VERSE 1
Granddaddy’s name was Jimmie, Grandpapa’s name was Wilson
Both of ‘em serious. Also silly as Leslie Nielsen
‘Specially Jimmie. Funniest dude I ever met
If he was jonein’ you, that shit would rival Richard Pryors best
And I was barely six, behind the ears soaken wet
Aggy. Not known him crackin’ at me was how he loved me. YES!
If you was alive I swear I’d strive to make you laugh.
All the folks you split in half...I know that’s how I’d (Pay you back!)
Jimmie loved ladies. Was faithful - most his life.
Had a falling out with Ma about his mistress when the sickness took his wife
Observing Jimmie I became a flirt
Much to the chagrin of my girl, every chic, precious pearl and dame that I’ve hurt
Whupped me when I lied. Said “A guys word, he keeps
‘Cause if a mans word ain’t nan - he shouldn’t drop his jaw to speak”
Died of cancer still laughin’. At what I’ll never be sure
But what I know is that if I become half the man that you were maybe I’ll...


CHORUS
(Pay You Back) I can’t
(Pay You Back) No way that I can
(Pay You Back) But I promise you
(Pay You Back) I can’t
(Pay You Back) I know I’ll never
(Pay You Back) Still I promise to
(Pay You Back) I can’t
(Pay You Back) No way I’ll ever
(Pay You Back) But I swear it too
‘Cause I. O. U.


VERSE 2
Grandpapa’s name was Wilson, Granddaddy’s name was Jimmie
Both proud family men who couldn’t fix their mouths to say gimme
‘Specially Wilson - O.G. model of the self made
Man with a well played
Plan as he Hell raised!
Damnation! Preacher of higher education
Went from teachin’ at all, to principal to school board chairman
Kinda reminded me of Michael Corleone in his chair, man
Legs crossed. The Boss - “Never put anything before the fam”
Highly decorated World War II veteran, played the better man
Even when unfit white boys were promoted ahead of him
See, Wilson was hard-headed, razor-sharp witted
Authentic, when he smiled - Wow! That’s probably where I get it
And Aunt Loretta forgave him for suggesting Cousin Raymond
Be adopted. A child born out of wedlock for him was awkward
My Pop wept when his father died. Barely 5’9” but a giant in our eyes
Long as I’m alive, I swear to God I’m gonna...


CHORUS
(Pay You Back) I can’t
(Pay You Back) No way that I can
(Pay You Back) But I promise you
(Pay You Back) I can’t
(Pay You Back) I know I’ll never
(Pay You Back) Still I promise to
(Pay You Back) I can’t
(Pay You Back) No way I’ll ever
(Pay You Back) But I swear it too
‘Cause I. O. U.


VERSE 3
My Pops - they called him Phil. Ma - her name was Deloris
They fell in love in a rush, in fever, they couldn’t believe it. They married, of course
Honeymoons over. Then comes fightin’ and yellin’ and screamin’ till they were hoarse
Phil and Deloris move to Decatur then 7 years later, they got divorced
Two little black boys - left like latch key kids to pick up the pieces
Mama found rage and depression to cope. Forgiving him? Nope! So Papa found Jesus
Guess he had too many demons. Ma had so many issues. Too many reasons why
Surprised they stayed together this long, kept on for so many seasons
Older son watching the younger one threw off the gloves
Hit him the first time the younger one stole, beat him the first time he caught him with drugs
Pushed and he shoved. Punched him until there was blood. Naw, he never gave hugs
Makin’ him tougher than leather, that’s how the older son showed the younger one love
Parents, Big Brother and Younger wish they could spin it back and restart
But it’s okay, like Big Boi and Dre would say “Storytellings an Art”
When it got dark and they were scarred, they never fell completely apart
The cuts were sharp but thanks to them I got this bulletproof heart
I.O.U.


CHORUS
(Pay You Back) I can’t
(Pay You Back) No way that I can
(Pay You Back) But I promise you
(Pay You Back) I can’t
(Pay You Back) I know I’ll never
(Pay You Back) Still I promise to
(Pay You Back) I can’t
(Pay You Back) No way I’ll ever
(Pay You Back) But I swear it too
‘Cause I. O. U.