Prince and the New Power Generation
Things Have Gotta Change (Tony M Rap)
[Verse 1: Tony M.]
The time is now, take the chance
Get on top, you will cop, winner takes all
As we dance to the
Rhythm of the cream beat
Never will you see me drowning in
A pool of self-pity
So as I ooze with the flow
Here we go, and if you gimme an end
So take a little mo'
The army of the brothers shall overcome
Bring in a crash from the drums

[Chorus: Tony M.]
Things have gotta change
Get on top, you will cop, ho!
Everybody, things have gotta change
Cream
Get on top, you will cop
Boogie

[Verse 2: Tony M.]
Although the times have changed
Some things remain
I say love thy neighbor, and I'll kick him if he ain't got the game
The rules of desire read double standards
And if you're weak in the game
That's somethin' that you'll die for
[Chorus: Tony M.]
Yeah, come on, get on top, you will cop, ho!
Cream
Everybody, things have gotta change!
Get on top, you will cop
Boogie

[Verse 3: Tony M.]
Like MLK of yesterday, who died to keep a dream alive
Funny, but it seems like he died in vain
'Cause as I look around, I see we ain't learned shit
And if the words are sticking, then hit me with it
'Cause you've gotta be true to yourself
Do the best you can with the hand you've been dealt
You see, I wouldn't have it any other way
'Cause it's part of the game we play

[Chorus: Tony M.]
Come on
Cream
Yeah, things have gotta change!
Boogie
Get on top, you will cop, ho!
Cream
Everybody, things have gotta change!
Yeah, get on top
[Verse 4: Tony M.]
The army of the brothers shall overcome
And never succumb to the hum-drum
Saving the key to person's brain, no!
Free your mind and your ass will follow
You've got to stand strong
And never count down
To a sucker with a closed mind
Walkin' the thin line
Still livin' the days of the breadline
Since this is the 90's
Reach a little higher
NPG, take it to the wire
Cream

[Chorus: Tony M.]
Yeah, things have gotta change!
Boogie
Yeah, get on top, you will cop, ho!
Cream
Everybody, things have gotta change!
Boogie
Yeah, get on top, you will cop, ho!

[Verse 5: Tony M.]
Is today just another replay of yesterday?
A country in disarray, discrimination a mainstay
I'm not naive, that's why I contemplate
If that's truly the faith
Then there's no time to waste
So let's get ready to go the length, on the strip
We're prospering together as one in this environment
[Chorus: Tony M.]
Yeah, come on, things have gotta change!
Boogie
Yeah, get on top, you will cop, ho!
Cream
Everybody, things have gotta change!
Boogie
Yeah, get on top, you will cop, ho!
Cream

[Outro: Tony M.]
Boogie
Cream
Boogie
Cream
Everybody, things have gotta change!
Get on top, you will cop, ho!
Cream
Everybody, things have gotta change!
Get on top, you will cop, ho!
Cream