Hiding your pain behind a smile
Trying to be normal Always seen as weird
Whatever that means just want to be free
Took one for the team the team player
The team took for themselves
Standing tall taking on the agony
Not one to quit but it's overwhelming
Slowing down barely getting
Gave it to God can't win this alone
This battle taken its toll yet to lose faith
Showing love most consumed by hate
Cried in bed to fall a sleep
Shedding tears overcome fears

If he died he had the girl he loved once
His first day was perfect in his heart
A moment that makes him smile
His first time making the moment count
Once that came to an end
Making it hard to love again
Everything lost hype no longer a rush
He became closed off empty inside
Dating with a hollow heart was wrong
The girl who loved him was obsessed
A failed relationship accused of cheating
She wasn't the one but persistent
Never left got use to one another
Threatened by her mother it was over
No one approved it wasn't meant to be
She cheated blamed him for her actions
She lied expected him to be honest
It was over never gonna happen again
Never had a first date ended up together
She tried to force the moment
It wasn't natural or real faking it through

Over all the physical pain
Can't block it out anymore
Trying to be focused live in the moment
Be present over being distracted
Be around family on borrowed time
Show love to the right people
Holding back because of the wrong
Not the one who got away
Never been the one just walking alone
She moved on got married to her one
Just trying to be friends without guilt
Not into mixed signal or games
Mixed emotions are confusing
Being the other guy doesn't settle well
A side guy not here to do right
When she keeps doing wrong

always been a lover in a deep fight
Minding this mouth, that's why I write
I don't need your approval LMB (let me be)
I'm never going to compromise myself
Give up on myself to be liked to be accepted
Friends become enemies left in the past
I'll always love family but doing my own thing
It's sad how tragedy brings everyone together
Grandpa was the glue I love and miss you
Now everyone is divided, holding a grudge
I've never been a materialistic one to help others
Always valued family time now
It's always awkward from traditions to an emotionless gesture

Fell out with friends use to be close
It doesn't mean, I don't love is over
Miss them moments when we'd hang
Sometimes the pride changes everything
Ego kills friendship no forgiveness
Numbs the love between people
Buds become enemies divided by a grudge
The safe space becomes a war zone
Wrote the drama down reflected life
If we could talk one more time
Grab a burger catch up forget the BS
Life is hard how's it treating you
Felt like a protector had to take a step back
I'm proud watch you grow from a distance
Walked away you don't need me anymore
Learned to be okay with that crazy

Artie was at his friend's house hanging out. When his cousin showed up and said "come with me." His cousin said "your brother they shot him, he didn't make it." The world around him went dark, he couldn't hear anything.
He told his friend he was leaving, and his friend told him, "if you need anything call me."
The ride home was quiet and awkward, he didn't know, how to feel, or what to say. He wanted to cry but didn't want to be weak. He knew his tears wouldn't bring back his brother. Things would never be the same it was a dark time.
Many factors chipped away at his heart and spirit. During this his mom would act the fool being intoxicated acting the fool. Making it about herself she had other child.
He knew it was difficult for a parent to bury their child but her bad behavior did not help. It would lead to her losing her children. Taken away by social workers and they were placed in a foster home. Divided ending up with family members.
Artie was the oldest pursuing his college education would be distracted not able to focus or concentrate.
His family divided in a relationship with a person; who was not the one, but he was one of many.
He felt his life was coming together but eventually crumbled down. He would survive being better than where he came from. Even though his hometown was part of his heart. He wanted to start over new escape this nightmare be free from it all. Have a normal family whatever that is. Be in love a relationship with the right person. He prayed to be free of the blame he placed on himself.

Ray would ask his coworker "why me?" Zoe response would be "why not?" Ray would vent bounce ideas of zoe. It helped him grow and come to terms with things because Ray's life wasn't bad but things got out of control. He liked a girl that moved on but never gave him a chance. Saying to himself, she would regret that day. He had dreams and goals trying to utilize his talents within.
Everyone told him it couldn't be done seen him as crazy, but they never tried why did their opinion matters why did they care.
Ray wanted to write comedy and loved MMA he saw contradiction in them. He realized he wouldn't be able to fight/compete his whole life. He'd come back to it doing things people didn't understand, but he didn't get others visions or hidden agendas. Tired of changing for others; while they made no effort to accept his perspective.
It feels like a rap battle he knew how to argue and debate while others make it personal and insult your being since they didn't have a steady foundation.