Compared to What - John Legend, The Roots

I love this life and life the love

A-Hangin' on, with push and shove

Possession is the motivation

That is hangin' up the God-damn nation

Looks like we always end up in a rut (everybody now!)

Tryin' to make it real — compared to what?

C’mon baby!

Slaughterhouse is killin' hogs

Twisted children killin' frogs

Poor dumb rednecks rollin' logs

Tired old lady kissin' dogs

I hate the human love of that stinking mutt (I can’t use it!)

Try to make it real — compared to what?

C’mon baby now!

The President, he’s got his war

Folks don’t know just what it’s for

Nobody gives us rhyme or reason

Have one doubt, they call it treason

We’re chicken-feathers, all without one nut.

God damn it!

Tryin' to make it real — compared to what?

(Sock it to me)

Church on Sunday, sleep and nod

Tryin' to duck the wrath of God

Preacher’s fillin' us with fright

They all tryin' to teach us what they think is right

They really got to be some kind of nut (I can’t use it!)

Tryin' to make it real — compared to what?

Where’s that bee and where’s that honey?

Where’s my God and where’s my money?

Unreal values, crass distortion

Unwed mothers need abortion

Kind of brings to mind ol' young King Tut (He did it now)

Tried to make it real — compared to what?!

(Music break)

Tryin' to make it real — compared to what?