain’t slowin’ up
Livin life with the LeBron James shoulder shrug
One thing you’ll never hear me say is “close enough”
I’m dope as fuck
I lost 2018 to a broken heart
I wrote this whole thing, I know my part
I made a wildfire from a glowing spark
I press go in March, I gotta go and march
All previous conceptions are blown apart
Not everyone can come with me, it’s Noah’s Ark
I ain’t Greg Popovich, I have no remark
These are the type of riches one can only hold in heart
And anyone that’s gone over my history
Knows I ain’t stuck in the mold of the industry
I am walking down a road of epiphanies
Three words: Growth Over Consistency
Back again, they’ve been tapping out McGregor,
I’ve been tapping in,
Livin’ out the dreams I was once just imagining,
It’s happening,
I get so much work done nowadays it’s almost like I have a twin
I can’t just sit on the couch
Shoveling shit in my mouth
I don’t know how I’m gonna walk across this country,
But I know I’m a figure it out
And who knows what I’m gonna do when it’s done
Hopefully, I touch a life: you can be one
I’m not walking to show people who I am,
I’m walking to find out who I become
The people ain’t stupid, they know what’s real
Sometime to get to heaven, we gotta go through hell
And I’m rollin’ deep, no Adele
You can ask World Wide Wes, dawg, he knows me well
My life’s like an instruction manual
How to not be borin’ (not be borin’)
It’s my spirit, my smile
That have got me soarin’ (got me soarin’)
It broke my heart to tell the band
We would not be tourin’ (not be tourin’)
But I just gotta do this (I gotta do it)
I can’t stop explorin’
I was a short lil’ Jewish kid, I ain’t speak much
My whole life is now somethin’ that I’ve dreamed up
With no handout, I look at my heroes…
That’s what I am now
Yoga class headband now
People say I’m off-brand, how?
I am the brand, therefore
Anything I do is on-brand now, I’m on-brand now
People got attached to a version of me
And it hurts when they see a person who’s free
But I’m so grateful for all of these lessons
Twice as much money, half the possessions
No drugs, now the vision’s clear
People mad ‘cause the old me isn’t here
All my gold jewelry just disappeared
That’s the universe tellin’ me to start switchin’ gears
The deeper the human, the deeper the songs
Look at my life, the dream isn’t gone
I saw all of this two years ago
It’s almost like it was me readin’ my poem
People copy but they copywrong
Puttin’ out a bunch of sloppy songs
If I die and the Rockies don’t
Forget to bury me with Petoskey stone
And opportunities keep on poppin’ up
Killer concepts come to me in savasana
This is just an intro, a daydream
The rest comes January 18th
Open your eyes
Make room for a little sweet love
The Lord is all around you, child
And that’s what you’re made of
Remember: There is a light
And it shines bright just for you
You can’t cut yourself off from it
No matter what you do, no
Open your eyes
I know you’re about to go on this journey.
I want you to remember
One foot in front of the other, step by step.
God is with you. He told me.
You’re inspiring the world, you’re doing something
That’s gonna make a difference.
But you know what you really doing?
You’re putting your heart on the line, boy
For something you believe in.
So don’t stop, never stop, never quit.
You can do it, you doin’ it, look at you, kid.
You’re walking across America.
Damn, you a bad motherfucker.
Never stop, keep going.
Never stop, keep doing.
Never stop, keep going.
See you at the finish line, kid.
Dwilly, I’m scared
(Verse 1: Mike Posner)
Walked across Ohio;
Took me 50 days.
I talked to the stars;
They were happy that I came.
Some days I’m a genius;
Others I’m insane.
There is something gorgeous
Underneath the pain.
I can feel it lifting. (Woo!)
I’m feeling good.
I’m thinking ‘bout David
from my old neighborhood.
A warm and perfect white light
in each of my cells.
I used to be a pop singer;
now I am myself, yeah.
(Refrain: Mike Posner)
Take a little time right now just to count my blessings.
Count my blessings, count, count, count.
Take a little time right now just to count my blessings.
Count my blessings, okay.
(Verse 2: Mike Posner)
Okay, even when I’m falling
there’s something underneath;
Something that is perfect,
it’s almost like a dream.
I know Vincent Van Gogh,
I know Princess Di.
And David Foster Wallace,
he calls me all the time.
If I think ‘bout paradise,
I’d imagine this.
No drugs, or no alcohol, cuz
I’m high as it is.
And I don’t want your money;
I am simply done.
I just walked away,
Look what I’ve become.
(Chorus: Mike Posner)
Look what I’ve become (woo, woo).
Look what I’ve become (woo, woo).
Look what I’ve become (woo, woo).
Look what I’ve become.
(Verse 3: Ty Dolla $ign)
Rollin’ through South Central, better watch your ass.
Bars all on my windows,
Pistol on my bed stand.
To live and die in L.A.
Couldn’t make it off of minimum wage.
I had to get the big body Mercedes.
Cop a Rollie, plus one for my lady, my lady.
I always knew I’d be a legend, saw it in my dreams.
I had to keep one eye open, I could barely sleep.
I had to kill them with success like they’re the enemy.
Murder, murder, murder, Lord mercy me.
I stopped smokin’ last year, fuck that started back again.
God don’t make no accidents.
Look what I’ve become, yeah.
Look what I’ve become.
Good morning!
This that alarm clock song.
I made it for you to wake up to.
(Verse 1: Mike Posner)
Ah, you know I came to rip the scene apart.
My whole life is a piece of art.
Oh, and this is just a brushstroke.
Oh, I made it in the biz they said was cutthroat
Oh, I’m gettin’ where I wanna be.
But honestly, I can’t even tell if that’s really where I wanna be.
I’m not a commodity.
I am on an odyssey.
Used to be a wannabe,
Now I’m what I wanted to be. (Woo!)
I’m an underdog, dog, I’m Ralph Nader-ing.
Following my intuition now and that’s a major win.
I’m Taylor Swift, mixed with Ruth Bader Gins.
Liberation is the flavor that I’m savorin’ (it’s mmm).
Fake breasts and makeup, they don’t turn me on.
Life is a game and, yes, the journey’s long.
Growin’ my beard was just like me putting my jersey on.
Coach K saw the light in me early on.
(Interlude: Mike Posner)
Ooh (Oh you don’t believe?)
(Interlude: Coach K)
Mike Posner, boy is he talented. I mean…
(Mike Posner)
That’s from ‘08.
(Coach K)
Yeah, he is so talented.
(Mike Posner)
What up, Nolan!
Jon, go get ‘em! Woo!
(Verse 2: Mike Posner)
We ‘bout to take it to a new level.
Even when I’m sad I give ‘em hell, I’m a Blue Devil.
Her boyfriend wrote a book; I was unimpressed.
I don’t care about her man if it wasn’t Hesse (oh).
I might do Everest, you never know (oh).
And change is like a metronome (oh).
I never read The Untethered Soul.
I already got an untethered soul.
I wasted years trying to become better known.
Right when I gave that up is when I became better known.
Oh, this is that Michigan December flow.
I got two lifetimes worth of ideas in my Evernote (oh).
Old soul, Fender Rhodes.
Complemented outwardly now for my inner glow.
And since I’ve seen,
I changed my look to see who really loves me.
I’m Prince Akeem.
(Interlude: Wiz Khalifa)
See when I was coming up, I was always one of them niggas who did what the fuck I want.
Smokin’ weed on TV wasn’t even cool. Now that shit legal.
So back then, from causing trouble to right now, I’m a muhfuckin’ businessman.
Hahahaha, uh.
(Verse 3: Wiz Khalifa)
Too rich to ever fit in; you wait in front, I get in.
You talk too much, I listen.
You blind, I got the vision.
The day I work for myself, that was the best decision.
You livin’ check to check, I check to see what checks I’m gettin’.
You get no respect until respect is given.
I live with no regret, you regret where you livin’.
Still got the yellow card, we in the house chillin’.
You think the air is on, I’m heir to the throne.
So many diamonds, people stare when I put ‘em on.
But they don’t walk up, my pockets thick like Mrs. Parker.
And I got the Benz parked sparkin’ up.
And I got a 6’4 that’s hard as fuck.
But don’t get in over your head;
Supposed to be stackin’ instead of spending most of your bread.
Don’t get in over your head;
Supposed to be stackin’ instead of spending most of your bread.
I won God’s lottery
And dad’s still watchin’ me
That’s camaraderie, woah, woah, woah
The game ain’t new to me
Ain’t nothin’ they could do to me
I ain’t gotta wear jewelry
I still shine, I still shine on ‘em, woo
Hair curly, I look like Zeus
I’m Omar Epps, I got the juice
I feel like the boss, go tell Bruce
I’m gettin’ close to the truth
(Chorus: Elohim)
I think I got angels watching
My life just keeps on unlocking, oh
I’m gonna make it to the other side
I think I got angels watching
(Verse 2: Mike Posner)
Ladies and gentlemen, Pos’ back with the real
Second meditation, tryna catch me a feel
A little bit of presence is all it took
Beard longer than a David Foster Wallace book
Nothing trumps time ever
Most underrated, Kawhi Leonard
Gheorghe Mureșan, I’m centered
Welcome to the world, fourth trimester
Tom Hanks said I’m dope
Don’t know where I am, but I’m headed home
I might pop up in your city, dawg, you never know
And don’t forget change is like a metronome
And the beard is like war paint
Duke game is my only court date
Outside all year, walkin’ towards fate
My North Face isn’t ornate
They shoulda never let me read Borges
The breakup hit me in a sore place
This is now a one-horse race
Everybody love me like my name is King George Strait, woo
(Chorus: Elohim)
I think I got angels watching
My life just keeps on unlocking, oh
I’m gonna make it to the other side
I think I got angels watching, woah
(Outro: Elohim)
Bada-bada-ba-ba-ba-ba-da
Bada-bada-ba-ba-bada-ba-ba
Mine is Nevets Ocirallat.
Fathom that one.
Anyway, Michael
I just read your fucking list of who can run with you
And what they should think about and you’re brilliant.
Will you be my guru when you get back?
I will rub your feet with oil.
I will anoint your feet after, hahaha, with all the blisters you’re gonna have.
I love you, bro. Um, I love you so much.
I’m gonna be following your ass and you’ll be halfway across America.
And, uh, I’ll be following you, man. I’ll follow you, and…
I love you so much, bye bye.
I can worry, I can overthink things.
That’s exactly when I tend to want to drink things.
Tend to wanna smoke things ‘til I realized there’s no thing outside of me.
That kinda helped me grow wings.
Listen up. I think this is dope:
To love is very different than to own.
Let that sink in.
I grew my hair but never lost my J Dilla vibe.
Airplane mode: don’t kill the vibe.
I had to remind people I was still alive.
I had to remind people of what’s real inside.
Yeah, yeah I’m the ‘I Took a Pill in’ guy.
But even more beautiful with no pill inside.
Feel the vibe?
I wanted to be Deion. I was more Wojciechowski.
My friends gon’ hit the club, I tell ’em go without me.
There’s a lot that these people don’t know about me.
I’ve always been that dude though, no Lebowski (haha stupid).
Old friends never tell me that I seem different.
Ashamed of the way that I used to treat women.
Objectified.
Embarrassed but I’ll never lie.
Mac is dead; many more are dead inside.
Hideous thoughts in this head of mine.
I’ll choose different ones.
Life hit me in the face but I didn’t run.
Perhaps Michigan will be the place my kids are from.
Ram Dass is the man I got the vision from.
It’s alright (yeah).
It’s alright (yeah).
Uh, ay.
I donated all my Jordans.
Didn’t do a post, they were taking up the space that I needed to grow.
That was a Sage Francis line; I stole it,
But there was no better way to say that
There is no future, no time.
Look at yourself; don’t be so bovine.
Courage used to be something that I couldn’t find.
People scared to look at their dreams so they look at mine (yeah).
Whatever makes you feel good inside.
It’s alright.
I was in the gym the other day in Los Angeles.
And I saw all of the beautiful bodies
Running on the treadmills, staring at the screens.
And it reminded me of hamsters running on the wheel.
And that’s when I really decided right then and there
I’m not going to be a hamster on a wheel.
I’m gon’ do it.
Twitter is apoplectic,
Squirrels with acorns.
I said it before:
Ships are safe in the harbor, but that ain’t what ships are made for.
I say I am not my haircut, I’m not my body,
Not my clothes; I’m something much more beautiful,
Deeper than even I know.
Took me thirty years to wake up and write this song.
Took me thirty years to realize nothing is wrong.
Legacy
I can see the future
Legacy
I know who I am
Legacy
I think I can feel my
Legacy
Lega-lega-legacy
(Verse 1: Talib Kweli)
Legacy is when you need no introductions
You walk in the room and everybody start buzzin’
Legacy, when your reputation precedes you
Little kids grow up, they wanna be you
Legacy is when you silent but your presence felt
The product like drugs ‘cause it sell itself
Yeah, you survived many disasters
And now they hang your jersey from the rafters
And see these jokers gettin’ greedier?
Gotta hit the road when the locals don’t believe in ya
My music in museums is timeless as Mona Lisa, bruh
A legacy artist, I don’t need social media
So when you see me online I’m havin’ fun, trust
Unjust situations make me wanna gun-bust
But I’m a man of peace and so I plan to be poetic
With my words to help curb and understand the beast
We keep it all love in the nightclub
They wanna turn the nightclub into the fight club
My life’s blood runs deeper than a knife cut
This the crack that the dope boys slice up
My lyrics sound scary to the corporate sellers
I’m like ‘97 Rockafella but more Griselda
My observations make your heart stop like organ failure
So they think that I could see the future like a fortune teller
(Chorus: Mike Posner)
Legacy
I can see the future
Legacy
I know who I am
Legacy
I think I can feel my
Legacy
Lega-lega-legacy
(Verse 2: Mike Posner)
Heat-check, deep breath
I give all my love to ya, baby, Keith Sweat
Gimme 20 more miles, I don’t need rest
I’m halfway to goals I haven’t even dreamed yet
And I don’t need money, I need faith
People thinking that I’m some sort of DJ
But I’m a poet and a man and a troubadour
I’m divine light hidden in a human form
It doesn’t matter what you do, it’s what you do it for
There are some places that you can’t take an Uber toward
Love people, keep a brave heart
Don’t make guns, make art
I got Sequoia trees cheerin’ me on
Where ever I am is where I belong
Some of my fam’ is buried and gone
I’m tryna learn more things I can share in my songs
Like life is a curtain that hides the divine
You can peek behind that when you quiet the mind
I rely on something that’s stronger than me
And all my songs will live much longer than me
That’s
(Chorus: Mike Posner)
Legacy
I can see the future
Legacy
I know who I am
Legacy
I think I can feel my
Legacy
Lega-lega-legacy
Good job, 1st
(Verse 1: Mike Posner)
I fell in love with a sunset
I fell in love with a cloud
I don’t remember how I got here
I just know I’m lookin’ down
It’s fun up here, feelin’ real good
Man, it’s fun up here, I’m feelin’ real good
I fell in love with my damn self
My freckles and my back (My freckles and my back)
I fell in love with the whole world
I know it loves me back
That’s why it put me high
It’s fun up here, feelin’ real good
It’s fun up here, I’m feelin’ real good
I’m just slidin’ down a rainbow, got a lotta leg room
I’m lookin’ for my pot of gold (I’m lookin’ for my pot of gold)
I know I’ll get it soon
Uh, I got lovin’ in my blood, man, I’m feelin’ real yummy
John Hamilton and Attaman, I’m keepin’ good company
How come a pair of eyes is pretty and a rainy day is ugly?
Man, I ain’t got nothin’, so you can’t take nothin’ from me
‘Cause it’s fun up here, and I’m real good
You know it’s fun up here, I’m feelin’ real good
(Verse 2: Logic)
Yeah, uh
I woke up today in a mansion
I’m seven out of ten handsome
But my talent make me a tenant, so
Kick you to the curb, Ted Danson
Chillin’ in a droptop, pedal to the high top
My studio is a hotbox
No baby, don’t stop, no baby, don’t drop
Can’t see these haters like a Bird Box
Livin’ on food stamps, dyin’ on welfare
Dyin’ and I had no healthcare
Wake up blessed everyday, life’s slippin’ away
And I’m actin’ like I don’t care
I got a job, I got a bed, I got a beautiful home, I ain’t dead
I got a mind of my own, I’m richer than money
Oh yeah, boy, you heard what I said
Money can’t fill your heart (No)
Money can’t fill your heart (No, no, no, no)
Money can’t fill your heart
Money can’t fill your heart (No, no, no, no)
Money can’t fill your heart
Money can’t fill your heart (No, no, no, no)
Money can’t fill your heart
Only love can fill your heart, only fill your heart
(Outro: Mike Posner)
It’s fun up here, feelin’ real good
It’s fun up here, feelin’ real good
Yo, Mike, it’s Uncle Bun.
Yo, man, I just wanna congratulate you, man.
You know, this walk across America
It’s really ambitious, it’s not gonna be easy
But it’s absolutely possible.
You have everything you need inside of you to accomplish this.
You know, ‘cause if you’re going uphill, that means you get a view, you know?
So enjoy the view.
We love you, Mike, stay strong, and good luck.
(E-40)
Ayy, what’s happening, Mike?
Man, what’s happening with you, family?
This E-40, man.
Just, um, just wishing you well, man, on your journey, man, and
Whatever you do, don’t, don’t give up, brother.
Keep your head up, man.
‘Preciate you, man.
Good luck with everything.
Much love. Four-oh, man.
Alright
Right now
(Verse 1)
I’m in prison and I think I built my own cell
Prophets speak softly, homie, they don’t yell
Only those that hear my music know my lower depths
The doer does, the knower rests
The scholar learns, the sage forgets
If I could wrap my head around it, then I might get a shot
I get what I think about, whether I like it or not
When things go wrong, life doesn’t stop
I need to quit pollutin’ my mind with sex and violence
The secret that I’m seekin’ was left in silence
And my microphone is pointin’ God’s finger
I’m a saint disguised as a pop singer
Here’s a fun fact
Most people leave their potential untapped
There will be more than camping gear to unpack
Sometimes, you gotta go there just so you could come back
(Chorus)
Slow it down
I still got the feeling, baby
Slow it down
No more runnin’ around
I say, slow it down
I still got the feeling, baby
Slow it down
No more runnin’ around
(Verse 2)
My foot hurts, I didn’t get sleep
My dad died, my horoscope ain’t in sync
I’m misunderstood and Twitter is ruthless
Uh oh, I think my problems are excuses
For not bein’ who I know I am
I’m 31, there’s no one left to hold my hand
Though I believe I got someone watchin’ over me
I believe I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be
I believe that even when the road is bleak
That these obstacles were set up just for me
And family matters, I’m on some Urkel shit
Posner on a Primo beat, this some full circle shit
I believe that no matter how high the hurdles get
I can flip this whole thing into an internal win
Life ain’t meant to be a heavy thing
Met Ram Dass, he told me, “Just love everything”
Fall in Michigan, there’s wisdom in my loose leaf
For the first time, I feel like the true me
(Chorus)
Slow it down
I still got the feeling, baby
Slow it down
No more runnin’ around
I say, slow it down
I still got the feeling, baby
Slow it down
No more runnin’ around
(Verse 3)
Some days, I can’t get outta bed
Crippled by negative thoughts inside my head
Like, why do I always stop before my limits?
And why am I only good at lovin’ people from a distance?
Why am I so vain, obsessed with fitness?
Why are the only people I’m around my assistants?
But wait, the last time I felt this way
I bucked up, kept goin’, and got my shit straight
Diddy told me go with my heart
So my focus is art, not where I go on the chart
The divine light in me loves to glow in the dark
If my life was a movie, we’d be approaching the part
Where the hero wins and learns don’t
Chase what you already got and returns home
Those who say, don’t know, those who know, don’t say
I’m done walking with the herd, it’s time I go my own way
(Chorus)
Slow it down
I still got the feeling, baby
Slow it down
No more runnin’ around
I say, slow it down
I still got the feeling, baby
Slow it down
No more runnin’ around
Yeah
Dear God, life, love, the universe
Whatever name you like to use
We ask that you allow tonight to be another one of our best shows
We’re grateful for what we get to do
Please allow the lights to be perfect, the sound to be perfect
And my fingers to hit all the right keys
I remember writing all these little songs in my notebook
And now these people pay to see me
That’s just crazy, you must admit
Before that first deal, before those hits
Tone and I would wrap our arms around each other backstage
And Big Sean would say words like this
I didn’t understand though, mama raised me a atheist
Which is fine, but I now think maybe it’s
More to life than the things you can touch and feel
To me, God’s just life and love, it’s real
Not a old white man in the sky
That’s how I used to think about it, but it didn’t feel right
It’s 9:08, we getting kinda late, so we open up our eyes and say
(Chorus)
Amen (Amen)
For the life, the love, the spirit
Amen (Amen)
For the things my eyes don’t see
Amen (Amen)
For the ones no longer with us
Amen (Amen)
Please say a prayer for me
(Verse 2)
Dear Jesus, Allah, Krishna, Buddha
Whatever name you like to say
Please grant your heavenly love and sweet peace
To the family of Jessica Jo May
Six years ago, she wrote me and said she was my biggest fan
And she wouldn’t go to sleep if I didn’t hit her back
So I said, “Thanks, boo, go to sleep, you got school”
A friendship started, but ended too soon
Just a child, she used to tweet me every day
Draw me little pictures, say “I hope you feel okay”
I bet she never knew that I was going through some shit
My family was pissed at me and I almost quit
On that November night ‘til I saw what she tweeted
“Keep making good music,” that was just what I needed
You know I never even told her “Thank you,” and I don’t know why
‘Cause on August 26th, Jessica died
I never thought that some fan on Twitter
Would give me a broken heart, but Lord, I miss her
When you opening the gates up, don’t forget her
And save me a spot; soon, I’ll be right there with her
(Chorus)
Amen (Amen, amen)
For the life, the love, the spirit
Amen (Amen)
For the things my eyes don’t see
Amen (Amen)
For the ones no longer with us
Amen (Amen)
Please say a prayer for me
(Verse 3)
Dear Ra, Jehova, Dao, Brahma
Whichever name that you prefer
My big sister is a real light in the world
So yes, Lord, this is for her
I used to think she was crazy
All that hippie shit that she was on
Tying yourself to trees, man, I thought it was wrong
While I was flying ‘round the world tryna get famous
You volunteered in New Orleans when the hurricane hit
Helping displaced kids
And people interview me while she remains nameless
Hmm, I didn’t always get it
You lived in such a bad hood that I was afraid to visit
Uh, but on the side of your crib
You started a garden for all them little kids
And you taught ‘em to grow fruits and veggies for they families
And here I am, worrying about a GRAMMY
I’ll never forget that February night
I was in the studio with J. Cole, they were prepping the mic
You hit me with that text saying we needed to speak
I thought you were pregnant, I was prepping a speech
But it was something different that you had to say
Michael, I’m in love with a woman, I’m gay
Searching for the words in my head
When I found ‘em, this is what I said
“I just want you to know that I love you
That’s no matter what, Mom and Dad do too
And I got your back until my last day
And the universe does too,” that’s why I say
(Chorus)
Amen (Amen)
For the life, the love, the spirit
Amen (Amen)
For the things my eyes don’t see
Amen (Amen)
For the ones no longer with us
Amen (Amen)
Please say a prayer for me
What I want you to remember is to take care of yourself first.
That you can stop doing this if you want.
If it’s not working out for you, or it’s just too hard, or if you just decide it’s too much.
You can take longer if you want, you can do it and stop…
…and start up again.
Um, I think it’ll be an experience for you that you’ll never forget.
Probably will be life-changing.
I think it’s going to be very hard on your body.
I think you’re gonna be, um, shocked at how difficult it is.
But I applaud you for trying it, I’m really excited for you.
And like Aunt Becky says, “Nobody gets hurt.”
So just be safe, and I love you.
(Verse 1)
It’s hard to explain what I got the vision for
It’s almost like I’m tryna sing a hidden note
And I can’t even get it out, though it’s it my throat
I get so frustrated, I feel like a misanthrope
I start feeling like my whole life isn’t dope
And I’ve ruined everything with what I didn’t know
Then some shit my father told me starts hitting home
What the fuck am I even here livin’ for?
I miss my friends, we don’t talk as much as we used to
I’m too busy checking on YouTube and scrolling on IG
I tend to get glued to various distractions as my life floats by
Have I just been checked out the whole time?
I spend 85% of it online
And for the things that really matter I got no time (No time)
But wait, if I can get myself out of this broke mood
Then maybe all my listeners could have hope too
Yeah, that’s what I’m gon’ do
I become who I am from all the shit I go through
(Chorus)
Keep walkin’
If I could write my name across the sky for all to see, then I would
If I could bring myself to understand what you are, then I would
And I would if I could, if I could, then I would
And I would if I could, if I could, then I would
And I would if I could, if I could, then I would
And I would if I could, if I could, then I would, and I would
(Verse 2)
I’m a butterfly flyin’ through a broken sky
God servin’ me truth, and I’m open wide
It takes courage to be still and go inside
I’m on a tip of liberation, watch me toe the line
When yoga pose hits a yoga pose
A part of me that I really hate showin’ shows
You get a taste from my post of quotes
But my inner growth is something no one knows
And I hope it shows
In my eyes, in my music, in my vibe, in my kindness
And in my stride, in the grand art piece that is my life
And again, this is just a brush stroke
You’ve been running long enough, child, come home
Break it down, universe means one song
You wanna taste life, swim into the unknown
I know that I did my best
I’m not designed to eat, sleep, sit, and text
My thirty-first year is a vision quest
I know the answer that I’m lookin’ for isn’t sex
And it isn’t money, isn’t fame
It’s something much deeper than I can explain
And this verse is just a finger pointin’ toward the trail
Soon you gonna have to walk it for yourself
(Chorus)
Keep walkin’
If I could write my name across the sky for all to see, then I would
If I could bring myself to understand what you are, then I would
And I would if I could, if I could, then I would
And I would if I could, if I could, then I would
And I would if I could, if I could, then I would
And I would if I could, if I could, then I would, and I would
(Outro)
If you could give a wish to future Mike when he sets off on his walk in a few months, what would that be?
I wish you remember this is what you wanted.
This is, this is what you wanted.
I understand intellectually there are gonna be terrible moments on this journey
Where I wanna give up, where my body hurts, where I’m thinking
“Why the heck did I choose to do this? This was so stupid.”
And the reason you chose to do it
Was to feel what you’re feeling right now
And decide to keep going
