Lessons in what not to become

When I was a kid my daddy got mad
And slammed me against the wall
Sometimes I got shook
Sometimes I got hit for losin' my temper at all

Didn't dare say, look at you, man
Blowin' your stack like that
I hadn't been taught the word hypocrite yet
But I already knew what it meant

This is a lesson in what not to become
Lessons in what not to become
Sometimes that means me can't please everyone
Tryin' to live by a code I can stick to
I'm a fuck up just like you
But it's better than not trying at all

Early on I knew to learn from the mistakes
Of people I most admire
Crazy-ass times wish I was that wild
But the drugs snuffed out the fire

All that talent fried and blackened
Senile at twenty five
I'll never be as dope as you
But at least I'm still alive

Another lesson in what not to become
Lessons in what not to become
For some mouths that's me can't please everyone
Tryin' to live by a code I can stick to
Sometimes it's as easy as
Not lettin' things happen to you

Yeah, your mom and I
Had such a great time when we were your age
Makin' love, gettin' high
Wild in the streets almost every day

But now that you're that age just say nor
But take your Ritalin
If you still turn out wrong
It's all your music's fault

Breaks my heart to see
When someone born to lead
Gets so paranoid they're crazy
Agree with all I say
Or you're the enemy
And there ain't no in between

Drown like Captain Ahab
Trying to slay that great white whale
So tied up in their own rules
People jump ship and they fail

This is a lesson in what not to become
Another lesson in what not to become another lesson
Lessons in what not to become
For some mouths that's me can't please everyone
Tryin' to live by a code
I can stick to I ain't 100% pure