"Three Sides 2 A Story" by Joe Budden is a powerful and emotional song that tells the story of three individuals and their struggles and experiences living in the hood. The song is divided into three verses, each representing a different character's perspective and their unique challenges. In the first verse, Derrick shares his story. He is recently released from prison and wants to turn his life around, but finds it difficult because of his criminal past. He reflects on his time in jail and his desire to protect his family. He feels pressured to make money illegally because he is unable to find legitimate employment due to his criminal record. The second verse shifts to Sally, Derrick's young sister. She reveals the dark secret of her stepfather, Beau, sexually abusing her. Despite her fear and pain, she feels trapped and unable to speak out. She also discloses her pregnancy, which she believes is from her stepfather. Sally grapples with feelings of hopelessness and desperately seeks help and protection. The final verse is from Beau's perspective. He is a vengeful man seeking revenge for the death of his son, who was killed by Derrick. Beau engages in a destructive cycle of violence, targeting Derrick and his loved ones. Ultimately, in a tragic turn of events, Sally is caught in the crossfire between Derrick and Beau, resulting in her death. The song emphasizes the harsh realities of life in the hood and the cyclical nature of violence and trauma. It sheds light on the struggles faced by individuals who are caught in unfortunate circumstances and the devastating consequences that can arise. The lyrics highlight the need for unity, understanding, and support within communities in order to break this cycle of violence.
