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Marathon Man IV: A New Hope

by Marathon Man

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Alex Dionisio
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auntieboyar
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1.
A Long Time Ago... 04:42
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A long time ago, in the CO, Marathon, didn’t have nothing to hold, burned out from the grind, four jobs no time, for school and life, I was left to decide, I choose nine, I didn’t follow through, on anything, I left my brothers, out in the cold, I dipped town, where did I go, east Atlanta, zone 6, to Decatur, I lived that shit, I made the most, of everything around me, so many shows, rebuilt my foundry, the Marathon was born, forever changed me, I expressed my demons, through these beats, I said some shit, glad nobody listened to me, I was hurt, I wasn’t chasing the dream, I was running from everything after me, I was running, from destiny, so far, the Marathon became me, now I stand before you, no receipts, just me, Ben Thomas, Marathon, a long time ago, I forgot, I wasn’t free, I know the truth, that’s why we speak, so I can deliver the message, so you can receive, every single blessing, I have hidden in me, a life of experience, a life of dreams, reached so many, but never reached me, a long time ago, I wasn’t living for me, I wasn’t striving for anything, I was content to be, thought I had figured it out, thought I was meant for something, never did the work, but embraced the struggle, bank account, only thing keeping me humble, that’s all different now, and so am I, a long time ago, I always wanted the shine, commanded attention on presence and deftness, but now I’m older, all I want, is to share this blessing, a new hope, for all of us, chapter IV, the story continues, Marathon Man, A New Hope. My ally is the Force, life creates it, it’s energy surrounds us Luminous beings are we, not this crude matter, feel the Force A long time ago, I worked myself to the bone, worked myself to limit, til I was broken at home, a long time ago, I gave up on life, a long time ago, I gave up on finding, true love, happiness, a job I don’t hate, some call it bliss, Alexa told you, what needed to hear, you ain’t good enough, can’t get it in gear, then you found the one and it changed you, you believed in yourself and you grew too, a new hope, it’s what you were missing, they can strike all they want, but I’m gone reach the finish, even if, I’m the last one standing, I will give my life, for the next generation, for the revolution, for the rebel alliance, a new hope, for all of us, is inside us, you gotta bring out, you gotta walk it out, yo, you gotta shout it out loud, a long time ago, isn’t now, so we keep moving forward, ’til we finish the sound
2.
A New Hope 03:37
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There’s a new hope, making waves, feel the atmosphere, around everything, move into step, formation, rhythm nation, give me everything, evolution, revolution, where we’re going next, we need a resolution, Rest In Peace, to everyone we lost, in their spirit, we set it off, let me hear the queens, let me hear the kings, everybody out there, I hope their listening, the new hope, it’s all of us, together, rebels with a cause We need a new hope, right now Fuck what they’re giving us, we can work it out Champions, change the world Everybody out there, is a new hope This is a new hope, for everyone, you’re important to me, you’re important to us, you represent everything, I’m talking about, every single life matters, that’s why we’re speaking out, against everything, that’s been done to us, not just the brothas, but everyone, every woman, every man, every child behind bars, for the crimes of a man, we fight for everyone, so should you, if you don’t stand for all, who will stand for you, stand up, make waves, be the new hope, we’ve been needing today, risk everything, for your neighbor, because we’re in this thing, together, be the new hope, you’re the new hope, work together, or this will end up as our last hope, I’ve said before, it’s in your grip, the man in mirror, has the keys ship, you got the touch, feel the power, be the new hope, in our darkest hour
3.
'til Victoria 03:03
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A new hope, right before eyes, a new hope, against the phantom demise, a new hope, in the fight for what’s right, a new hope, Ben Thomas - Marathon, a new hope, Evolution, the next chapter, a new frame of mind, a new hope, because I’m oh so tired, I’m so damn fried, so damn high, so damn low, take a look in my eyes, can you the see the pain, the suffering, do you see my brother, all my kin, my wife, all my women, all the pain we relive, every single day, because a man wanted something he had no right to take, our pride, our faith, our sense of safety, our chance at peace, our one life, we had to be free, locked behind bars, you created for greed, your society, built on a lie, the land of the free, built on slavery, never to reckon, with the sins of the past, forever to stand, on the blood of white flag, all for a flag, covered in ash, from the people you bury, with the sins of the past, not written in textbooks, erased from the news, they set the record, talking points over truth, every single day, a never ending cycle, of bullshit, the rest of our lives, behind the strength of a click, behind the critics, that represent, 1%, of everything, in the world, not the people, but the sword, across our necks, to squeeze another dime, if you lucky to survive, they’ll take another five, corporate greed, over survival, a new hope, rebels against the Bible, the never ending pile, of lies created to keep our minds in denial, of our strength, of our power, of our love, in our darkest hour, the light, shines so bright, on my people, in the face of the night, the stars guide us home, to victory, Victoria won
4.
Envy Us 02:39
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So envy us, of your love, it’s so incredible, can’t get enough, gimme so mo, You got the Touch, light a fire, up under the rug, bring the heat, eye of the storm, our bodies collide with the strength the sun, shining, glisten all around us, they envious, of our love, so envy us, of the one, who fulfilled your needs without a thank you or please, just a feeling, we were meant to be free, we were meant to be together, we were meant for everything, we were meant, to be, in this world, as we choose to be, they so envy us, of our freedom of mind, in the system they created, to keep us in binds So envy us, in this world, we watch our neighbors while we bury sword, in our own homes, relations ignored, we must build each other, not to envy another, but to love ourselves, and the people around us, no longer envy us, of success, but longing for future, and what comes next, what comes next Envy us, of your love, it’s so incredible, can’t get enough Gimme so mo, you got the Touch, you are the one, Envy us Envy us, the queen, the one, the being, above us, all of us, everything, the celestial mean, that we use to measure, beauty in this world, she is more, than our lexicon has learned, our vocabulary earned, our language evolved, she is beauty, in every sense of the word
5.
Tremulant 03:34
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Splitting a swisha, with the one armed scissor, we cut that city, to see the big picture, frame splitter, stoned mission Pittsburgh, PA, Club Laga Saint Andrews Hall, Motor City At the Newport, right in my city Electric Factory, in Philly, so many shows, so many nights on the road, I carry them with me, everywhere I go, I dapped up Ikey, after he gave me a toast, them was the days, everything gravy, skip town for a day, in the sable, not a chevy, mercury, outer space, everywhere we went, feels like I’m making a beat, it was speaking to me, waking me up, so I could release, everything, that I kept from the scene, everything, I consider to be me, Marathon, it was my destiny, so I’m right here, speaking to this beat, you know me, a new hope against the enemy, it’s tremulant, check the recipe We cut that city, we cut that city, we cut that city, concertina You know what it is, Marathon, back again, back for more, back for something, that I was missing before, I got out my anger, so I can speak from my heart, speak your pain, that’s what X said, so I gave it to you, released my demons, now I’m free, and we can move on, but never forget, the struggle proceeds, within my being, within these dreams, within my words, within my screams, black pain, that’s all we ever get, so I’m changing it up, to make a difference, to make a difference
6.
Contact 02:52
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Seventeen when I first made contact, I didn’t understand the meaning of the contest, but I understood the movements so convex, contours, wrestle through context, we were fully entwined when we first met, so I set off the mission, with smoke in my chest, nights under the stars, feel the depth of your breath, as we sink slowly, into each other’s eyes, hands clasped, locked binds, we were falling in love, but we were playing it blind, couldn’t find the time, to speak our minds, so we struggled through life, without the strength of the shine, without you, I was lost, then I found a purpose, and we grew apart, that’s when I knew, deep in my heart, it ain’t a partnership, if you ain’t playing your part, I made mistakes, I was playing the part, that they created for me, within societal laws, I fell for it, I dropped the ball, that I had trained to carry since I first saw your smile, there’s no going back, no fixing this, I wasn’t ready, to carry the weight, for my best friend, I let you down, you deserve so much better, I hope you’re getting it now Reach out, make contact, feel the elements, love the consent, come a little closer, I know you feeling it, yeah, contact Contact, feel it inside, deep inside your body, deep inside your mind, the depths of your soul, exposed for a time, the session will last until we’ve finished the climb, contact, feel it everywhere, in the earth, in the atmosphere, all around us, everywhere, we get elemental, we take it there, contact, you don’t get it without respect, before you step, you better check, show your love, through your actions, and what you working with, this love was meant, to be shared for our benefit, for your benefit, listen to the sentiment, because the love of my life, made me a better man, this is a partnership, built on consent
7.
Atmosphere 04:49
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Feel the atmosphere, I know you feel it out there We can see the morning if you want to Just you and me, keep it simple It’s different out here, I see so many things In the atmosphere, we set the scene We’re all just chasing the dream We’re all just chasing the dream In the atmosphere, know what I’m talking’ bout, flowers tasting like candy, no need to rush it right now, feel the atmosphere, the elements, all around you, we can get elemental, if you want to, this a marathon, welcome to the temple, the academy, residential, let the mana, relax your temple, open your mind, so I can enter, the whole universe, is connected, celestial beings, resurrected, you and me, forever destined, Mary Jane, my blessing, feel the atmosphere, feel the atmosphere Feel the atmosphere, I know you feel it out there We can see the morning if you want to Just you and me, keep it simple Feel the atmosphere, check the temperature, of what we got going on here, we building, forever changing, new weather, to face the morning, to face the evil, to face it front, what they don’t do for us, we gotta do with a bump, from our own love, our own home, building black love, under the white throne, we must love each other, because for them we’re never love, we must stand together, we must rise above, for our future, for our children, for the people, that say we don’t matter, so beautiful, that’s what we are, we will take our place, among the stars, in the atmosphere, all around us, we built this city and you left it in dust, but we will rise above, to the atmosphere, feel the atmosphere
8.
Somedays... 04:15
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Some of these days, some of these days They say someday, but some of these days, some of these days Some of these days, damn, like, some of these days, I used to say someday, but some of these days, I ain’t feeling ok, you feel the pressure all around you, you gotta perform, you gotta elevate, every single day, no days off, that’s what they say, but some of these days, fuck that, roll another, zone, knock out, in the clouds, I can overcome the doubt, but some of these days, even that don’t help, another 24, another notch on the belt, slow movement through time, you feel the weight all around, so on some of these days, you can’t get out, some of these days, some of these days Some of these days, some of these days They say someday, but some of these days, some of these days Some of these days, naw most of these days, the weight of the movement, the march of the pain, some of these days, I know this shit will never change, so where’s that leave me, what am I to do, can I live in moment, when I’m lesser than you, some of these days, man, I could kill a mother fucker, if he would look me in my face, but every single day, I hold back, never release, we were born in chains, and I carry them with me, some of these days man, can’t even speak, so I listen to beat, so maybe someday, someone will hear this, and they can relate, some of these days, I know I’ll make it someday
9.
The City 03:42
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In this city, the state we’re living, I don’t understand, where we’re going, only one clear picture, the downward spiral, brings us closer to fiction, dystopian denial, whole world on trial, take a look outside, whole world on fire, still living in denial, hiding from the truth, watching green mile, or green book, in the end, the white savior, will swoop in, declare the end to racism, post-racial society, that’s what they claim, but in my city, the song remains the same, in this city, we fight survive, in this city, for our rights and our lives, out of darkness, here comes the light, Marathon, bring the city to life Welcome to my city, we live in peace, unless the pigs is watching me, We know the truth, you ain’t fooling nobody, even liberal/rainbow flags bring the pigs to the party Columbus, city of dreams, midwestern identity, southern reality, elitist mentality, wrapped in supremacy, Columbus, welcome to my city We say we’re progressive, but they’re out to get me In this city, we built this city, but we ain’t welcome, in this city, Columbus, will you ever accept me, my home, I still claim it, left twice, but stayed faithful, every time I come back, I remember why I left, for once in my life, it’d be nice, to be surrounded by black faces, surrounded by my people, where I don’t stick out, where I feel, somewhat equal, in my city, can’t stand the looks from the people, everywhere I go, every restaurant, every shop, I got money to spend, but they see a black heart, welcome to my city, that’s what they say, we’re massive, live up to our name
10.
Slow Down 04:33
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Slow down, like Pimp said, take a second, relax your breathing, we can take a trip, if you’re listening, this is your last chance, this evening, to feel the atmosphere, all around you, we coming back to this, because I want to, no more pain, no more suffering, just you and me, Mary Jane, geomancy, we work magic, slow it down, while I wrap the cabbage, in a Swisha, you got the fire, I got trees, set free to release, slow down, slow down Slow down, right now, catch your breath, so we can work it out, this is a marathon, and we’re all running out, of time, so make the most of now, I stayed up late, to figure this out, the way, to slow down, I trained myself, to breathe the demons out, lung capacity, will never run out, so I stand before you, without doubt, Ben Thomas, Marathon, you already know, at it again, but I’m taking slow, just slow down Sometimes in life, you need slow down Take a second, and we can work it out Make a difference, I’ll show you how Just slow down, take a second now Slow down Through the night, another 24, I didn’t sleep, but created a storm, now it’s time, for me to slow down, kiss my wife, just slow it down, create a new life, get elemental, feel the mana, all around you, in the morning, you’re what I want, every day, I can’t front Forever the queen on my team, you can be the king, if you please, whatever you need, you got it from me, if I miss a beat, yo, I’ll slow down to receive, chasing the dream, bring the heat, steamed, 58 BPM, all I need, to create, an sensational scene, you better believe, just slow down
11.
Here We Are 04:55
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Here we are, here I stand, at the end of the world, because you didn’t listen, I tried to tell you, I tried to show you, they killed me in the streets, they murdered me for sweets, they hung me, from a tree, didn’t even warrant, investigating, here we are Here we are They say we kill ourselves, maybe so, but even then, it’s because, of your control, don’t you understand, what you’re doing to us, every day, every breath, is a gift, from a god I don’t believe in, how could ever justify, what you’re doing, it’s because, to you, we’re less than human, less than you, less than the lowest, we don’t even register, on your wishlist, it’s a sentence, with no forgiveness, given from birth, to every one of our children, all of us, every one, even if, you have a black boyfriend, as soon as you’re finished, you turn back, face front, heel turn, like that, so fast, it’s practice, a life of privilege, a life of indifference, a life of decisions, that extended our sentence, until the next episode, to see what you’re missing, I hope you figure it out, here we are Here we are, right in front of you, where we’ve always been, but you don’t see color, you don’t see struggle, you don’t see mothers, daughters, children, boys, young men, people, here we are, here we are I’m so fucking tired, so fucking done, of working with demons, just to keep my freedom, the world is yours is what they told us, when we were too little, to understand, they weren’t talking to us, this is all we’ll ever be, according to their history, so I’m changing the story with more realistic imagery, black kings, black queens, anything, you were made to be, anything, you choose to be, anything, forever free, we were the chosen, it’s our destiny, don’t listen to them, these four walls can’t hold us, and neither, can their ceiling, here we are HERE I AM
12.
Change 03:08
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I was close, I was at the edge, I was next to a chasm and I dove in, some of these days, I couldn’t my open eyes, then I picked up the pen, and my story began, again, Marathon, back again, to fight for my people, with the wisdom of age, and recognition, of all my sins, to make a change Make the change, from within, start with yourself and listen, open your eyes to the world before you, make that change, do it for you The man in the mirror, know what he said, the pain you carry, is the pain you give, I’ll make the change, from within, for everyone in my life, business or personal, it don’t matter, you matter to me if we have travelled, together, on this journey, we call life, we keep each other, or we keep nothing, that’s the truth, that’s the knowledge, for you, I hope you follow it, make that change, step in the light, fight for freedom, fight for what’s right, don’t lose your hope, keep the fire alight, we’re all here, standing by your side, open your eyes to the world before you, make that change, do it for you Make the change, from within, start with yourself and listen, open your eyes to the world before you, make that change, do it for you

credits

released February 8, 2022

Produced by 8milOTB
8milOTB collaborators:
milanezie (1); JohnLeonardbeats (2,8); nicho (4); Teej (9)
Produced by B. Young (3,6)
Artwork by Ben Thomas

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Marathon Man Columbus, Ohio

The Book of Marathon will be released in 2021. Five albums exploring the world we live through the lens of the Marathon Man.

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