I broke the law – I can't deny - but My punishment - was much too high

A youth in prison - was asking why The courts- treated him so unkind

These past few days within this prison walls have shown me You pay a harder price for easy money

Nobody know my mother Never had a father – or Someone in society To earn me some mercy

Here I am in this place I never thought I'd ever be And my mother's words keep coming back to me – oh ho ho

Chorus

Beat me mamma beat me Beat me mamma beat me

They say one term in prison Is followed by another one

I'm saddled with the burden Of a corrupt justice system

And I don't want this road to be The path I travel on Beat me mamma beat me Help me turn – turn my life around

Too many youths – within these gates Have been condemned by magistrates

For dealing weed – or stealing cheese When they have friends and relatives

Who break the law too - one way or the other other Friends in high places who get away with murder

Youth without connection pay for the frustration Of judges who're afraid – (To send) - white color criminals to jail

While community leaders - commit crimes with immunity But prison is for needy youths like me – oh ho hoh

Chorus

Beat me mamma beat me Beat me mamma beat me

They say one term in prison Is followed by another one

I'm saddled with the burden Of a corrupt justice system

And I don't want this road to be The path I travel on Beat me mamma beat me Help me turn – turn my life around   The youth we need – opportunity We did not bring crime into society

A little more - of correction A little less - incarceration

Not every brain can take the strain of high education When I get out again - what will be my options

Can I keep my head up And put this behind me How will I adjust Back into society

Had I stayed in school I wonder what my life would be I wish my mother - had used the belt more frequently   Chorus

Beat me mamma beat me Beat me mamma beat me

They say one term in prison Is followed by another one

I'm saddled with the burden Of a corrupt justice system

And I don't want this road to be The path I travel on Beat me mamma beat me Help me turn – turn my life around