A Single by Erinem (Released 03.24.2023)
Use the player below to listen while you read!
HOOK ONE
Sometimes all the talk it combines
When it gets in my mind, It’s like I’m living in a madhouse
Hardships, you don’t wanna solve shit
Just smoke yourself unconscious, It’s like I’m living in a madhouse
Heartless, they’ll sell you on a promise
But no one’s ever honest
‘Cause I’m
Living in a madhouse
Living, living,
Living, living,
Living, living
Living in a madhouse
VERSE ONE
I’d toast your success
But I’m all out of bread I won’t try to flex I’ll boast when I’m fed
You say you’re up next
And with all of that said
You can’t be the greatest
‘Til after I’m dead And let’s just confess It’s not like they said A few wear the crown But none get a head You were misled
Stalled when we all shoulda sped
Gotta re-tire just spinning our tread
Spending your bread just for the cred
A system existing to keep you in debt
And I’ve heard enough no’s I insist on a yes I followed the pros And went right off a ledge I don’t wanna doze
I’m resisting a rest I borrowed the clothes And I learned from the best
And I Kobayashi the test I wore every hat, but needed a vest I added the stabs I shortened my beats I added the hats The tempo increased So many wheels who needed the grease
I stayed in my lane and tried not to beef
I adapted my bars I rapped in their flows Engaged on the gram
When fans said hello
I shook every hand And smiled at my foes I dined with the suits I laughed at their jokes I sat with execs Who passed me the check
Even knowing I’m broke
They want me sedated I pass on the smoke No inhalation With my aspiration It’s no wonder I choked
HOOK TWO
Sometimes all the talk it combines
When it gets in my mind, It’s like I’m living in a madhouse
Hardships, you don’t wanna solve shit
Just smoke yourself unconscious, It’s like I’m living in a madhouse
Heartless, they’ll sell you on a promise
But no one’s ever honest
‘Cause I’m
Living in a madhouse
Living, living,
Living, living,
Living, living
Living in a madhouse
VERSE TWO
What’s the worth if these words don’t have purpose?!
If I just use what fits then I’m just not a wordsmith! You can teach me the tempo and hope that it sticks
Hope I rap like Megan who just chokes on a dick! (Ahh)
Feels like this box gets impossibly smaller
Feels like I’m still getting shoved into lockers! All these rules confining me I’ll finely shake ‘em off Mother fucking sheep just wanna keep me with the flock!
So many snakes under these new leaves I’m turning I’m starting to feel like I’m playing Steve Irwin I’m wanting a deal and I’m stalking Steve Berman
I’m starting to reel counting every conversion They want a Shaquille, a more General version A cog in the wheel but they got a spokesperson And it takes a certain person to bear the burden Of knowing when to get up, go, and close the curtain
What can I do? Yes, I picked up the clues I’m sitting there sweating They’re betting I’ll lose I’m getting the stares from the ties and the suits
There’d be nothing but air if the lies were reduced I know every angle I know how they cruise I’m working the long game
Their hypotenuse
With that liquor problem and ghost author too
Don’t be alarmed if you only get booze (boo's) Hype and confuse, look at them fighting for views
They insist I fit in, then they say “follow suit” I’m trying my best, show up in sweats and a noose
Fuck it, I’m just a duck playing goose Don’t gotta tell me about paying my dues You’re forcing a curfew on a recluse I’m not trying to make peace
I was flipping the deuce
‘Cause when you got nothing
There’s nothing to lose
OUTRO
Living, living Living, living Living, living Living in a madhouse
Living, living Living, living Living, living Living in a madhouse
(c). Erin Emily Wheeler, 2023.
Music & Lyrics by Erin Emily Wheeler