[Intro]
We can't breathe
We can't breathe
We can't breathe
We can't breathe, breathe, breathe, breathe

[Verse 1: DE'WAYNE]
I know you looking for a victim to kill, I know you
I know you looking for a son to steal, I know you
You wanna catch me slipping down on my heels
For a moment to boast and shout, "Look at this n***a I killed"
But what about my rights? What about my life? We ain't equal to them
If they ain't kill us, slamming us down, saw the tape on CNN
Got a call from my mother, "You bet not go outside again"
Got a call from my father like, "Put a damn gun to they head, bang"

[Pre-Chorus 1]
With others oppressed, no one is free
(No one is free)

[Chorus]
When just to brеathe is a dying plea
Your freedom falls only skin deep
Out of reach likе an American Dream
Out of reach like an American Dream
The blue lines cross at demand and need
Raze the statues from the hanging tree
Out of reach like an American Dream
Out of reach like an American
[Post-Chorus]
We can't breathe
We can't breathe
We can't breathe
We can't breathe, breathe, breathe, breathe

[Verse 2]
Well, I'm unbelievably out of breath
I remember inna school that respect wasn't there
Imagine what a fool, I'd step where the other girls stepped
I'd forget that I checked and the step wasn't there
I know underneath another layer lies another liar
Out come the wolves from their wool to deny our rights
Buckle up, watch it take a turn until your luck is up
We got the backup and we'll say their names until you're gone

[Pre-Chorus 2]
With others oppressed, no one is free
(No one is free)

[Chorus]
When just to breathe is a dying plea
Your freedom falls only skin deep
Out of reach like an American Dream
Out of reach like an American Dream
The blue lines cross at demand and need
Raze the statues from the hanging tree
Out of reach like an American Dream
Out of reach like an American
[Bridge]
How long must we wait
For all of this to change?
The fear, the death, the pain
Will it ever go away?
How long must we wait?
How long?
(How long?)

[Chorus]
When just to breathe is a dying plea
Your freedom falls only skin deep
Out of reach like an American Dream
Out of reach like an American

[Outro]
We can't breathe
We can't breathe
We can't breathe
We can't breathe, breathe, breathe, breathe
We can't breathe