California Dreamin' (feat. Michelle Myers) [Interlude]

California Dreamin' Belivin', America's streets were paved in gold But cold iron railroad tracks cross brothas' backs Still causing cultural panic attacks When trains whistle ching chong songs of fear of a yellow planet Fear of Yellow Peril And the headlines herald "Japs Go Home" as if home's a stone's throw Prickling immigrants hearts like a permanent tattoo America-the-untrue seduced fathers and brothers into California Dreamin' Instead they end up cleaning houses Or migrating to catch each season of work; Canning salmon in Alaska Or picking Asparagus in Washington Were not the dreams of Asian men Their dreams: To spend the promise of certain wealth and equal opportunity But brutal clarity was the only guarantee As race often determines class disparities in the land of the free So joined in struggle and solidarity We, your Asian sistas', have carried through history Half the burden of hurt and confusion Our hands and yours side-by-side As we hold up half the sky with fists upraised I raise the roof in vocal praise That I can call you "brother" You, many times, my buffer from slanty-eye chants and poverty through Playing all-night games of Monopoly And racing our bikes and building forts and climbing trees And snacking on Kimchi when it was the only thing in the house to eat And when need be you raised your own fists in defense of me You have loved me unconditionally So no need to chase Bruce Lee For respect and masculinity Asian men your strength remains intact Through your intellect and sturdy backs Not bent low by your burden and struggles Instead our shared troubles test our ability to overcome adversity Establish mutual respect and fortify family stability So despite our image as a model minority We didn't get rich off no fruit stand or laundry We didn't get rich working in sewing factories or waxing floors We didn't get rich running a corner store or working at a restaurant We damn sure didn't make no money in sweatshops or as a bellhop No more California dreams Or American get-rich-schemes for us We rich in love and trust Because our treasure chest is each other We're rich because we're sister and brother We're rich because we love one another