Most of you probably don’t know who Nick Cannon is. That’s okay…he hasn’t made a huge splash yet. He put out one rap album, hosted some Nickelodeon shows, did some cartoon voice-overs, did some stand-up comedy. He’s currently the host of America’s Got Talent…but his big claim to fame is that he’s Mr. Mariah Carey.
Yeah, that’s right. He married Mariah.
Anyway, I ran across this video tonight and it made me cry. We seldom hear a strong pro-life message from entertainers these days, and just as seldom get a glimpse into the personal lives of those we see on TV. Nick Cannon is pro-life, and isn’t afraid to say so. This 4-minute video is based on a true story: Nick’s mother seriously considered killing him by having an abortion. In case you’re not able to follow hip-hop music with your ears, the lyrics are below.
Can I Live
by Nick Cannon
Featuring Anthony Hamilton
I’m talking, Mama
I know the situation is personal
But it something that has to be told
As I was making this beat
You was all I could think about
You heard my voice
Just think just think
What if you could just
Just blink your self away
Just just wait, just pause for a second
Let me plead my case
It’s the late 70’s huh
You seventeen huh
And having me that will ruin everything huh
It’s a lot of angels waiting on their wings
You see me in your sleep so you can’t kill your dreams
300 dollars that’s the price of living, what?
Mommy, I don’t like this clinic
Hopefully you’ll make the right decision
And don’t go through with the knife incision
But it’s hard to make the right move
When you at high school
How you gotta work all day and take night school
Hopping on da bus when the rain is pouring
What you want, morning sickness or the sickness of mourning?
[Chorus]
I’ll always be a part of you
Trust your soul know it’s always true
If I could talk I’d say to you
CAN I LIVE
CAN I LIVE
(repeat)
I’m a child of the king
Ain’t no need to go fear me
And I see the flowing tears, so know that you hear me
When I move in your womb that’s me being scary
Cause who knows what my future holds
Yo the truth be told, you ain’t told a soul
Yo you ain’t even showing, I’m just 2 months old
Through your clothes try to hide me, deny me
Went up 3 sizes
Your pride got you lying, saying ain’t nothing but a migraine
It ain’t surprising, you not trying to be in WIC food lines
Your friends will look at you funny but look at you mommy
That’s a life inside, take a look at your tummy
What it’s becoming Ma, I’m Oprah-bound
You can tell he’s a star from the ultrasound
Our spirits connected, door’s open now
Nothing but love and respect thanks for holding me down
She let me live…
[Chorus]
I’ll always be a part of you
Trust your soul know it’s always true
If I could talk I’d say to you
CAN I LIVE
CAN I LIVE
(repeat)
It’s uplifting for real y’all
I ain’t passing no judgment
Ain’t making no decisions
I’m just telling ya’ll my story
I love life
I love my mother for giving me life
We all need to appreciate life
A strong woman that had to make a sacrifice
Thanks for listening
Thanks for listening
Mama, thanks for listening
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