I am Maori.
I am Maori like the stolen cars you think we took
I am Maori like the cigarette butts you think we picked up from the ground
I am Maori like the aggravated robberies you think we done
I am Maori like the rundown state house you think I live in
I am Maori like the street your afraid to walk on
I am Maori like the drugs you think we provide
I am Maori like the cop cars you think we ride
I am Maori like the land you think is yours
I am Maori like the little hoodrat you think wants trouble.
I am Maori like the pregnant teenager you think I’ll be
But in reality….. We can’t go into shops without being watched or followed when
All we want is to get milk and bread for our nans.
In reality Maori people have so much to give when all you privileged people think
We don’t try and it’s a lifestyle we choose, but really we have no choice we are born and raised
Into it but what all you outsiders don’t see is that OUR people try, and fight for what we have & there is always a reason behind it.
MY people are warriors and fighters they don't give up or back down without a fight they try their best to provide for their kids even if that means late nights at pak n save, keeping their children safe even if that mean walking EVERYWHERE around town
& those gang members YOU claim to be DANGEROUS protect their own and love their own most safest people we know to be around are those gang members because they have our backs and do what they do to make sure we have have lunch money we have transport to school we have clean clothes we have dinner to eat.
My people give and don’t expect back. They make sure YOUR kids are okay and they will willingly take your kids into their home with no hesitation to feed shower and give YOUR kid a safe place to sleep. What you do for us we will do for you, you give what you get and so far you deserve the hate we give.
It’s honestly exhausting walking outside and being judged
For things we can’t help such as clothing we wear
And the shoes we rock, so all we ask for is free space and have faith in us
Because i'm telling you now we'll make it and we will be successful despite
The hate and judgment we will have that money and car you think we can’t get.
My beautiful culture with beautiful hearts, voices of an angel, proud of our culture
Like your proud dad on his pay day, performances that will give you goosebumps like
You’ve never felt before. We are unique & we need to be heard.
