On and on and on and on 
Me say the beat don't stop until the break of dawn 
Nor does the growth of our young world 
Yes the children, be buildin', each boy and girl 

'cause you are the cream of the planet earth 
The new birth, now take that for what it's worth 
And give the child room, to blossom and bloom 
Livin' large, it's your destiny to consume 

To take flight and ignite to a brand new height 
'cause that's your goal in life - am I right? (yeah!) 
To start reachin', come on each and every 
Single one of y'all comprehend what I'm teachin' 

I said listen up, listen up, listen up youngster 
Learn from a lesson that the big daddy brung ya 
It's nothin but knowledge, I shall bring to you 
And I'm not mr. rogers or captain kangaroo, but I know 

"children, children" - "are the future" 

"children, children" where we goin now? 
Take my hand my child, and let me show you how 
'cause I'm here to help.. 

... those who need knowledge of self 
Young brothers and sisters, considered the cream 
That must rise to the top and fulfill the dream 
And there are desires that we all want to achieve 

But remember, respect is most greatest to receive 
And we don't have to gain it by bein tough 
Or sellin our own kind that cooked white stuff 
So bring your negative mind from out of the shade 
Find your true self and let's all get paid, because 

"children, children" - "are the future"  

People, people, why we live illegal? 
Your life just ends short and you know that there's no sequel 
(sequel) they'll say that it was fun while it lasted 
You run wild, stickin' up and gettin' blasted 

Pregnant girls livin' solo, on the welfare 
'cause your so-called man said go to hell dere 
And young brothers that could be tryin' to rap 
Instead, are out boostin' clothes at the gap 

Now what kind of life is that for a child? 
Runnin' wild livin' foul, hey, change your lifestyle 
Get some knowledge, and open your eyes 
Just take a little bit of time, 
How fully you'll come to realize, that 


"children, children" - "are the future" 

I believe the children are the future 
Teach them well and let them lead the way 
Show them all of the beauty they possess inside 
Give them, a sense of pride 

To make it easier, let the children laughter 
Remind us how we used to be