Coronation Masta Ace

[Intro: Woman Talking]
Good evening
I would like to welcome family, friends and faculty
To the 1984 commencement ceremony for Sheepshead Bay High School
To the seniors I want to say: "congratulations"
I know today feels like the end of of a long journey
But it's actually only the beginning
Today is the first day of the rest of your lives

[Verse 1: Masta Ace]
My moms said: "you looked great in your cap and gown"
Life's daring me to fight but I ain't backing down
I got travel plans in minivans and caravans
And 747's but I'll still be coming back around
And while I'm out there, can't act a clown
I won't be on the block, so I don't have to frown
Man, the world so beautiful and colorful
It a be a shame if I only saw black and brown
So I look at my horizons and broaden them
It's so surprising or according to them
I should be dead or incarcerated
Or strung out, but I've come out and of course I made it
Yeah, despite all the naysayers
I just leave it up to God when i say prayers
From this day forward I will vow
To always cut through the bullshit like cake layers
And rise above it all, way above it all
Life can be a mix bad, I gotta love it all
That's what they told me at the podium
Don't let them ever hold you like imodium
Stay loose, be ready when your time come
Stay alert, be ready when the sign come
'Cause you don't wanna miss your calling
Stay in tune while the balloons are in the midst of falling