[ J. Sands whispering ] Yo (What?) The Paper Chase (What?) Yo Watch your back, man Because you never ever know where they're at Paper Chase Watch your back Because you never ever know where they're at [ VERSE 1: J. Sands ] For me it's kind of easy when I say these words You deserve what you get and you get what you deserve At any point in time any thing can occurr Cause you never know what he said or she said to her Cause it's all behind your back before you even know the facts Reading you like the constellations of the zodiacs Man, your people do, but when you come through They don't be claimin you say they gamin you Cause the revenue grew Free treats, free pay-per-view should be a clue That the party's over here, throw your hands in the air See, that's when they try to get you Schemin so they can hit you Ski mask in the shadows, creepin to catch you sleepin That out of town stay for the weekend, cats peepin Jealous eyes conspire for your demise Realize that once a man is given a chance, he tries [ CHORUS: J. Sands ] Words from the wise, yo, you analyze that Then you'll see all them cats aimin knives at your back Smilin in your face once you step up in the place Everybody's lined up to race for the paper chase The snakes, the fakes, they do whatever it takes [ VERSE 2: J. Sands ] Aiyo, 'how many of us have them?' How many? When things get real, kid, you're lucky to have any Cause everybody's strugglin to find that extra penny Only a few succeed, so the rest be like 'gimme!' That's why I only roam with my son You take the l out of 'Lone', you'll be left with 'one' Catalyst, the sole controller and the strategist in fact So if you're schemin on my mullah, don't let the kindness fool ya Cause it can be peace but even a peace must cease Like when I saw my man grabbin bills out my fleece Now I'm lookin at my man with my wallet in his hand Yo, I couldn't understand cause we supposed to be fam Now what do I do? Slice him like a honey baked ham? Or stay calm under pressure, be greater than the lesser When lookin at this cat when his paw's on my treasure? Shoulda known better, everybody racin for cheddar That's why I'm tellin you, you can never say never [ CHORUS ] Words from the wise, yo, you analyze that Then you'll see all them cats aimin knives at your back Smilin in your face once you step up in the place Everybody's lined up to race for the paper chase The snakes, the fakes, they do whatever it takes Aiyo, that's wack when them cats be aimin knives at your back Smilin in your face once you step up in the place Everybody's lined up to race for the paper chase The snakes, the fakes, they do whatever it takes [ VERSE 3: J. Sands ] Aiyo, they run up in your place, fatigues and masked face While you're at the table with your family saying your grace In this paper chase this shit can get as high as the stakes Tied up on the living room floor with ductape Can't trust snakes, they slither and slide ???? open wide with all eyes on the prize Scopin just hopin one day they can get you for your tokens Even chickens be flippin, mixin Mickey's in your potion Start provokin like when you come home your safe is broken Lockpit, like who you brought home, a locksmith Black glove, no fingerprints ???? Professional with the nail file Got your jewels, this shit is too wild While you're sittin in court waitin ???? blue trial Out of state with all your cake, what can you do? Better keep a sharper eye on niggas close to you [ CHORUS ] And that's word from the wise, yo, you analyze that Then you see all them cats aimin knives at your back Smilin in your face once you step up in the place Everybody's lined up to race for the paper chase The snakes, the fakes, they do whatever it takes Aiyo, that's wack when them cats be aimin knives at your back When you step up in the placece Everybody's lined up to race for the paper chase So watch your back, cousin