Photograph (feat. Emi Meyer)

I keep a photograph
See that perfect smile on us
In the frame there is no pain
But I still love you when it rains
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh

They say a pic is worth a thousand words
Here's a penny for ya thoughts mixed in with some nouns and verbs
I know it sounds absurd, but opportunity is just around the curb
Don't blow it like a pound of herb
We've all overcame some shit that we don't deserve (no)
If it don't put you in the dirt first, then come back stronger
Some will do it for the 'Gram or just for likes and follows (uh)
But understand you can get these hands or catch these hollows (uh-huh)

Life is short, take a photo, make it last longer (last longer)
Live in the moment if you can, just avoid the drama (avoid the drama)
Photographs from my childhood sent from my momma (momma)
Remind me of a past with some crazy summers
All my cousins sleepin' over, me in plaid pajamas
Apologies for my reminiscin', I'm just bein' honest
Lookin' at the younger me and how I made the promise
Success was on my conscious, every moment was the fondest

I keep a photograph
See that perfect smile on us
In the frame there is no pain
But I still love you when it rains
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh

She look back and see our young smiles
Mama hug me, she hold, she scared to lose her middle child
I see pictures where I'm hidin' frowns
My hero's are not around, I'm a hero now, how that sound?
We all fightin' though the day like some nine-to-fivers
Middle class run the country, we the true survivors
I love America despite its past
It's just really disappointin' to see us arguin' over wearin' masks

I might've lost a few followers just because I'm vaxxed
But you don't care how I'm doin', so why you even ask?
She look back and see our young smiles
My wife hug me, she told me would've love to have my only child
I'm seein' pictures where I'm hidin' frowns
My hero's not around, I'm a hero now, how that sound?
I keep on waitin' for the right time to call my lifeline
If you hear me, need you right now

I keep a photograph
See that perfect smile on us
In the frame there is no pain
But I still love you when it rains
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh (yeah), oh, oh, oh, oh

What would life be like without Nappy? I wonder myself
Wouldn'a heard about the country and the wonderful tales (uh-huh)
Been down four strong, positive Black males
Who handcuffed Lightnin', throwed Thunder in jail? (Come on)
Who else gon' teach the youngin's keep the guns on the shelf?
Go to college get some knowledge, share some of the wealth
Who else gon' help you up when life punch you under the belt?
And when you get on top, who gon' tell you humble yourself? (Uh)

Move subtle, keep 'em mumblin' under they breath
You gon' be lookin' fresh to death while they bummy AF (yeah)
And they gon' wanna ask for a photograph
Or a autograph, though you outta laugh, you gonna say "yup"
Take a picture so it last long, stuntin' in Kentucky fashion
And I'm handsome, you should cut the flash on
Must've lost about thousand pictures in my last phone
Stumblin' up out the club, should've took my ass home

I keep a photograph
See that perfect smile on us
In the frame there is no pain
But I still love you when it rains
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh