Better Get It Right the First Time - Rhiannon Giddens

Always went to school

(Young man was a good man)

Never played the fool

(Young man was a good man)

Never had no drama

(Young man was a good man)

Always took care of his mama

(Young man was a good man)

Hanging with his boys

(Young man was a good man)

Didn’t know he’d made a choice

(Young man was a good man)

Only did it twice

(Young man was a good man)

But now he’s paid the price

Better get it right the first time

Better get it right the first time

Better get it right the first time

Better get it right the first time

(Young man was a good man)

Did you stand your ground?

(Young man was a good man)

Is that why they took you down?

(Young man was a good man)

Or did you run that day?

(Young man was a good man)

Baby, they shot you anyway

Better get it right the first time

Better get it right the first time

Better get it right the first time

Better get it right the first time

We done seen it on the daily, reposting obituary pages

Losing beloveds, they wanna change the subject

It’s nothing new for the blue, is it the who or the hue?

It’s kids watching they fathers die when they pull up the tube

We know enough to be cautious but honestly it’s not simple

Told to reach for yo paper, they think you strapped with a pistol

I was chillin', had nothin' but good intentions

I knew to achieve success had to learn to finesse the system

It was GPAs and test scores, had to be the best for

College my only option, my mama told me to prep for it

So it was kinda tiresome, stress reddenin' my irises

I got the invite to another function like finally

Had to pull up with the homies, only pouring some soda

I keep a clear head, seen enough to know how it goes

But I noticed they getting louder, neighbors complain 'bout the noise

Before I knew it heard someone yell out, «Run, it’s the boys!»

I didn’t know what direction, I hit the curb and I run

Everybody loud ain’t hear 'em, tell me put my hands up

Headed towards the lights someone screamed my name from behind

I guess you better get it right the first time

(Better get it right the first time)