Every million miles ya haffe tek a first step
Every million miles ya haffe tek a first step
Every million miles ya haffe tek a first step
Every million miles ya haffe tek a first step
I was sick of flippin' channels, and sick of flippin' quarters
I called my man Zulu, said, "Meet me on the corner"
Maybe we can check out the clubs in the city
'Cuz waitin' at the crib can make you feel shitty
So he hopped into my ride on the squeaky door side and
We hit the upper room where they keep the funk alive
The man at the door invited us inside
He said there isn't any cover if you're keepin' up the vibe
We took it upstairs to big up the area
The people in the house was shakin' up their derrier
Raisin' up their hands and raisin' up their voices
Tokes was the DJ I was happy with his choices
Maxin' and mixin' the beats they was fixin'
My brain like a smoke that was doubly, triply, dope
The decadence is gone and life may never be the same
'Cuz when the beat hits, you feel no pain
So a piece of peace for you, a piece of peace for me
A piece of peace for every peaceful person that you see
I said, a piece of peace for you, a piece of peace for me
A piece of peace for every peaceful person that you see
I said, a piece of peace for you, a piece of peace for me
A piece of peace for every peaceful person that you see
I said, a piece of peace for you, and a piece of peace for me
But I don't act peaceful if you're not that way to me
Every million mile ya haffe tek a first step
Every million mile ya haffe tek a first step
Every million mile ya haffe tek a first step
Every million mile ya haffe tek a first step
Five O was outside waitin' with their vans
Hopin' that shit would get outta hand
So dat they could test their weapons on innocent civilians
The high tech shit costin' million and millions
Money should've spent on somethin' for community
But that's okay because we got the unity
So fuck the police, we can keep the peace
We can make love and conquer that disease
Because nothin' in the world is impossible to me
I can swim on dry land and run upon the sea
And nothin' in the world is impossible to me
You can chop off my legs and I'll land upon my feet
I turn it over to the spirit and I leave her in charge
My favorite record sounds like an African head charge
She'll beat up the beats with and eggbeater, pour em in the batter
She'll make 'em sound fatter and fatter
'Cuz food for the soul is the flavor of the music
And the spice for the brain is the essence of the lyrics
Well, songs can be delicious and also be nutritious
You can't pay for culture', it can only be experienced
Boom! Boom! Boom, well have you ever been experienced?
So a piece of peace for you, a piece of peace for me
A piece of peace for every peaceful person that you see
I said, a piece of peace for you, a piece of peace for me
A piece of peace for every peaceful person that you see
I said, a piece of peace for you, a piece of peace for me
A piece of peace for every peaceful person that you see
I said, a piece of peace for you, and a piece of peace for me
But I don't act peaceful if you're not that way to me
Every million mile ya haffe tek a first step
Every million mile ya haffe tek a first step
Every million mile ya haffe tek a first step
Every million mile ya haffe tek a first step
Every million mile ya haffe tek a first step
Every million mile ya haffe tek a first step
Every million mile ya haffe tek a first step
Every million mile ya haffe tek a first step
Said if the funk is on time
Then we call it punctual
We're matchin' up the footsteps
Spiritual and functional
Like Carnivale in Rio
The Charlie Hunter trio
Had the groovers groovin'
And all the movers movin'
Cuba, Twist, Reminisce and NME
Graffiti on the street for everyone to see
Even the elders in the house was havin' fun
Because we livin' life at the top of our lungs
It was truly a life celebration that night
Had the world's greatest time
We'd never sell the movie rights
To Morrie Povich or anyone like that
And anyone who does is really, really whack
We fish or cut bait and we're not takin' prisoners
And if you comin' late then you might've missed some a this
Funky good time we had here in fronta you
So long, farewell, alveerdersain, adieau to you
A piece of peace for you, a piece of peace for me
A piece of peace for every peaceful person that you see
I said, a piece of peace for you, a piece of peace for me
A piece of peace for every peaceful person that you see
I said, a piece of peace for you, and a piece of peace for me
A piece of peace for every peaceful person that you see
I said, a piece of peace for you, and a piece of peace for me
But I don't act peaceful if you're not that way to me
Every million mile ya haffe tek a first step
Every million mile ya haffe tek a first step
Every million mile ya haffe tek a first step
Every million mile ya haffe tek a first step
Every million mile ya haffe tek a first step
Say, every million mile ya haffe tek a first step
Every million mile ya haffe tek a first step
Say, every million mile ya haffe tek a first step
Every million mile ya haffe tek a first step
Every million mile ya haffe tek a first step
Every million mile ya haffe tek a first step
You don't have to be so scared to share what's inside
'Cause you're daddy's little superstar
And you're mama's little butterfly, fly high
A strange strange litany of verses and reverses
Adlibs and rehearses, clouds burst and words cursed
An argument breaks out
It's one we've all heard before, it's boring
Had us all snoring from the first line
One after another chimed in perfect time
Tired rehashes of petty cashes and mismatches
You shoulda coulda's and why didn't you do this
Crippling snippets aimed at the heart to inflame and impart blame
Framed like Mumia, verbal diarrhea
Spasms creating chasms between the souls of two or two billion
Nations torn apart, station to station damnation
With much deliberation and very little consideration
To the return on the damage from the altercation
Collateral condemnation
Then denyin' like colorization of an old black and white
Create a revision of the recent last night
The fight that started with two words, I'm right
You don't have to be so scared to share what's inside
'Cause you're daddy's little superstar
And you're mama's little butterfly, fly high
But of course the fight ends with no resolution
Merely a vow for retribution, substitution
Execution, electrocution, ruthless, toothless and truthless
Mumbling through page after page of excuses
Abuses of the gift of the Gab, Gabriel the trumpeter
Bestowed upon us a voice with a choice
And a tongue kept moist by years of salivating
For oysters, pearls and aphrodisiacs
Locked in an ugly shell, always too chewy and gooey
So they get swallowed whole
But a tongue is so much more than a vehicle for greed
With a disciple I feed
A tongue is for washing fur or for licking wounds
Or welcoming newcomers into a room
Or cleansing those fresh from the womb
Without a tongue there would be no croons
Swoons, June's under the moon
No bees pollinating no flowers in bloom
No recitation of words at the foot of a tomb
Or wills read aloud of the family heirlooms
You probably couldn't even blow up a balloon
And that would be a shame because exhales the name of the game
Exhale from the heart, not from the lungs
Speak from the heart, not from the tongue
You don't have to be so scared to share what's inside
'Cause you're daddy's little superstar
And you're mama's little butterfly, fly high
Listening is understanding and finding compassion
Love is the action of soul satisfaction
A tongue can make wishes and also fine kisses
Taste a sweet cake and also cast disses
But nothing compares to the voice from within
Without it we might just be mannequins
Up to no darn good shenanigans
Learn to be skillful movers of the stones
That block the heart and turn humans to clones
Learn to forgive, set free the bones
Touch with your flesh, take off the rubber gloves
Love like your life depends on it because it does
You don't have to be so scared to share what's inside
'Cause you're daddy's little superstar
And you're mama's little butterfly, fly high
You don't have to be so scared to share what's inside
'Cause you're daddy's little superstar
So I gotta get lifted! All night yea yea
(Hip Hop business lift up America)
Keep me lifted
(Hip Hop business lift up America)
So I gotta get lifted! All night yea yea
(You remind me of my herb you keep me lifted!)
Keep me lifted
I'm the dread lock producer
Some call me medusa
Salaams and shaloms introduce ya
A rooster waking up the whole coopsta
Spearheaded man him nice haffe move ya
Sshh understand why we sweatin'
Makin' love in the wake of Armageddon
Forgettin' - Babylon need a lesson
Drop the tech and use my tongue as a weapon
Listen - I come to lubricate the friction
Sound system purrin' with my diction
Frantz Fanon the Wretched of the Earth home
Phenomenon be goin' on and on
Sailing along a likkle song
By the record take it home and fling it on
So I gotta get lifted! All night yea yea
(Hip Hop business lift up America)
Keep me lifted
(Hip Hop business lift up America)
So I gotta get lifted! All night yea yea
(You remind me of my herb you keep me lifted!)
Keep me lifted
Hey yo I am the glory-fied of the story
Child of a high crime rate category
They explore connect me to an I.Q. test
Like a rat in a cage I'm trapped with the rest projects
But now I make my life go flip
Like Malcolm comin' out the pen and shit
Upliftment from a triffin' scene
To make a blind man murder for the things he seen
To believe is different than the daily bear witness
The spots filled up with the cocaine business
Bullets trigger be pulled by the beast
Kids paralyzed from his neck to his feet layin' way low
Smokin' more and more
Seein' shapes in the chipped paint of my frame window
With slow visions of me livin' in the future
With forty, forty acres, acres and a land cruiser
So I gotta get lifted! All night yea yea
(Hip Hop business lift up America)
Keep me lifted
(Hip Hop business lift up America)
So I gotta get lifted! All night yea yea
(You remind me of my herb you keep me lifted!)
Keep me lifted
Alpha-betical ABCD's come gettable
The brown brotha with the tone unforgettable
It's edible, every word be gourmet-able
Mecca Lekka shake ya hiney ho incredible
Really though ya gettin' sick it when ya hear it so
I'm bringin' with it biorhytmical medical
Anti- always dope my biotic
Macrobiotic organic Narcotic
The hemp is Kemp, like Kemp on hemp
Super like sonics keep it real like rent so
Ti tac toe me say all in a row
Donkey want water me say "hold him Joe"
My stereo killed the video star just like Arsenio Hall
So tall like the rain I never back fall
Young lifted and black y'all
So I gotta get lifted! All night yea yea
(Hip Hop business lift up America)
Keep me lifted
(Hip Hop business lift up America)
So I gotta get lifted! All night yea yea
(You remind me of my herb you keep me lifted!)
So many times, people turn they backs to you
'cause they don't wanna see, what's inside you
'cause lookin' inside of you
they might realize there's something inside of them
they might not wanna find
But it ain't about who ya love (who ya love)
see it's all about do ya love (do ya love)
(chorus)
Well well well well
sunshine, and loveliness
ain't nobody feeling no ugliness tonight
ain't it fine like sippin' sweet Georgie wine
see I'm just chillin' with these friends of mine
I ain't tryin' a bother you
so why ya gotta bother me
what goes on in your bedroom ain't no mess to me
you say your God don't like my God
'cause you don't like my friends
but your friends tryin' to kill a man
and I don't understand
'cause it ain't about who ya love (who ya love)
see it's all about do ya love (do ya love)
(chorus)
Ooh one two three
say yeah say yeah feels so good to me
ohh! and ya one two three, say yeah, say yeah
feels so good !!!
I say do it at home or on the street
with a drag queen don't matter to me
it ain't about sex or having degrees
your pedigree don't matter to me
about who ya love (who ya love)
see it's all about do ya love (do ya love)
(chorus)
If you are hungry I will
Bake some bread for you
If you are worried I will
Hold your head for you
If you can't sleep at night I will
Screen your dreams for you
And if you feel uptight I will
Make everything alright for you
If the key don't work knock on the door
If the key don't work knock on the door
No matter how far away you seem I am always
I'm a little under the weather today
Too much of pepper spray can make a brother congested
You know what I'm saying
But the harder they hit us the louder we become
Kinda like the skin on the drum, you what I'm saying?
I was born botanical, the soul of an animal
Deep beneath the layers, I sink my roots
No need for mechanical, I come strictly organical
When I need to feast, I look to the East
That's why I'm never scared of the beast
Even though they try to prey upon me
I'm protected by the one always greater than me
So now I reveal to thee because you wanna see
The contour of my mystery, the strength of my arches
The color of my conscience and the way that I process my diction
Some fact, some fiction, some mystery and some future fantasy
I'm the trunk that holds the branches
The leaves who do the dances
My flowers romantic, my love gigantic
From Africa, transplanted to transatlantic
In the heat of the sun, I bring shade for everyone
Like the beat on the one, I'm the skin on the drum
I keep on living with the fullness of the one
Like the heat of the sun or the skin on the drum
I keep on living with the fullness of the one
Like the heat of the sun or the skin on the drum
I keep on living with the fullness of the one
Like the heat of the sun or the skin on the drum
I keep on living with the fullness of the one
Like the heat of the sun or the skin on the drum
I'm fully marinated and now I'm ready for the fire
So you can fire one, fire one, fire two
See I'm fully marinated and now I'm ready for the fire
So you can fire one, fire one, fire two
Fire one, fire two, fire one, fire two, fire one, fire two
See I've been fully marinated and now I'm ready for the fire
See I'm beginning to perspire from deep within to the skin
Yo, the feminine and the masculine
The pieces of the puzzle, see me reflections in the puddle
After the storm the purple of the sky brings to mind another time
When we resided below the water line, life was fine there human divine
But in the years following, evil men came swallowing everything in sight
Some learned to run, some stayed to fight
I knelled at the tomb of the soldier, said I would love to behold her
The magic in store there, she touched me on the shoulder
She said, "In time all is revealed, box of light be unsealed
Now listen to me son, be like the skin on the drum"
I keep on living with the fullness of the one
Like the heat of the sun or the skin on the drum
I keep on living with the fullness of the one
Like the heat of the sun or the skin on the drum
I keep on living with the fullness of the one
Like the heat of the sun or the skin on the drum
I keep on living with the fullness of the one
Like the heat of the sun or the skin on the drum
I'm fully marinated and now I'm ready for the fire
So you can fire one, fire one, fire two
See, I'm fully marinated and now I'm ready for the fire
So you can fire one, fire one, fire two
See I'm fully marinated and now I'm ready for the fire
So you can fire one, fire one, fire two
See, I'm fully marinated and now I'm ready for the fire
So you can fire one, fire one, fire two
Fire one, fire two, fire one, fire two
And as the pepper gas clears and police and protesters go home
Just as the morning dew are tear drops of the night
My emotions are always there for you and will never leave you dry
Money, money, money, money
Nada más que dinero
Mi familia pidió prestado,
de alguien,
que nunca conocieron.
Desde entonces,
cada día ahorramos...
de lo poco que obtenemos
Solo queremos un vida sencilla
y cantar una canción
Pero, hay un roto en el cubo;
y algo no funcionó.
Cuando nosotros lo pedimos,
ellos solo nos dijeron
Que nos ayudarían en todo,
pues veían muy bien
nuestro agujero
Problemas con origen
en guerras coloniales
Pero en cambio ahora comercios abrirán transnacionales...
Ellos nos dijeron:
"Ir a la ciudad,
trabajaréis seguro,
en fabricas que montaremos...
Y así crearéis productos
que nosotros venderemos,
directo al extranjero;
Estamos convencidos,
os gustarán los beneficios,
que os devolveremos...
¿Pero te dijeron ellos,
sobre el pastón de dolares,
en renta que pagar?.
¿Qué te dejarías la carne
de los dedos, hasta los huesos?
Tan solo para intentar
hacernos cargo,
del pago de intereses
Pero aunque pagamos
hasta casi llegar a lo marcado
Cada día vuelven ellos
y añaden más al pago...
Porque hay un agujero en el recipiente;
¡Nosotros podemos arreglarlo...!
...Hay un roto en el cubo;
I don't need a passport to walk on this earth
Anywhere I go cause I was made of this earth
I'm born of this earth, I breathe of this earth, and even with the pain I believe in this earth
So I wake up every morning and I'm stepping on the floor
I wake up every morning and I'm stepping out the door
I got faith in the sky, faith in the one, I got faith in the people walkin underneath the sun
Cause every bit of land is a holy land, and every drop of water is a holy water, and every single child is son or the daughter of the one earth mama and the one earth papa
So don't tell a man that he cant come here, cause he got brown eyes and a wavy kind of hair
And don't tell a woman that she cant go there, because she prays a little different to a god up there
You say you're a Christian cause god made you, you say you're a Muslim cause god made you, you say you're a Hindu and the next man a Jew
And then we all kill each other cause god told us too?
(Chorus)
Hello Hello
Bonjour Bonjour
Hola Hola
Konichiwa konichiwa wa x2
(Reggae rap)
So dance to the rhythm, bounce to the rhythm, shake to the rhythm, and then you roll to the rhythm, sweat to the rhythm, get wet to the rhythm, make love to the rhythm, clean up to the rhythm
When you move and you come alive, when you groove and in rhythm we survive
So don't panic (nah) don't panic
No drum machines this is all organic
Just sly and Robbie on the drums and the bass, sticky on percussion and we mashin up the place
Givin you a beat you can rock and roll too, givin you sound can shake your soul too
Hip-Hopper, Punks-rocker, moose rockers and even woods stockers
Don't need a passport to send a post card, send me a message let me know how you are
Whether you are walkin or drivin in your car, throw your hands high tell me who you are
Say (Chorus) x2
(Reggae Rap)
(Chorus) x2
(Reggae Rap)
Memories come down and me once again
Caught without an umbrella
Memories come down and me once again
Caught without an umbrella
Well, it was not that he was particularly suicidal
He just didn't care whether he lived or died though
It was just a matter of time
You got yours and I got mine
When he turned sixteen, they said, he could drive
When he turned eighteen they said he could die
When he turned twenty one, he could buy rum
But no one ever taught him how things were done
Then an angel appeared inside his head
She said, ?Boy do you think
You're realty better off dead??
He don't know, he just shook his heed
'Cause he thought the day that he died
Would be a normal day for the people on the other side
He thought that the day that he died
Would be a normal day for the people on the other side
But memories come down and me once again
Caught without an umbrella
But time was a matter of velocity
In this age of information and technology
He would cry in the shower
Put his face in a towel hot from the dryer
Then he sat down and wrote a note to his mom
When all is said and done, can I still be your son ?
Because manhood is so elusive
And respect is so exclusive and I got a daddy to prove it
I think, I'll never get to shake it and move
Then he tied a rope around his neck
Looked in the mirror and said what the heck
I'm gonna bring the whole roof down with me
And then he jumped
'Cause he thought the day that he died
Would be a normal day for the people on the other side
He thought that the day that he died
Would be a normal day for the people on the other side
But memories come down and me once again
Caught without an umbrella
Come in Vernon
But halt way down, he heard what the angel said
And he realized, he really didn't want to be dead
He landed with a thump, his head was reeling
Layin' in a lump, looked up at the ceiling
And saw that the rope had broke
Well, he failed at the only thing
That he thought he couldn't fail at
That was takin' his own life
And he said, "I kinda like livin'
He could feel his heart makin' a boom
Sounded like music in the next room
Music in the next room?
He said, "it's time for a celebration"
Felt his hands looked at his face
Lifted the rope off his throat
I ain't such a disgrace"
He said, manhood is so elusive
And respect is so exclusive
And I gotta daddy to prove
That some people never get to shake it and move
'Cause he thought the day that he died
Would be a normal day for the people on the other side
He thought that the day that he died
Would be a normal day for the people on the other side
But memories come down and me once again
Caught without an umbrella
And he knew that the day that he tried
Was not a normal day for the people
And memories come down and me once again
(chorus)
Sometimes, I feel like I can do anything and
sometimes, I'm so alive
sometimes, I feel like I can zoom cross the sky and,
sometimes, I wanna cry
Most people try to aim to please
but a lot a them are kinda weak in the knees
learnin' late about the birds and the bees
falllin' in love and wanna bee set free
playin' ball at the age of thirteen
everybody's growin up with a dream
I never noticed what could happen to me
time flies when you're walkin' the streets
one minute gotcha holdin' an ace
the next minute gotcha fall on yer face
a mean city is a nasty place
only a rat can win a rat race!
peace to the people who be fallin' away
to make it home today
and peace to the people who be tryin' to find
som kinda life
(chorus)
Sound body and sound of mind
sound of the rhythm and sound of the rhyme
somebody marchin' all out of time
biggest mistakes are the humanest kind
judge not, lest you be judged
the court room or the billy club
blood bubblin' thicker than mud
the heart beat rub-a-dub-dub
show love and love who you know
family wherever you go
Tokyo to Acapulco
bravissimo, magnifico
peace to the people who be losing their head
peace to the people who be needin' a bed
love to the people who be feelin' alone
spreadin' love upon the microphone
hope to the people who be feelin' down
smile to the people who be wearin' a frown
faith to the people who be seekin' the truth y'all
all of the time, and I say
(chorus)
Till the break of dawn
Till the break of dawn
Till the break of dawn
Till the break of dawn
I am not a Muslim but I read the final call
Because within its pages there is something for us all
And I am not professional but I love basketball
The squeaking of the sneakers they echo in the hall
But if I don't have enemies I'm not doin' my job
I might throw out a curve ball but I never throw a lob
And people criticize me but I know it's not the end
I try to kick the truth not just to make friends
But hey diddle diddle to the people in the middle
We got hot wax and it's cookin' on the griddle
Got the guitar strummin', the drummer drummin'
The people all hummin' and the vibe was lovin'
But hey diddle diddle to the people in the middle
We got hot wax and it's cookin' on the griddle
Got the guitar strummin', the drummer drummin'
The people all hummin' and the vibe was lovin'
On and on and on till the break of dawn
On and on and on till the break of dawn
I am not a jerk although sometimes I act like one
And I am deadly serious about us havin' fun
And I go many places but I know I'm not with you
And I am not a sucker even though I'm stuck on you
Each one should teach one and share with one another
So many is out there that's livin' undercover
Your motha your fatha, your sista your brotha
Your friends and their enemies all have their lovers, yeah
But hey diddle diddle to the people in the middle
We got hot wax and it's cookin' on the griddle
Got the guitar strummin', the drummer drummin'
The people all hummin' and the vibe was lovin'
But hey diddle diddle to the people in the middle
We got hot wax and it's cookin' on the griddle
Got the guitar strummin', the drummer drummin'
The people all hummin' and the vibe was lovin'
On and on and on till the break of dawn
On and on and on till the break of dawn
On and on and on till the break of dawn
On and on and on till the break of dawn
Love and affection in the right direction
(Till the break of dawn, till the break of dawn)
So tell me the definition of a sell-out
Cast your first stone, but then get the hell out
People say they know me I can tell you that they don't
People say they own me I can tell you that they won't
The left and the right they all try to use me
But I'll be in they faces before they can abuse me
So roll down ya window and listen what I'm sayin'
Relax ya mind and let the band keep playin'
On and on and on till the break of dawn
But hey diddle diddle to the people in the middle
We got hot wax and it's cookin' on the griddle
Got the guitar strummin', the drummer drummin'
The people all hummin' and the vibe was lovin'
But hey diddle diddle to the people in the middle
We got hot wax and it's cookin' on the griddle
Got the guitar strummin', the drummer drummin'
The people all hummin' and the vibe was lovin'
On and on and on till the break of dawn
(Love and affection in the right direction)
On and on and on till the break of dawn
(Love and affection in the right direction)
On and on and on till the break of dawn
(Love and affection in the right direction)
Say when you called me that night
To tell me that things
They weren't goin' alright with your boyfriend
Was it me, or did you just want somebody to talk to?
Then is it you or the fact that I can't be near you
That keeps you in the front of my mind
When your voice goes away
And a breath is the last thing that you say
But the warmth of your lips on my fingertips, they won't go away
When I drop my head in my hands and play
The memory of that night in L.A.
Again and again and again and
Because, I can't think straight and I can't sleep late
The few times we shared I try to recreate
'Cause I know this is wrong I better stop this talk
Because grass can grow up through a crack in the sidewalk
What I see when I look in your eyes
Grass that's truly greenest sprouting inside
I wasn't even looking when I realized
That you had the vibe that was my fertilizer
Thought that love in this world was dead and buried and gone
How could I be so cynical when I was so young?
You hit me in the chest like and 808 boom
I found love is the shit that makes life bloom
Yes, love is the shit that makes life bloom
You never know when you might step in it
Love is the shit that makes life bloom
And you never know when you might
Love is the shit that makes life bloom
You never know when you might step in it
Love is the shit that makes life bloom
And you never know when you might
And fate is like a pigeon that follows me around
Sometimes he flies ahead and he brings me what he found
Then he'll drop it on my head leave me numb from the brain down
That's the way it was when I walked upon your ground
The irrepressible and impermissible
Are the two things that have made my life miserable
'Cause spirits don't leave if you don't talk about 'em
And memories come back when you don't think about 'em
I wished I had an ocean of some magic potion
I'd trade all this emotion for a few moments of motion
But I've never felt this way some things can't be rehearsed
Now, I'm grindin' up my gearbox, tryin' to find reverse to go
Love is the shit that makes life bloom
You never know when you might step in it
Love is the shit that makes life bloom
And you never know when you might
Love is the shit that makes life bloom
You never know when you might step in it
Love is the shit that makes life bloom
And you never know when you might
But I want to keep on walkin', right through, oh, oh
And let this feelin' rock me, oh, oh
[Incomprehensible] keep on walkin', right through, oh, oh
And let this fellin' rock me, oh, oh, oh, oh yeah, yeah, yeah
Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
You know fallin' in love, like easing into a hot tub
It feels good on your feet, by the time you
Get to your mid section, you get
All the way in and get all the way out
Music brings me comfort in this grieving hour
The Sade tape tells me it's all over for now
I listen read hard but don't dare play loud
'Cause I don't wanna think what you might be doin' now
Sometimes it feels like a bad initiation
But you woke my heart from a long hibernation
You were worth every risk, so I gave my hear room
And now I'm deep in the doo that makes life bloom
Because, love is the shit that makes life bloom
You never know when you might step in it
Love is the shit that makes life bloom
And you never know when you might
And love is the shit that makes life bloom
You never know when you might step in it
Love is the shit that makes life bloom
And you never know when you might
But I want to keep on walkin', right through
And let this feelin' rock me, oh, oh
Yes, I want to keep on walkin', right through, oh, oh
And let this feelin' rock me, oh, oh, oh, oh yeah, yeah, yeah
Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
See the flowers bloomin' in the springtime, oh, oh, oh
See the bees zoomin' in the sunshine, oh yeah
See the flowers bloomin' in the springtime, oh, oh, oh
See the bees zoomin' in the sunshine, oh yeah, yeah
See the flowers bloomin' in the springtime, yeah, yeah
I wanna make it slow
Sensemille
I wanna make it slow
Make me feel ya
Heavy medicine
Ya see my eyes are feeling red again
I'm bringin' light
Like Thomas funky Edison
Been in the desert for forty seven days
Purple Haze
The poison that I tasted never changed
Turn up the woofers so I can feel the beat
Vibrate my belly like a bomb in harmony
Summer heat
My back is sticking to me to the seat
Bare feet
Tank top and shorts is all ya need
Summer breeze
I'm feelin' kinda fine
I'm rollin with my shorty all the time
Wind and grind lovely shake your behind
Cinnamon skin be bringing sin to my mind
But whether or not the weather's hot
Or the weather's cold
I'm wrapping her like a blanket with my whole soul
So that she can feel me
Like Coca Cola I'm the woo-o-oh oh the sweet thing
My girl lollipop she growing mad crops
She rollin' herbs everyday
At about 4 o' clock
Tick tock
Strike the hammer while the Iron's hot
Ooh girl watcha got cooking in the pot
See Mary Mary quite contrary
How does your garden grow?
Hydrophonic ultra supersonic
Or does it grow naturally slow?
Ganja babe my sweet ganja babe
I love tha way ya love me and the way ya misbehavin'
Ganja babe my sweet ganja babe
Come wake body-ody take my mind away
Everybody get down and do the boogaloo
Just like the cover of I want you
Yoo hooo look watcha gonna do
Watcha gonna do when the rent comes due
Round up the posse and call up the crew
5 Bucks at the door and ya bring ya own booze
Call ya neighbor 'cause they can come too
Be sure and bring ya records 'cause I only got a few
So baa baa black sheep have you any wool
Yes sir, yes sir a nickle bagful
One for my partner one for my crew
Some for my ganja baby she needs to
'Cause just like me they want to be cool
Ganja babe my sweet ganja babe
I love tha way ya love me and the way ya misbehavin'
Ganja babe my sweet ganja babe
I have been travelling down this river, so many rocks pop up in my sight.
I've got to make some quick decisions, should I go left or should I go right.
I pray for guidence and protection, it keeps my boat watter tight.
But I know, if I just keep on believing, every little things all gonna be allright.
When I wake up, in the morning. I Hope I see you in the light.
And when I wake up, in the morning. I hope I see you in the light.
And the loveliness, and the tenderness,
And the happiness, and the openness,
And the togehterness, and the loveliness.. yeahyeah
Vampires gather round me, angle to take a bite.
They wanna drink my blood of courage, and try to take away my fight.
But no, no, no, they can't do that, (noo)
for one truth I've learned in life.
You want to scare away the vampires,
You simply guide them into the light.
But when I wake up in the morning I hope I see you in the light
When I wake up in the morning I hope I see you in the light
In the morn, in the morning ...
And when my time is done, I did somùe right I did some wrong.
Call my name to kingdom come, spread my wings in flight.
I hope that when my day is over my love I'll see you in the light.
Loveliness and tenderness
And happiness and openness
Make me, make me sweat till I'm wet, till I'm dry
But then wipe this tear from my eye
Haven't felt this warm in a long time
Even out in the bright sunshine in a lifetime of springtime
I fall into your arms
With my heart pumpin' on
Like a bubblin' dub track
Like a garlicky hot tongue and lip smack
I did some contemplation
Before we got down to this consecration
Maybe baby, somethin' in your kiss said
It was an impetuous for me to re-think this
If I love you
Then I better get tested
Make sure we're protected
I walk through the park
Dressed like a question mark
Hark!
I hear my memory back
In the back of my brain
Makin' me insane like cocaine
But how am I gonna live my life if I'm positive?
Is it gonna be a negative?
How am I gonna live my life if I'm positive?
Is it gonna be a negative?
But how am I gonna live my life If I'm positive?
It dawned on me, it seemed to me
This is unusual scenery
This red light greenery, make me feel kinda dreamery
Thinkin' how I used to be
Arrive at the clinic, walk through the front door
Take a nervous number
Then I think some more about all the time
That I neglected, makin' sure that I was protected
They took my blood
With an anonymous number
Two weeks waitin', wonderin'
I should-a done this a long time ago
A-lot of excuses why I couldn't go
I know, these things and these things, I must know
'Cause it's better to know than to not know!
But how am I gonna live my life if I'm positive?
Is it gonna be a negative?
How am I gonna live my life if I'm positive?
Is it gonna be a negative?
But how am I gonna live my life If I'm positive?
I go home to kick it in my apartment
I try to give myself a risk assessment
The wait is what can really annoy ya
Everyday's more paranoia
I'm readin' about how it's transmitted
Some behavior I must admit it
Who I slept with, who they slept with
Who they, who they, who they slept with?
I think about life and immortality
What's the first thing I do if I'm H.I.V.
Have a cry and tell my mother
Get on the phone and call my past lovers
I never thought about infectin' another
All the times that I said, "Hmm, don't bother"
Was it really all that magic?
The times, I didn't use a prophylactic
Would my whole life have to change?
Or would my whole life remain the same?
Sometimes it makes me wanna shout!
All these things too hard to think about
A day to laugh, a day to cry
A day to live and a day to die
Till I find out, I may wonder
But I'm not gonna live my life six feet under
But how am I gonna live my life if I'm positive?
Is it gonna be a negative?
How am I gonna live my life if I'm positive?
Is it gonna be a negative?
Ya know, one day the indigenous people of the Earth
Are gonna reclaim, what?s rightfully theirs
Really?
Well, lose your mind, misplace your mind
Forgot you even had a mind
?Cause someone told you it?s impossible
To change your mind
A friend of mine made it to twenty-five
We had a celebration, man, I?m glad that you?re alive
I?m happy to see, my man you?re beatin? the odds
And for this on this day we give thanks to the gods
?Cause everyone deserves a shot except you only get one
I hope it?s not through the head my son
But life is short when you?re afraid to cry
Life is hard when you?re afraid to die
But when I feel alone, I sing myself a song
Because wherever I lay a groove is my home
But can you see me in the desert?
Of course you can
Can you see me on the mountain?
Of course you can
Can you see me in the ocean?
Of course you can
I?m just splishin?, splashin?
Jumpin? in the sand
But can you see me in the desert?
Of course you can
Can you see me on the mountain?
Of course you can
Can you see me in the ocean?
Of course you can
I?m just splishin?, splashin?
Jumpin? in the sand
But he remembered memories of walkin? through the puddles
Sayin? gee dad, am I the one who?s wanted by
The federal government doesn?t want me to go to school
I ask too many questions and I don?t play by their rules
In school they tried to tell me that a rock is not alive
But I have seen a volcano growin? up and die
In school they tried to tell me that a tree it couldn?t feel
But I have felt a tree and it was bleedin' for real
In school they tried to tell me animals couldn?t talk
But they can understand it when a dog starts to bark
In school they tried to tell me, man doesn?t have a soul
What happened to his? I say 'cause mine is still whole
But can you see me in the desert?
Of course you can
Can you see me on the mountain?
Of course you can
Can you see me in the ocean?
Of course you can
I?m just splishin?, splashin?
Jumpin? in the sand
But can you see me in the desert?
Of course you can
Can you see me on the mountain?
Of course you can
Can you see me in the ocean?
Of course you can
I?m just splishin?, splashin?
Jumpin? in the sand
Can you see me?
Can you see me?
Can you see me?
Can you see me?
I have the reoccurring dream of a life?s imprisonment
The reoccurring scream of a world and it?s residents
The reoccurring theme of a mind full of finger prints
The reoccurring dream of a knife and a president
Well, would you like to look at Madonna?s book on sex?
Or would you rather Alex Haley?s book on Malcolm X?
Their fuckin? with ice tea but they don?t even care if
Eric Clapton?s singin?, "I Shot The Sheriff"
But how many more books on this subject can I read?
And how many more frustrations must I try to ease?
And how many more days of this bad air can I breathe?
And how many more of my friends must just die and leave?
But you can?t diffuse the ticking time bomb
You can?t refuse the time it has come
You can?t erase our people from the nation
I?ll take a life before they call us 'The Lost Generation'
But can you see us in the desert?
Of course you can
Can you see us on the mountain?
Of course you can
Can you see us in the ocean?
Of course you can
We're just splishin?, splashin?
Jumpin? in the sand
But can you see us in the desert?
Of course you can
Can you see us on the mountain?
Of course you can
Can you see us in the ocean?
Of course you can
We're just splishin?, splashin?
Jumpin? in the sand
But can you see me in Africa?
Of course you can
Can you see us in Asia?
Of course you can
Can you see us in Australia?
Of course you can
Aotearoa? Western Samoa? Eskimoa?
Can you see us in the White House?
No you can?t
Can you see us on the radio?
Hell no
Can you see me with the police
In handcuffs?
Splishin?, splashin?
Six foot six above sea level
I grab the mic because I like to take you to another mental level
Low power frequency radio modulation
The big sound from the underground another pirate station
We bring the truth to places truth is never heard before
We bring the sound communication of our tribal war
Dark vision fly by helicopters in the night
Attempt triangulation of our station in the fight
Straight from the bass, deep down low precision
High crime treason we broadcastin' sedission
Like the Wall Street mornin' afternoon edition
Commandeerin' airwaves from unknown positions
Live and direct we comin' never pre-recorded
With information that will never be reported
Disregard the mainstream media distorted
Whoop, whoop
We comin' listener supported
Live and direct we comin' never pre-recorded
With information that will never be reported
Disregard the mainstream media distorted
Whoop, whoop
We comin' listener supported
Don't take no prisoners if you can't afford to feed none
Don't start no fights if you can't predict the outcome
Don't make donations where you cannot get your dough back
Fuck the apathetic bull shittas send 'em all your Prozac
I will not climb into your telephone tree
And hell no, you can't put me on hold
It's the same recorded message, you'd been singin' all along
Keep handin' us the Bible while you walkin' off with all the gold
The bureaucratic office sends you merry-go-rounding'
While the KKK police the streets by blood houndin'
Interest on the credit card just keeps on compoundin'
But the FCC can never shut this pirate sound down
Live and direct we comin' never pre-recorded
With information that will never be reported
Disregard the mainstream media distorted
Whoop, whoop
We comin' listener supported
Live and direct we comin' never pre-recorded
With information that will never be reported
Disregard the mainstream media distorted
Whoop, whoop
We comin' listener supported
Live and direct we comin' never pre-recorded
With information that will never be reported
Disregard the mainstream media distorted
Whoop, whoop
We comin' listener supported
Live and direct we comin' never pre-recorded
With information that will never be reported
Disregard the mainstream media distorted
Whoop, whoop
We comin' listener supported
Live and direct we comin' never pre-recorded
With information that will never be reported
Disregard the mainstream media distorted
Whoop, whoop
We comin' listener supported
Live and direct we comin' never pre-recorded
With information that will never be reported
Disregard the mainstream media distorted
Whoop, whoop
We comin' listener supported
Live and direct we comin' never pre-recorded
With information that will never be reported
Disregard the mainstream media distorted
Whoop, whoop
We comin' listener supported
Live and direct we comin' never pre-recorded
With information that will never be reported
Disregard the mainstream media distorted
Whoop, whoop
We comin' listener supported
Six foot six above sea level
I grab the mic because I like to take you to another mental level
Six foot six above sea level
I grab the mic because I like to take you to another mental level
Six foot six above sea level
I grab the mic because I like to take you to another mental level
Six foot six above sea level
I grab the mic because I like to take you to another mental level
Six foot six above sea level
This one goes out to you and yours! (Rub-a-dub stylin')
Family, family (Rub-a-dub stylin' Push ya)
Born to people!
(chorus)
Don't tell the Dj got to turn it low, we keep on rockin till the early morn
Say hey now now I say hey now now
Don't tell the people that they got to go, I wanna keep them till the early morn
I say hey now now, I say hey now now (Spearhead in the area)
You been a soldier gal, and I do anything for you, its true
I wanna be there in the early morn, I gonna light up the night for you,, its true its true
(Chorus)
(Reggae rap)
(Chorus)
Be who you are nothing more nothing less, and let the beauty that you love be the very best
Sing praises to the highest with your feet on the ground, and reach to your brother with the words that you sound, and don't let mistakes be so monumental, and don't let your love be so confidential, and don't let your man be so darn judgmental, and please let your heart be more influential
Be thankful for all that the spirit provides, and be thankful for all you see without eyes, and be thankful for the music that keeps us alive, and give thanks to earl DJs worldwide
(Chorus)
(spearhead in the area, you are now listening to the original, rub-a-dub rub-a-dub now, Radioactive in the place)
The music and the harmony, the family and friends
It seams like when your dancing man the feeling never ends
The bass of the bass, the voice of the drums, the bubble of the keys, my weapon is my tongue
If theres love in the rhythm then the soul is gonna follow
If your turning up the system it will go until tomorrow
If you need some money I got some that you can borrow
Addicted to the sun? come up and cast shadows
Right now the tune reflects
Light out we soon connect
We rock, are nose is hot, so hot that we sweat, so happy we cry, push boggles goodbye, thank god wes alive,
With time on our side and his rammah provide, we smile or we slide, do I say good bye, we keep it rockin like the sound of a lion
(Chorus)
(Reggea rap)
Its hot, and a policeman comes, and trys to break up the fun tonight
Then I would stand firm with you, and we'll brace ourselves for the fight, all night, all right
I say
(Chorus)
(Spearhead In the area)
And the lord spoke unto moses
Go unto pharaoh and say unto him
'Thus say the lord, let my people go, that they may serve me
And if thou refuse to let them go, behold
I will smite all thy border with frogs '
I'm comin' to gitcha
I'm comin' to gitcha
I'm comin' to gitcha
I'm comin' to gitcha
Babe I'm sick and tired of bein' alone and
I call 911 up the phone and
Your like ebola in my system
I'm sick with you but your the serum
Voo doo be tuggin' on my apron see and
I can feel screamin' jay hawkins possessin' me and
Damned in reckless abandon
Imagine suspended in the canyon
I'm comin' to gitcha
I'm comin' to gitcha
I'm comin' to gitcha
I'm comin' to gitcha
I don't understand I feel like I'm goin' crazy 'cause I
I wanna feel you in my I don't know what I'm gonna do 'cause
I have these dreams about followin' you with my hands
And I get all nervous 'cause I I wanna call you up and I
I'm comin' to gitcha
I'm comin' to gitcha
I'm comin' to gitcha
I'm comin' to gitcha
Baby makin' music for the massive global telecommunication
Aboriginol black militia broadcastin' system
The chocolate melter, the helter skelter
The skull rattler, the bush doctor
The part the red sea boom shocka
Una bomber super jamma
Jungle business melt in the mic not in your hand
Jah! master mind the master plan
I'm comin' to gitcha
I'm comin' to gitcha
I'm comin' to gitcha
I don't eat red meat but I'm not a vegetarian
I like ice cream but not much dairy
'Cause it gets in my nose, it makes me gotta blows
Snot like a farmer and it gets on my clothes
It's rather unsightly, can even be frightening
But cold medication should not be taken lightly
Because everything that I put in, it comes out again
And if I eatin' lean it helps me stay thin
So check out my hair, I keep it dreaded
About my corn, I like it breaded
Hot from the oven, mmmm, you said it
Straight to the stomach, 'cause my fuel is unleaded
But not fossil fuels, I like olive oil
I like my eggs scrambled and I'll never eat 'em boiled
The way to my heart is with a garlic clove
It smells hella sexy when it's on the kitchen stove
But, red beans and rice, red beans and rice, red beans and rice
I could eat a plate twice
Red beans and rice, red beans and rice, red beans and rice
Make everything nice, so nice, so nice, so nice, so nice
Well, yes, most people on the planet eat beans and rice
They can't afford beef or they think cows are nice
If you talk table manners, don't believe all they told ya
I eat with my fingers like an African soldier
I don't know which fork is for meat or for salad
I haven't got a clue when they say, whet your palate
Eat a lot a prunes, it'll keep you loose
Your skin'll turn orange if you drink carrot juice
I think beef jerky tastes, just like a boot
When I'm on the street I chew a licorice root
And if I have a sore throat then I eat ginger
And I will break bread with those who are strangers
So come into my cave, tonight I will show you
That food is for life and life I will show you
If you're havin' problems, I invite you here
Step into my kitchen, we will cook away your fears
But, red beans and rice, red beans and rice, red beans and rice
I could eat a plate twice
Red beans and rice, red beans and rice, red beans and rice
Make everything nice, so nice, so nice, so nice, so nice
Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
Dammit let's eat!
Mi casa es su casa Mi cocina es su cocina
You know what I mean
Get some boilin' water, yeah
Get a pound of beans, yeah
Get some spice and make it nice, yeah
You know what I mean
But if a friend has gas, then he's passin'
It gives me a headache and I gotta take Aspirin
It makes me dizzy, I fix him fizzies
To calm his stomach when it's feelin' kinda busy
But some like it white, but I like it brown
I like spicy chicken and I can throw it down
Well chilies come red and chilies come green
And when it's on the table, I will lick my plate clean
But then I drink a toast to the host and hostess
But first we give thanks to God the mostest
'Cause if I am a guest, I always wash my plate
I sip a, sip a soda, while I sing Amazing Grace
Rings on my fingers, left round the tub
The bass fulla bubbles, bumpin' like a wash tub
Think about my troubles goin' down the drain
Dryin' up the puddles in the back of my brain
But, red beans and rice, red beans and rice, red beans and rice
I could eat a plate twice
Red beans and rice, red beans and rice, red beans and rice
Make everything nice
Red beans and rice, red beans and rice, red beans and rice
I could eat a plate twice
Red beans and rice, red beans and rice, red beans and rice
Make everything nice
Get some boilin' water, yeah
Get a pound of beans, yeah
Get some spice and make it nice, yeah
You know what I mean
Rock rock y'all Spearheads comes alive
On the eve of 2 triple O
11 45
No jive we be survivin'
Singin' praises to jah
Every time we throw down and every time we puff La
Haaaaawell you can roll my way
On the chocolate supa highway
Late last year
Some of ya mighta had fear, that the Spearhead crew
Would never be back through your way, no way
We naw go out like that, becaouse we livin' for the riddim
And the funk is always fat so
We bring fat beats like a gift for Xmas
I'll make you testify just like an O.J Simpson witness
Our sound is so alarming like killer bees people all be swarming
So like the price is right come on down, make a little wish
But excuse me while I light my spliff and make some noise
If you think the herbs a gift. Hoooo
Rock rock y'all Spearheads comes alive
On the eve of 2 triple O
11 45
No jive we be survivin'
Singin' praises to jah
Every time we throw down and every time we puff La
Haaaaawell you can roll my way
On the chocolate supa highway
Check it I'm descending back into this record
The heavy breathing funky rhyme paramedic
Shootin' funky venom from my sharp teeth injectors
Not vex ya but yes to resurrect ya
'Cause I can't stand the pain outside my window
Why ya think so many smokin' indo blunts
Sippin' gin and juice for confidence
Blowin' more la than Jackie Chan be doin' stunts
The Buddah elevates the stress off the chest
But could never elevate boot off the ghetto necks
Flex like flash when they try to pull me under
But like the lightnin' I'll be there before the thunder
Rock rock y'all Spearheads comes alive
On the eve of 2 triple O
11 45
No jive we be survivin'
Singin' praises to jah
Every time we throw down and every time we puff La
Haaaaawell you can roll my way
On the chocolate supa highway
Yes I remember the time in Oklahoma
You tried to blame an Arab
But the whitey was the bomber
You be jumpin' to conclusions
I think you spent your whole life
Watchin' cable in seclusion
Illusions 'bout what's outside your door
One nigga two nigga three nigga four
Robbing every house and every liquor store
Run for your life we marchin' one million more
Plowing the fields like some natty dread farmers
You can roll your own in September from our harvest
Big up yourself when life comes gets the hardest
Spearheads comin' straight from the cartridge
Rock rock y'all Spearheads comes alive
On the eve of 2 triple O
11 45
No jive we be survivin'
Singin' praises to jah
Every time we throw down and every time we puff La
Haaaaawell you can roll my way
Starvation is a creation of the devil
a rebel
I'm bringin' food to the people like a widow
brinin' flowers to a grave in the middle
of the city isolation is a riddle
to be surrounded by a million other people
but feel alone like a tree in the desert
dried up like the skin of a lizard
but full of color like the spots of a leopard
drum and bass pull me in like a sheperd
scratch my itch like a needle on a record
full of life like a man gone to Mecca
sky high like an eagle up soaring
I speak low but I'm like a lion roaring
baritone like a Robeson recordin'
I'm giving thanks for bein' human every morning...
(chorus)
Because the streets are alive with the sound of Boom Bap
can I hear it once again!
Boom Bap tell your neighbor tell a friend
every box gotta right to be boomin'
because the streets are alive with the sound of Boom Bap
can I hear it once again!
Boom Bap tell your neighbor tell a friend
every flower got a right to be bloomin'!
Stay Human!
Be resistant
the negativity we keep it at a distance
call for backup and I'll give you some assistance
like a lifesaver deep in the ocean
stay afloat here upon the funky motion
rock and roll upon the waves of the season
hold your breath and your underwater breathin'
To be rhymin' without a real reason
is to claim but not to practice a religion
is television is the drug of the nation
satelite is immaculate reception
beaming in they can look and they can listen
so you see don't believe in the system
to legalize you or give you your freedom
you want rights ask'em, they'll read 'em
but every flower gotta right to be bloomin'
stay human...
(chorus)
All the freaky people make the beauty of the world
You see Y2K ya know is a moment
in time we find that we can open
up a heart that's locked or been broken
by the pain of the words not spoken
or shot by guns a still smokin'
Cartwrights out on the Ponderosa
or drive by bang in Testarossa
we need to heed the words of Dalai Lama
or at least the words of ya mama
take a mental trip to the Bahamas
steam your body in a stereo sauna, sauna, comma....
(chorus)
I need a reason to get up /before I wash my face
The junkies the Hookers the dealers the place
kickin' off my covers / trippin' off the fact
that I haven't called my gramma in a long long time
standin in the shower/ for almost half an hour
Tryin' to wake up/ and I'm lookin for the power
reachin' for the towel/ with soap in my eyes
dryin' off my shoulders / my chest and my thighs
The next thing I know/ the telephone rings
I hear my own voice /on the answering machine
please leave a message/ I'm glad ya called
I listen for a voice /but there's nothin' at all
Man oh Man
I gotta kick the blues
and pay respect where respect is due
all praises to GOD the one I return to
the one I can turn to
when I'm feelin burned to the bone
(chorus)
Early in the morn/ before I wash my face
The bed is still warm but there's an empty space
Easrly in the morn/ before I wash my face
a hundred thousand miles is a lonely place
At six in the morning /she rolled outa bed
stared out the window/ and then she said
that I wasn't her type...
I think she's runnin outa types though...and I told her so.
She picked up her things and walked through the door
and then said that she couldn't see me no more
just as she was leaving /I asked her if she'd call
she didn't look back / said nuttin at all
I didn't change my clothes/ because they smell like you
and when I took a shower it reminded me of you
I called Gramma Brown/for advice
it happened to me once/it happened to me twice
Michael/ my son/ you sound really bugged
I wish that you were here /so I could to you give
a hug then she gave me/ a long, long talk
she said "you have the patience /of ice on a sidewalk"
when things get rough/ don't sweat it
sometimes in life you just have to let it
and sing out a song / so strong
that even a bad dream couldn't bring harm
to the mind of a young childs battles
formed from the candle light shadows
her voice is like a whispering kiss on the forehead
(chorus)
Early in the morn/ before I wash my face
The bedisstill warmbut there's an empty space
Early in the mornin/beforeIwashmy face
a hundred thousand miles is a lonely place
In the last thirty minutes/before I fall asleep
when I have said my prayers /and I have brushed my teeth
This is the time /when I am forced to think about
all of the things/ I been tryin to forget about
The Bills, the phone, cleanin up my room
the cars, the traffic, the speakers and the boom
alone I remember /the times with me and you
and I realize my heart is shakin' up the room
Gramma she would tell us /about the glory days
and gramma she would tell us/ about when we were slaves
in the livin' room/ pianos outa tune
on top of it the pictures /of every bride and groom
child/ grand child /lost child
every single tear shed / every single smile
'cause everybodies got/ alota shit to deal with
and life doesn't stop/ it just makes ya feel it
so shake the dust/ offa your feet
take a step forward/ liberate with the beat
so for you/ I wrote this song
I wanted you to hear it/ before you are gone.
the African in me/ the Seminole in me
These are some a things my grandmother gave
to me some believe there are and some believe there
ain't if ever there was one my gramma Brown she is a saint
(chorus)
Early in the morn/ before I wash my face
The bed isstill warmbut there'san empty space
Earlyin themornin/ before I wash my face
The world around
gotcha down
you got high blood pressure people pushin' you around
and some wanna tell you how you should behave
cut your hair the right way, tell you what to say, hang
out with the right folks
become a fashion slave
But do you wanna feel free
but do you wanna feel freaky and free
but do you wanna feel free
do you wanna feel free, free, free, freaky and free
(chorus)
Take ya time
unwind ya mind
we all need a little soulshine
take ya time
unwind ya mind
we could use a little soulshine
9 to 5, people tryin'a stay alive
hard livin' in the city
find a diamond in the sewer but the gas bills rise
but I got to say to them what's in all mean
ya got a take a loan
to pay the bill on the phone
educated, graduated but you can't get a job
But do you wanna feel free
but do you wanna feel freaky and free
but do you wanna feel free
do you wanna feel free, free, free, freaky and free
(chorus)
(chorus)
Oh-my, oh-my God!
out here mama they got us livin' suicide
singin' oh-my, oh-my God!
out here mama they got us livin' genocide
Slam bam I come unseen
but like gasoline you can tell I'm in the tank
like money in the bank
I smell appealing, but I'm toxic, can send ya reeling
without an inklin', keep ya thinkin'
'cause you gave cash to the feds, left your school district for dead
fucked you up in the head, but still they sayin' nothin's wrong
sellin' firewater but outlawing the bong
still believing the system is workin'
while half of my people are still outta workin'
anonymous notes left in the pockets and coats
of judges and juries from 'Frisco to Jersey
threats and protests politicians mob debts
trumped up charges and phoney arrests
stage a lethal injection, the night before the election
'cause he got donations from the prison guard's union
(chorus)
Listen in to my stethoscope on a rope
international lullabies, human cries
thumps and silence, the language of violence
algorithmic, cataclysmic, seismic, biorhythmic
you can make a life longer, but you can't save it
you can make a clone an then you try to enslave it?
stealin' DNA samples from the onborn
and then you comin' after us
'cause we sampled a James Brown horn?
scientists who's God is progress
a four-headed sheep is their latest project
the CIA runnin' like that Jones from Indiana
but they still won't talk about that (Jim) Jones
(People's Temple mass suicide) in Guyana
This ain't no cartoon
no one slips on bananas
do you really think that that car killed Diana
hell I shot Ronald Reagan, I shot JFK,
I slept with Marilyn (Monroe) she sung me happy birthday
singin'
(chorus)
Well politicians got lipstick on the collar
the whole media started to holler
but I don't give a fuck who they screwin' in private
I wanna know who they screwin' in public
robbin', cheatin', stealin'
white collar criminal
McDonald eatin', you deserve a beatin'
send you home a weepin', with a fat bill for your
Caribbean weekend
for just about anything they can bust us
false advertising sayin' "halls of Justice''
you tellin' the youth don't be so violent
then you drop bombs on every single continent
mandatory minimum sentencin'
'cause he got caught with a pocket fulla medicine
do that again another ten up in the pen
I feel so mad I wanna bomb an institution
singin'
(chorus)
I need a reason to get up /before I wash my face
The junkies, the Hookers, the dealers the place
kickin' off my covers / trippin' off the fact
that I haven't called my gramma in a long, long time
standin in the shower/ for almost half an hour
Tryin' to wake up/ and I'm lookin for the power
reachin' for the towel/ with soap in my eyes
dryin' off my shoulders,/ my chest, and my thighs
The next thing I know/ the telephone rings
I hear my own voice /on the answering machine
please leave a message/ I'm glad ya called
I listen for a voice /but there's nothin' at all
Man oh Man
I gotta kick the blues
and pay respect where respect is due
all praises to GOD the one I return to
the one I can turn to
when I'm feelin burned to the bone
(chorus)
Early in the morn/ before I wash my face
The bed is still warm but there's an empty space
Easrly in the morn/ before I wash my face
a hundred thousand miles is a lonely place
At six in the morning /she rolled outa bed
stared out the window/ and then she said
that I wasn't her type...
I think she's runnin outa types though...and I told her so.
She picked up her things and walked through the door
and then said that she couldn't see me no more
just as she was leaving /I asked her if she'd call
she didn't look back / said nuttin at all
I didn't change my clothes/ because they smell like you
and when I took a shower it reminded me of you
I called Gramma Brown/for advice
it happened to me once/it happened to me twice
Michael/ my son/ you sound really bugged
I wish that you were here /so I could to you give
a hug then she gave me/ a long, long talk
she said ";you have the patience /of ice on a sidewalk";
when things get rough/ don't sweat it
sometimes in life you just have to let it
and sing out a song / so strong
that even a bad dream couldn't bring harm
to the mind of a young childs battles
formed from the candle light shadows
her voice is like a whispering kiss on the forehead
(chorus)
Early in the morn/ before I wash my face
The bedisstill warmbut there's an empty space
Early in the mornin/beforeIwashmy face
a hundred thousand miles is a lonely place
In the last thirty minutes/before I fall asleep
when I have said my prayers /and I have brushed my teeth
This is the time /when I am forced to think about
all of the things/ I been tryin to forget about
The Bills, the phone, cleanin up my room
the cars, the traffic, the speakers and the boom
alone I remember /the times with me and you
and I realize my heart is shakin' up the room
Gramma she would tell us /about the glory days
and gramma she would tell us/ about when we were slaves
in the livin' room/ pianos outa tune
on top of it the pictures /of every bride and groom
child/ grand child /lost child
every single tear shed / every single smile
'cause everybodies got/ alota shit to deal with
and life doesn't stop/ it just makes ya feel it
so shake the dust/ offa your feet
take a step forward/ liberate with the beat
so for you/ I wrote this song
I wanted you to hear it/ before you are gone.
the African in me/ the Seminole in me
These are some a things my grandmother gave
to me some believe there are and some believe there
ain't if ever there was one my gramma Brown she is a saint
(chorus)
Early in the morn/ before I wash my face
The bed isstill warmbut there'san empty space
Earlyin themornin/ before I wash my face
a hundred thousand miles is a lonely place
Ooh Ohh take a chance on a free ride
Ooh Ohh take a chance on a free ride free ride
Ooh Ohh take a chance on a free ride
Ooh Ohh take a chance on a free ride free ride
Madness in tha hood keeps trying to kill the vibes
even gam's preacher packs a 45
run get the chalice and posse up the tribe
and with the love of Rastafari we shall never die
Wake up in the morn unlock the store pops
hookers on Leavenworth closin' up shops
cops, lookin' like a blind Cyclops 'cause
they clockin' ten percent
of the CREAM off the top
got mad money comin' down the pipe
from the three piece suit who gotta piece last night
the butcher the backer phony credit card maker
plus the operation being sponsored by Jamaica
and then there's the dimea dozen hoodie hitmen
who be killin' for sport, they go kids to support
Slingin' dice come cross the snake eyes
come and take a chance on a free ride
(Chorus)
Badi ah-dee adi ah
come and take a chance on a free ride
Badi ah-dee adi ah
come and take a chance on a free ride
Ooh Ohh take a chance on a free ride
(Madness in tha hood keeps tryin' a kill the vibes)
Ooh Ohh take a chance on a free ride
(And with the love of Rastafari we shall never die)
Like Gregory Hines I return to the dance, (dancin'?)
broadcast vast audio radiance, enhance
wave hands, shake pants as I commence
DJ wheel up drop bass then advance
I get reactions just like Johnny Cochran
when he compared Mark Fuhrman to that old German
listen Herman Munster was a gangsta
S.F.P.D. shield on his clothes gave up the answer
to the crack freak just released from the jail
twenty in his pocket waitin' to inhale
takes deep breath from the piss stinkin' air
past the drag queen wearin' other people's hair
she snaps, "What you think you lookin' at here you look
like Jimmy Walker wearin' Biggy Small's gear
Get the fuck away before I make you disappear
I don't play that freaky shit do I make myself clear."
(Chorus)
Badi ah-dee adi ah
come and take a chance on a free ride
Badi ah-dee adi ah
come and take a chance on a free ride
Ooh Ohh take a chance on a free ride
(Madness in tha hood keeps tryin' a kill the vibes)
Ooh Ohh take a chance on a free ride
(And with the love of Rastafari we shall never die)
I take the needle off the record and shove it in my arm
Whenever I feel life is comin' on too strong
They left me in a clinic fulla cynical and mothafuckin' bureaucrats
And other kinda ding bats, they're livin' on the tracks
The tracks in my arm said
It all depends which side the tracks you're on
Tellin' me what to wear, tellin' me cut my hair
And tryin' to convince me that they really really care
All about my health and about my wealth
But still they built the Stealth
'Cause everybody's just lookin' out for they self
So then I ask 'em can I have a clean needle, hell no that's illegal
It's a crime to be broke in America
And it's a crime to smoke dank in America
Yeah, hit those drums now, yeah
They lockin' brother's in the poorhouse
Who can't afford Moorhouse, politicians nervous
It's the only free service they provide, you wanna go inside
There's a hot meal waitin' for ya, a deal we can score ya
On a bed for a night or two, or three or four months
They say they lockin' us up in cells
To protect us from ourselves
It smells like they got anotha plan in store house
Or should I say warehouse fulla niggaz and other misfits
That couldn't turn tricks in the courthouse
But it's a justice whorehouse
And it's a crime to be broke in America
And it's a crime to be black in America, come on
But there's a mutiny on the bounty, in ever single county
So, we remember Attica but don't forget to pat a few others
On the back as a matter of fact
Sister Asatta Shakur and Geronimo Pratt
But Amnesty international is fightin' for political
But if your analytical, you know it's much more critical
Than that percentages black is really, really whack
Can I kick a few facts, yes?
Six percent in college, from livin' on the block
Twenty five percent in prison, the school of hard knocks
Fifty percent in poverty is livin' on the rocks
Five hundred brothas on a death row box
The say, the punishment is capital
For those who lack in capital
Because a public defender can't remember the last time
A brother wasn't treated like an animal
They say, they blame it on a song when someone kills a cop
What music did they listen to when they bombed Iraq?
Well, give me one example so I can take a sample
No need to play it backwards if you wanna hear the devil
'Cause music's not the problem, it didn't cause the bombin'
But maybe they should listen to the songs of people starving
'Cause it's a crime to be broke in America
And it's a crime to smoke dank in America
And it's a crime to be black in America
And it's a crime to be black in America, come on now
Keep on comin' now, yeah
It's a crime to be Puerto Rican
It's a crime to be African
Crime to be native American
I say my prayers every mornin' just like orange juice
I crack the crinkles out my body till I'm feelin' loose
I strap my sneakers on my feet like they was combat boots
They fit my feet like Cinderella when I'm shootin' hoops
Why oh why do memories keep chasin' me?
Sometimes it makes me wanna grab my shit and flee
Sometimes I wanna blow my brains to put my life at ease
But I ain't clockin' out I gotta see the seven seas
Please, seven's a very lucky number for me
That was the age when I discovered how good ballin' could be
Up every mornin' with the birdies doin' little drills
Go to my left go to my right developin' mad skills
How could a love for this game bring so much sadness
I played with brothas with so much badness
But now they gone I sing a song pop a three
From the top of the key in they memory
Why, oh, why do memories be chasin' me?
Sometimes it makes me wanna grab my shit and flee
Even in seasons when it's another color sport
I still be memorizin' lines out on the basketball court singin'
Why, oh why do memories be chasin' me?
Sometimes it makes me wanna grab my shit and flee
Even in seasons when it's another color sport
I be rememberin' my partners on the basketball court
Do you remember runnin' the court in September?
Me and my homies be down for whoever
Would come along and try to send us to the showers
From the game that we'd been dominatin' there for hours
All day to be more specific east to west
From Atlantic to Pacific fools would come round
To get down and try to take our crown
But we would hold our ground and we would never back down
Old timers, new timers would get in line there
And take a seat there and try to prepare
But oh, no, there was no chance when we was in the zone
We was alone at the top, we had hops, we got props
And when we needed to we busted chops
Wipe the court with your game like we was usin' mops
What ever happened to the Super Hoopers in the park
I reminisce while shootin' solitary after dark
Why, oh, why do memories be chasin' me?
Sometimes it makes me wanna grab my shit and flee
Even in seasons when it's another color sport
I still be memorizin' lines out on the basketball court singin'
Why, oh why do memories be chasin' me?
Sometimes it makes me wanna grab my shit and flee
Even in seasons when it's another color sport
I be rememberin' my partners on the basketball court
Why, oh, why?
Why, oh, why?
Brother C came fresh from out of town
And he had handles and like McDonald's he could clown ya
Dribblin' baby bounces between drinkin' forty ounces
Knock ya on your heels and do circles like he was Curly Neal
But oh no, the liquor got quicker to his head and he said
"I think I musta placed some stupid bets"
He hit me up for some cash, there was a car crash
A splash and then the brother made a mad dash
Rob, oh, Rob his whole life was like a roller coaster
But on the court he looked like a Dr. J. Poster
Flyin' high with an Afro blowin' in the wind
Wipin' Windex, index finger rolls off the glass
Then swish through the net jump a Corvette with a triple pirouette
But off the court he had a few temptations copulations
No moderations by 24 he had 3 pregnations
Last check crack intoxications
So many other brothers gone from this dimension
And none of those who got hurt receive a pension
Give a bup, bup, to those locked up in detention
Memories too many dimension
And we say, "One more time, one more time"
Why, oh, why do memories be chasin' me?
Sometimes it makes me wanna grab my shit and flee
Even in seasons when it's another color sport
I still be memorizin' lines out on the basketball court singin'
Why, oh why do memories be chasin' me?
Sometimes it makes me wanna grab my shit and flee
Even in seasons when it's another color sport
Spearhead, search and destroy
Every woman, every man wanna move dem feet
Every woman, every man love a spearhead beat
Police in the city is shuttin' all the clubs down
It?s lookin' like a ghost town
Ya know, Mary, what we gotta do?
Hell yeah, we gotta go underground
To da place from which we all came from
House parties, they was always fun
Remember tryin' to rig a sound system
Everybody, would bring a donation
When we needed to get a turn table
My man, Zulu would borrow one from Aunt Mable
Set it up in the corner
Turn the lights down until the mornin?
But the party ain?t started till the speaker?s blown
No, no, no, runfayalife
'Coz the party ain?t started ?till the speaker?s blown
Because the party ain?t started till the speaker?s blown
No, no, no, runfayalife
Because the party ain?t started ?till the speaker?s blown
Runfayalife
While he was settin 'up camp
Someone else would bring a home stereo amp
With a note from they mama
?Don?t turn it up loud or it?s a goner?
Sorry Mama, there?s no chance
'Cause if the shit ain?t bumpin?
People ain?t gonna dance
Know what I?m sayin??
Everybody in the place would bring a few speakers
String 'em all togetha, like they was sneakers
An' say a prayer before we turn it on
Hopin' that the amp wouldn?t get blown
I asked Mary, ?Watcha think of it?
?Now we need a DJ to work this shit?
So everybody would bring a few singles
Get the beat bumpin' an' then start to mingle
But the party ain?t started till the speaker?s blown
No, no, no, runfayalife
But the party ain?t started ?till the speaker?s blown
Because the party ain?t started till the speaker?s blown
No, no, no, runfayalife
Because The party ain?t started ?till the speaker?s blown
Rrunfayalife
Every woman, every man wanna move dem feet
Every woman, every man love a Spearhead beat
Every woman, every man wanna move dem feet
Every woman, every man love a Spearhead beat
An' every brother and every sister
Would pay respect up to the ancestors
We would dance and we would celebrate
Even though we live in a police state
An' the pigs would try to make a statement
With a ticket for noise abatement
But we kept it pumpin? till the breakadawn
Then we told the cops they gotta break the door down
And today across the nation
Don?t ya know, it?s the same situation
Alotta cities lookin' like a ghost town
But the house party will never be shut down
No, no, no, runfayalife
Because the party ain?t started till the speaker?s blown
No, no, no, runfayalife
But The party ain?t started ?till the speaker?s blown
The party ain?t started till the speaker?s blown
No, no, no, runfayalife
But the party ain?t started ?till the speaker?s blown
Runfayalife
The party ain?t started till the speaker?s blown
No, no, no
The party ain?t started till the speaker?s blown
No, no, no
The party ain?t started till the speaker?s blown
No, no, no
The party ain?t started till the speaker?s blown
No, no, no
Yeah, this one?s dedicated to all the DJs, rappers
Promoters, producers who continue to throw
Jams in the face of adversity, peace
Peace to the informal nation, word up
Every woman, every man wanna move dem feet
Every woman, every man love a Spearhead beat
Every woman, every man wanna move dem feet
Every woman, every man love a Spearhead beat
Every woman, every man wanna move dem feet
Every woman, every man love a Spearhead beat
I love family
'Cause family brings inspirations
One love to you and peace to all the nations
Aztlan the Puerto Rican and Jamaican
The African the Maori, Kouri and the Haitian
On the chocolate reservation
I'll take a hit and then pass the information
To the left hand side and
Keep providin', pride and
Sustenance and guidance
Mass Hysteria fools breaking down the barrier
Militant cliques big up the area
Put your fist in the air now
Show me that cha care now
And that cha really know how
Don't get thee behind me Satan
I'll keep thee in front so I can kick thee in the ass and
Assassinate all your wicked inventions
Your new world order and your global intentions
Not to mention the department of corrections
Makin' money off of people in detention
Doin' time for possessions
Countin' the days in the dark they buildin' up aggressions
Progressions all the dirty lessons
In the belly of the beast only God hears confessions
Geronimo Pratt's still sittin' in the cellar
Done as many years as they did Mandela
Parole board wanted to know are you remorseful
How could I be because I didn't do the crime yo
Y'alls the Motha fucka's that's guilty
Lockin' me in solitary eight years of filthy
Kill the messenger, you can't kill the message
Yo I'm bringin' food for the masses
For the Masses for the masses
Mental food food for the masses
For the masses for the masses for the true for the true
For the Masses for the masses
Mental food, food for the masses
For the masses for the masses for the true for the true
So let's eat have a seat
Call the Maitre D'
Commencin' with the rythm
I get open on the beat
Let 'em say what they say about the way that we be
It's the year two triple O
They can't stop we
Aw'ight, so let's see how the book unfolds
I write 'cause half the story has never been told so
No one can stop it the whole world's droppin' out the socket
Blowin' up, like NASA when I rock it
The high tech ways of the civilized man
Can't stand my people but ya love the sun tan
Fly the space shuttle like dancer and prancer
You nuke the north pole now you got skin cancer
The answer you see I'm fly like Lufthansa
You can Value it but you takin' big chances
On crashes. Change your name like Cassius
The classes be making food for the masses
Then shift to a speed that's common for the listeners
MC's and wanna be street politicians
In competition with the envious visions
They chasin' paper dollars to a pop chart prison
But listen this isn't me against you
'Cause the whole world's checking out the things that we do
Ya sold your soul to the Saint Ide's brew
That's aw'ight I like the Sprite in you
For the Masses for the masses
Mental food food for the masses
For the masses for the masses for the true for the true
For the Masses for the masses
Mental food, food for the masses
Gramma this one's for you (stay strong)
(Chorus)
(He's strong!)
Mama Mama Mama Mama I couldn't say ";No";
(So strong!)
Got sick and tired of seein' brothers being treated ill
(He's strong!)
They say to chill, they say my homey's not available
(Stay strong!)
I hear Mama they got him working on tha Payroll
(She's strong!)
Mama Mama Mama Mama I couldn't say ";No";
(So strong!)
Got sick and tired of seein' sistas being treated ill
(She's strong!)
They say to chill, they say my homegirl's not available
(Stay strong!)
I hear Mama they got her working on tha Payroll
At 21 the brother ";Smooth"; he got a record deal
been working hard been writin' songs about the things he feels
he says it's real, 'cause I got bills, but I got skills
my deck is stacked, if I could only get my shit on wax
when it was ripe he took his tape up to the rec execs
they smoked cigars and rolled their eye's at him behind their specs
your shit is phat but I don't hear it in the format Jack
what's all this black crap check page twenty one of your contract
(Chorus)
A friend of mine Roberta she got a job at the post office
she was college edjamacated but got fired up at the law office
I'm all alone two kids at home, I need a job just any job
so I can get back on my feet like Tina ";T";(urner)
the boss came up to her said, ";why don't you come home with me";
I'd like to see you take off your clothes for me
she said ";No way man!";
he said ";You don't understand";
";You lose your life, you lose your job if you don't do this shift!";
(Chorus)
I met a black man who became a police officer
officer, officer, officer, officer, officer, overseer
he tried to tell me it was the only job available
either rob or join the mob 'cause I'm not salable
one night he went out on an undercover sting-ing
bought some smack tried to break the heroin ring-ring
Two cops white cops saw juggling goin' down
they spilled his brain like homey the fuckin' clown
(He's gone!)
Mama Mama Mama Mama I couldn't say no
got sick and tired of seein' people bein' treated ill
picked up my nines, walked up from behind
tapped two of them on the neck so I could meet their eyes direct
Pom! Pom!
I didn't do it for tha payroll
(Chorus)
We livin' in a mean time and an aggressive time
A painful time, a time where cynicism rots the vine
In a time where violence blocks the summer shine
Lifetimes, go by in a flash
In search for love, in search for cash
Everybody wanna be some fat tycoon
Everybody wanna be on a tropic honeymoon
Nobody wanna sing a little bit out of tune
Or be the backbone of a rebel platoon
It's too soon to step out of line
You might get laughed at, you might get fined
But do you feel me when I say I feel pain everyday
When I see the way my friends gotta slave
And never get ahead of bills they gotta pay
No way no way
Some make a living doing killing Colombian penicillin
Some are willing to play the villain, they just chillin'
To pass the time, pass the information or pass the wine
Pass the buck or pass the baton
But you can't pass the police or the pentagon
The I.R.S. or the upper echelon
I think it's time to make a move on the contradiction
Bom-bom, rock the nation
Take over television and radio station
Bom-bom, the truth shall come
Give the corporation some complication
Bom-bom, rock the nation
Take over television and radio station
Bom-bom, the truth shall come
Give the corporation some complication
This is the dawning of our time, I say it one more time
To emphasize the meaning of my rhyme
To rise above all the dirt and grime
Add the right spice at the right time
Fuck the constitution
Are we part of the solution or are we part of the pollution
Sittin' by and wonderin' why
Things ain't the way we like to find them to be, to be
For you and for me
The people over there and the ones in between
Check our habitation are we a peace lovin' nation
Peace lovin' nation
I have a reasonable doubt, I think I'll just spell it out
There's no need to scream or to shout
The N.R.A. just bought a man's soul
Then he jumps up and shouts gun control
The government says that killin's a sin
Unless you kill a murderer with a lethal syringe
So I ask again "Are we peace lover's then
Peace lover's then?"
Some of them slang guns when they six years old
Some of them end up in some six foot hole
This whole damn place seems to lost control
So I raise my voice before I lose my soul
Bom-bom, rock the nation
Take over television and radio station
Bom-bom the truth shall come
Give the corporation some complication
Bom-bom, rock the nation
Take over television and radio station
Bom-bom the truth shall come
Give the corporation some complication
Radio rock the mic
This is the way I'll express my feelings
Vibe revealed and revolved, spinnin' on a record, y'all
Try to confiscate take what I communicate with
It's ancient, gift of the lip steady creating
Activating passion vocal vibrations to the blind plus the seeing
Human doesn't mean just being
Be coming, don't believe it, just belife it
Belongings or beloved, rehearse it or recite it
While shining drop your guns and move your tongues
Battle motivation in no time lyrics come
Sometimes fun, others run their mouth or away
My mind comes beaming like an early sunray
One day we'll get the picture and all combine
Less the talking 'bout mines is mine and become one mind
Every piece of the puzzle has its place
To build the piece of the puzzle called the human race
Taking it long enough we crush the formal journalistic
Dyslexic critters talk backwards to rap words
I'm sure raising my hands with questions and demands
Statements and a plan with a map of the land
Bom-bom, rock the nation
Take over television and radio station
Bom-bom the truth shall come
Give the corporation some complication
Bom-bom, rock the nation
Take over television and radio station
Bom-bom the truth shall come
Don't fear your best friends
Because a best friend
Will never try to do you wrong
And don't fear your worst friends
Because a worst friend's just a best friend
That's done you wrong
And don't fear the night time, no
Because the monster's know
That you're divine
And don't fear the sunshine
Because everything is better
In the summer time, summer time
And it's never too late
To start the day over
It's never too late
Pick up the phone
Pick up the phone and call me
It's never too late
To lay your head down on my shoulders
It's never too late
To come on home, come on home
Don't fear the water, no
'Coz u can swim
Inside you within your skin
And don't fear your father
'Coz a father's just a boy
Without a friend
And don't fear to walk slow
Don't be a horse race
Be a marathon
And don't fear the long road
'Coz on a long road you got a long time
To sing a simple song, sing along
And it's never too late
To start the day over
It's never too late
Pick up the phone
Pick up the phone and call me
It's never too late
To lay your head down on my shoulders
It's never too late
To come on home, come on home
I say yo, I say yo yo yo
I say yo, I say yo yo yo
I say yo, I say yo yo yo
I say yo, I say yo yo yo
Don't fear your teachers
'Coz if you listen
You can hear music in the school bell
And don't fear your preacher
If you can't find heaven
In a prison cell
And don't fear your own self
Paying money
To justify your worth
And don't fear your family
Because you chose them a long time
Before your birth, yes, you did
And it's never too late
To start the day over
It's never too late
Pick up the phone
Pick up the phone and call me
It's never too late
To lay your head down on my shoulders
It's never too late
To come on home, come on home
I say it's never too late
To start the day over
It's never too late
Pick up the phone
Pick up the phone and call me
It's never too late
To lay your head down on my shoulders
It's never too late
To come on home, come on home
Go to your children
Go to your children
Go to your children
Let him know
Let him know
Red black green, red gold green
Dat's how we know, dat's how we dream team
Red black green, red gold green
Dat's how we know, dat's how we dream team
Red black green, red gold green
Dat's how we know, dat's how we dream team
Red black green, red gold green
Dat's how we know, dat's how we dream team
The other day a friend gave me a call
He said that the dream team was playin' basketball
Was so excited I had a get a witness
The first time the NBA was in the 'lympics
I tuned in because I was hella psyched
To see Magic Johnson on the same team with Mike
Gettin' crazy and havin' lots of fun
We were makin' sure that they got the job done
The fans were wavin' the red white end blue
It seemed strange to me was it strange to you?
The brotha's on the street and everyone is scared a ya
So how could ten Africans represent America?
Bullshit it didn't mean a thing 'cause in the same year
We saw Rodney King
So I thought that I would put a team together
A team that I have been waitin' for forever
Well some of you may know exactly who I mean
But if you don't then let me introduce you to
My dream team
Spearhead in the area
Red black green, red gold green
Dat's how we know, dat's how we dream team
Red black green, red gold green
Dat's how we know, dat's how we dream team
Well chuck D's announcin' flava's, flava's doin' color
And halftime entertainment is by Dre and Ed Lover
Malcolm X is the coach he's drawin' up the strategy
We're choppin' appart all America's anatomy
'Cause they're the ones we're up against of course
Our general manager is chief crazy horse
Huey Newton 'cause he was extra hard
He's the one who would be playin' at the shootin' guard
I dreamed Charles Barkley would be played by Marcus Garvey
He'd be throwin' people off his back and makin'
Sure they never got a rebound rebound and he'd throw it to the outlet
Nat Turner 'cause he can turn the corner when he's out there
He be flyin' through the air and throwin' passes like he really doesn't care
Behind the back and in between the legs
He's handlin' the rock as gently as an egg
He's throwin' it into Angela Davis's neighborhood
She's postin' up down in the extra hard wood
When she grabs the pill and then she puts her shoulder down
Get out the way because she's gonna throw down now
Boom oh my God, I just can't believe it
Well get another backboard or better yet leave it
We always play for fun, we always play for keeps
The game is over and the loser's gotta sweep
Up the glass that we busted in the ass
Set the record straight about America's past
This is my dream team
Spearhead in the area
Dream team's in the house
Dream team's in the house
Red black green, red gold green
Dat's how we know, dat's how we dream team
Red black green, red gold green
Dat's how we know, dat's how we dream team
Well after doin' that we be headin' for the ceremony
And on the heart is a bunch of baloney
The spirit of the '68 Olympics
Black power people can I get a witness
Fist in the air this is the proper manners
While Jimi Hendrix is fuckin' up the spangled banner
Up into the sky miles Davis blows a horn
Look into the bleachers, it's Bill Clinton sellin' popcorn
So now we jump and we have a celebration
Shaquille 0'neal would provide the entertainment
To some of you this is a far fetched scheme
But to me, I'll tell you what it is
This is my dream team
Spearhead in the area
Red black green, red gold green
Dat's how we know, dat's how we dream team
Red black green, red gold green
Dat's how we know, dat's how we dream team
Red black green, red gold green
Dat's how we know, dat's how we dream team
Red black green, red gold green
Dat's how we know, dat's how we dream team
Red black green, red gold green
Dat's how we know, dat's how we dream team
Red black green, red gold green
Dat's how we know, dat's how we dream team
Because I like to shoot hoops not brothas
Because I like to shoot hoops not brothas
Because I like to shoot hoops not brothas
Because I like to shoot hoops not brothas
Red black green, red gold green
Dat's how we know, dat's how we dream team
Red black green, red gold green
Dat's how we know, dat's how we dream team
Red black green, red gold green
Dat's how we know, dat's how we dream team
Red black green, red gold green
Ooh, ohh take a chance on a free ride
Ooh, ohh take a chance on a free ride, free ride
Ooh, ohh take a chance on a free ride
Ooh, ohh take a chance on a free ride, free ride
Madness in tha hood keeps trying to kill the vibes
Even gam's preacher packs a forty five
Run get the chalice and posse up the tribe
And with the love of Rastafari we shall never die
Wake up in the morn unlock the store pops
Hookers on leavenworth closin' up shops
Cops, lookin' like a blind cyclops 'cause
They clockin' ten percent of the cream off the top
Got mad money comin' down the pipe
From the three piece suit who gotta piece last night
The butcher, the backer phony credit card maker
Plus, the operation being sponsored by Jamaica
And then there's the dimea dozen hoodie hit men
Who be killin' for sport, they go kids to support
Slingin' dice come cross the snake eyes
Come and take a chance on a free ride
Badi ah, dee adi ah, come and take a chance on a free ride
Badi ah, dee adi ah, come and take a chance on a free ride
Ooh, ohh take a chance on a free ride
Madness in tha hood keeps tryin' a kill the vibes
Ooh, ohh take a chance on a free ride
And with the love of Rastafari we shall never die
Like Gregory Hines, I return to the dance, dancin'
Broadcast vast audio radiance, enhance
Wave hands, shake pants as I commence
DJ wheel up drop bass then advance
I get reactions just like Johnny Cochran
When he compared Mark Fuhrman to that old German
Listen Herman Munster was a gangsta
S.F.P.D. shield on his clothes gave up the answer
To the crack freak just released from the jail
Twenty in his pocket waitin' to inhale
Takes deep breath from the piss stinkin' air
Past the drag queen wearin' other people's hair
She snaps, "What you think you lookin' at
Here you look like Jimmy Walker wearin' biggy small's gear
Get the fuck away before I make you disappear
I don't play that freaky shit, do I make myself clear?"
Badi ah, dee adi ah, come and take a chance on a free ride
Badi ah, dee adi ah, come and take a chance on a free ride
Ooh, ohh take a chance on a free ride
Madness in tha hood keeps tryin' a kill the vibes
Ooh, ohh take a chance on a free ride
So I gotta get lifted! All night yea, yea
(Hip Hop business lift up America)
Keep me lifted
(Hip Hop business lift up America)
So I gotta get lifted! All night yea, yea
(You remind me of my herb you keep me lifted!)
Keep me lifted
I'm the dread lock producer
Some call me medusa
Salaams and shaloms introduce ya
A rooster waking up the whole coopsta
Spearheaded man him nice haffe move ya
Sshh understand why we sweatin'
Makin' love in the wake of Armageddon
Forgettin' - Babylon need a lesson
Drop the tech and use my tongue as a weapon
Listen - I come to lubricate the friction
Sound system purrin' with my diction
Frantz Fanon the Wretched of the Earth home
Phenomenon be goin' on and on
Sailing along a likkle song
By the record take it home and fling it on
So I gotta get lifted! All night yea, yea
(Hip Hop business lift up America)
Keep me lifted
(Hip Hop business lift up America)
So I gotta get lifted! All night yea, yea
(You remind me of my herb you keep me lifted!)
Keep me lifted
Hey yo I am the glory-fied of the story
Child of a high crime rate category
They explore connect me to an I.Q. test
Like a rat in a cage I'm trapped with the rest projects
But now I make my life go flip
Like Malcolm comin' out the pen and shit
Upliftment from a triffin' scene
To make a blind man murder for the things he seen
To believe is different than the daily bear witness
The spots filled up with the cocaine business
Bullets trigger be pulled by the beast
Kids paralyzed from his neck to his feet layin' way low
Smokin' more and more
Seein' shapes in the chipped paint of my frame window
With slow visions of me livin' in the future
With forty, forty acres, acres and a land cruiser
So I gotta get lifted! All night yea, yea
(Hip Hop business lift up America)
Keep me lifted
(Hip Hop business lift up America)
So I gotta get lifted! All night yea, yea
(You remind me of my herb you keep me lifted!)
Keep me lifted
Alpha-betical ABCD's come gettable
The brown brotha with the tone unforgettable
It's edible, every word be gourmet-able
Mecca Lekka shake ya hiney ho incredible
Really though ya gettin' sick it when ya hear it so
I'm bringin' with it biorhytmical medical
Anti- always dope my biotic
Macrobiotic organic Narcotic
The hemp is Kemp, like Kemp on hemp
Super like sonics keep it real like rent so
Ti tac toe me say all in a row
Donkey want water me say 'hold him Joe'
My stereo killed the video star just like Arsenio Hall
So tall like the rain I never back fall
Young lifted and black y'all
So I gotta get lifted! All night yea, yea
(Hip Hop business lift up America)
Keep me lifted
(Hip Hop business lift up America)
So I gotta get lifted! All night yea, yea
(You remind me of my herb you keep me lifted!)
Money Money Money Money
Nothing but money
I work 9 to 5 but it starts in the P.M.
And I love the sunrise so I step out in the A.M.
The street is black and shiny from the nightly rainin'
The glory of the light it brings evaporation
Morning's fresh oxygen cleanest
I take a deep hit help my mind stay the greenest
I'm already wake so I'm not drinkin' coffee
Don't wanna cigarette, 'cause it's a form of slavery
I walk into the store 'cause I need a few items
The sun heats the blood like a hit of vitamins
As I need to buy some food and some poo for my dreads
I can't remember why but I need a spool of thread
Well a man with dirty dreads, he steps around the comer
He asks me for a dime, a nickel or a quarter
I don't have any change so I'm steppin' along
But as I'm walkin' past he sings to me a song
There's a hole in the bucket dear Liza
There's a hole in the bucket dear Liza, dear Liza
There's a hole in the bucket dear Liza, dear Liza, Liza
There's a hole in the bucket dear Liza, dear Liza
The day is pickin' up cause I'm hummin' his song
The buses and the people all keep movin' along
To the shopkeeper I say, "what's up?"
And I'm thinkin' about the man who's holdin' up the cup
I pay for all the stuff and get a pocketful of change
Well should I give it to the man's the question in my brain
What's gonna happen if I give the man a dime?
I don't wanna pay for another brothers wine
What's gonna happen if I give the man a quarter?
Will he find a dealer and try to place an order?
What's gonna happen if I give the man a nickel
Will he buy some food or some pork that's been pickled?
I'm not responsible for the man's depression
How can I find compassion in the midst of recession?
How come all these questions keep fuckin' with my head
And I still can't remember why I need a spool of thread
'Cause there's a hole in the bucket dear Liza
There's a hole in the bucket dear Liza, dear Liza
There's a hole in the bucket dear Liza
There's a hole in the bucket dear Liza, dear Liza
He's starin' in my eyes just as I'm walkin' past
I'm tryin to avoid him 'cause I know he's gonna ask
Me about the coinage that is in my pocket
But I don't know if I should put it in his bucket
I walk right past him to think about it more
Back at the crib I'm openin' up the door
A pocketful of change it don't mean a lot to me
My cup is half full but his is empty
I put back on my cap and I start headin' back
I reach into my pocket and I have a heart attack
Well as I'm diggin' deep I scream, "Oh no"
There's nothin' in the pocket but a great big hole
While I was busy thinkin' if he would buy smack
The jingle in my pocket it slipped through the cracks
No one has the change and it's fuckin' up my head
But now I no the reason why I had to buy the thread
There's a hole in the bucket dear Liza
I said, "There's a hole in the bucket dear Liza, dear Liza"
There's a hole in the bucket dear Liza
There's a hole in the bucket dear Liza, dear Liza
There's a hole, there's a hole
There's a hole, there's a
There's a hole, there's a hole
There's a bigger hole
There's a bigger hole dear Liza, dear Liza
There's a hole in the bucket
Hole in the bucket
At days arrival one man at the table eatin' corn flakes
checkin out the paper his brother walks in from a hard nights caper
half hungover and looking for his pager
what's in the news today did we find a saviour
Nah I'm just looking for some part time labor
by the way did you remember put the gas in my ride
or must I remind ya how I lost my last job
chill with all that chatter ya know ya need to stall
trust me baby bro that's what big brotha's for uh uh
I got interviews today so don't even front about my broken gas gauge
by the way things are looking it's a very good day
If I could ever find my wallet I'll be on my way
bigger brotha steps to his girlfriends place
just then the phone rings and it was moms to say
remind ya big brotha it's your cousin's birthday
and I'ma need a half dozen eggs for the cake
No problem moms I'll tell him later in the day
but now I can't find my wallet gotta go I'm late
(Chorus)
The world's in your hands don't waste...
don't waste your time
Back to the saga the car wouldn't start up JJJJhhhh..JJJJhhhh
there he goes now he's rolling like a baller
out of the city and into the woods
for a job with a hammer where the pay is good
reaches in the back seat for his favorite tape
uuuh a condom from his brotha's last date
damn my lazy no good brotha and just as he says it
the car starts to sputter and sputter
until it outright stops the gas tank empty
not even a drop I'm gonna choke that nigga when I reach my spot
three miles from no place and now I gotta walk
to the top of the hill and down again
round the bend page my broth from the old fruit stand
the phone ring rings yo it's me your big brotha
I told ya not to sweat me when I'm laying with my lover What!
You punk ass broke muthafukka I told ya cut the crap
when it came to my endeavors chill baby bro and don't even start it
there's a gallon in the trunk andif ya need more fart it
some of my shit along with ya lost wallet
is in the glove box kid, the mystery solv-en
take what's yours and leave mine where ya saw it
my baby's calling gotta go stay solid
(Chorus)
so he hung up the phone in a rush to leave
I forgot to tell my brotha 'bout the cake recipe
star 69 so he pushed it in but
by now the bigger brotha was pursuing some skins
the phone ring rings - don't answer it it's my little brotha
calling fuckin' with me again
So he beeped him back a one two more times
but he was already naked with his Valentine
Damn - I Gotta - get back to the ride
What the hell's going on with this day of mine
once again up the hill down the other side
what the fucks a cop doin snooping by my ride
yo officer - check it - out everything is fine
I just ran outta gas and now I'm running outta time
slow down boy this ain't no race
I can tell you kinda people ain't from this place
tell ya what turn around put ya hands on the hood
and ya best act good just like a good boy should
listen up holdup - I'm speaking the truth
See I'm just trying to get to this here job interview
shut them lips boy don't let 'em get no bigger
or I'm gonna have to say I was attacked by a nigger
now if you wanna make it through the morning with me
I suggest you wise up and show me valid I.D.
chill man - awright - problem - we solve it
my brotha put my wallet in the glove box compartment
aw'ight you can get it but ya don't move quick
just remember I'm behind ya with a full up clip
he opens up the box and to their surprise
out pops a wallet and the bigger brothers nine
the cop shouts ";Freeze"; raise ya hand kid
he reaches for his wallet and the cop goes blam
damn - pulp fiction in the car
another dead homey tryin' a find a job MMM MMm MMm
back at the crib bigger brotha laying up
and girlfriend says maybe you should give ya little brother a call
and don't forget it's ya cousin's birthday after all
I will in a minute please let me be
I think he left me a message on the message machine
big brotha - I'm gonna be home late
and I'm afraid that my day has been great
can I remind you if it's not too late
to get a half dozen eggs for the birthday cake
We don't mind
See we've been doin' it all the time
But if you want us to sacrifice
You will not get it without a price
We don't mind
See we've been doin' it all the time
But if you want us to sacrifice
You gotta give something back to life
You think I'm vulnerable to your pressure tactics
Because I shed a tear, 'cause I shed a tear
You think I'm vulnerable to your violence
Just 'cause I'm sittin' here, 'cause I'm sittin' here
But my babies came into this world
Without a single fear, say they had no fear
'Cause the seven generations before me
They all fought to get us here, they fought to get us here
But I say, we don't mind
See, we've been doin' it all the time
But if you want us to sacrifice
You will not get it without a price
But I said, we don't mind
See, we've been doin' it all the time
But if you want us to sacrifice
You gotta give something back to life
You can't just come in here like that no more
And snatch up our childhood, our childhood
You just can't walk on up and replace it yo
With your Hollywood, with your Hollywood
But I see now how all of the words I say
You'll take and misconstrue it's gonna misconstrue
And I'm prepared now to suffer the penalties
For speakin' the truth and I speak the truth when I say
When I say we don't mind
See, we've been doin' it all the time
But if you want us to sacrifice
You'll not get it without a price
And I think we don't mind
See, we've been doin' it all the time
But if you want us to sacrifice
You gotta give something back to life
And I say, people if you hear me now I wantcha to say
Naa, na-naa, na-naa, nah
Everybody now, people if you hear me now I wantcha to say
Naa, na-naa, na-naa, nah
That's right now people if you hear me now I wantcha to say
Naa, na-naa, na-naa, nah
And I say, people if you hear me now I wantcha to say
Naa, na-naa, na-naa, nah
We don't mind
See, we've been doin' it all the time
But if you want us to sacrifice
You will not get it without a price
And I say we don't mind
See, we've been doin' it all the time
But if you want us to sacrifice
You gotta give something back to life
And I say, we don't mind
See, we've been doin' it all the time
But if you want us to sacrifice
You will not get it without a price
If you want us to sacrifice
You gotta give something back to life
If you want us to sacrifice
You will not get it without a price
We don't mind
See we've been doin' it all the time
But if you want us to sacrifice
I'm just a poor wayfarin' stranger
Travelin' through this world of woe
There's no sickness toll nor sorrow
In that bright world to which I go
I'm going there to see my father
I'm goin' there no more to roam
I'm just a goin' over Jordan
I'm just a goin' over home
Ya see, I'm a concrete buffalo soldier
I gotta chip it's like boulder in my shoulder
Look in my eyes and you can see a red marble
Like Nostradamus, I'm the promise of tomorrow
Traveling the city with my Mexican cargo
Cotton mouth I take a dry swallow
To the nearest corner watering hole
The bartender with the deed for my soul
Satisfaction no, I can't get no
Lotsa bad habits that I need to control
Recite the Psalms, but no emancipation
Church for food and liquor stores for salvation
Someday I'll make it home to see my father
He saw the man who shot the coal mine's daughter
And if I had a dime for every gamble I risked
I could buy a diamond for the woman I miss ya see
I'm just a poor wayfarin' stranger
Ya check with me, ya checking in with the danger
I'm just a poor wayfarin' stranger
Roaming the streets seeking Jesus in a manger
I'm goin' there to see my mother
She said, she'll meet me when I come
I'm just a goin' over Jordan, I'm just a goin' over home
Jordan river roll, river Jordan roll, river Jordan roll on
Gee, ain't it funny how time slips away
I wanna rewind the tape to see my life replay
I soak up the sun just as a reminder
That I was born a sick side winder
Call me a vagrant, no machine to read your fax
I'll never pledge allegiance to your blood sweat and taxes
Don't ever mistake me being docile for contentment
Don't ever mistake my anger for resentment
It's just the calm before the storm that's why, I'm quite
Ya always mistaking an upraising for a race riot
You can take my life but there's no escape
'Cause you can't shoot your way through the pearly gates
So, swing low sweet Cadillac
Coming for to carry me home
Swing low pink Cadillac
Stepping over Jordan I roam
Ya see, I'm just a poor wayfarin' stranger
Ya check with me, ya checking in with danger
I'm just a poor wayfarin' stranger
Roaming the streets seeking Jesus in a manger
I'm goin' there to see my father
I'm goin' there no more to roam
I'm just a goin' over Jordan
I'm just a goin' over home
When the road is callin' yonder
When the road is callin' yonder
When the road is callin'
When the road is callin' yonder
I'll be there
I'm goin' there to see my father
I'm goin' there no more to roam
I'm just a goin' over Jordan
When girls dressed in black they all look so lonely
And contraceptives don't get used by the horny
You can't find the key to the door in your building
But are you still willing
The responsibility becomes an afterthought
When one remembers the things that they should've bought
There's no pretending that you forgot
Must everything in life have political ramifications
Even taking kids on vacation or having a simple operation
But my friend Billy told me that sometimes
It takes a grown man a long time to learn
Just what it takes a child a night to learn
And my son proved his words
Water pistol man full of ammunition
Squirtin' at fires on a worldwide mission
But did you ever think to stop to squirt
The flowers in your own backyard
For all my faux pa's I never said excuse me
Was the simplest things that always confused me
I never stopped I never looked both ways
Must it always a tug of love between friends and work
Hope to learn the meaning of the word jerk
Before it happens to a rope round my neck
Let's build a bigger telescope
So that we can see things more up close
Farther away from where we really are
I was up the whole night before
Reading books about places I'll probably never go
And those aren't good things to know about
Water pistol man full of ammunition
Squirtin' at fires on a worldwide mission
But did you ever think to stop to squirt
The flowers in your own backyard
When I feel with my heart, I know in my mind
I should say with my lips
But don't does that make you feel upset?
I should know that the power of one man seems like a small squirt
When he aims at the flames of the whole earth
But the fire starts at home
Water pistol man full of ammunition
Squirtin' at fires on a worldwide mission
But did you ever think to stop to squirt
Do you remember all those days?
The way that you loved me in all those subtle ways
I can remember before you were gone
How when we heard our favorite song
On the radio, you smiled at me and sing along
But you can't sing our song for no other lover
But you can't sing our song for no other love
You and me would go dancin' after dark
Long hot kisses and summer wishes in the park
New York, detail the car
I never show up dirty on colored
People's time, I'd pick you up 11:30 late night
We'd roll my hooptie down the boulevard
Bumpin' bass and rolling low like we were superstars
Killing me softly with the way you whisper in my ear
Come here, my dear
They playing songs from back in yesteryear
The slow jammer, the night programmer
The time to get undressed and wear pajama
Slammer, the car antenna
Picks up songs that belongs to us like birds of feather
Like heatwave on scratchy forty-five, always forever
You can't sing our song for no other lover
You can't sing our song for no other love
I was blind, too blind to see
I took for granted the dope shit that you did for me
I mistook all your lovin' for captivity
Like ghetto boys I think my mind was playing tricks on me
I always wanted to let you know
Like Aretha Franklin you sing just like the queen of soul
Too many secrets in my heart, I couldn't let it go
Know I still want you and I'm sad, we had to let it go
You can't sing our song for no other lover
You can't sing our song for no other love
Love, love, love, love
You can't sing our song for no other lover
You can't sing our song for no other love
You can't sing our song
You can't sing our song for no other lover
You can't sing our song for no other love
Sing along, y'all
Sing along, y'all
Sing along, y'all
Grandma this one's for you (stay strong)
(He's strong!)
Mama Mama Mama Mama I couldn't say 'No'
(So strong!)
Got sick and tired of seein' brothers being treated ill
(He's strong!)
They say to chill, they say my homey's not available
(Stay strong!)
I hear Mama they got him working on tha Payroll
(She's strong!)
Mama Mama Mama Mama I couldn't say 'No'
(So strong!)
Got sick and tired of seein' sistas being treated ill
(She's strong!)
They say to chill, they say my homegirl's not available
(Stay strong!)
I hear Mama they got her working on tha Payroll
At twenty one the brother 'Smooth' he got a record deal
Been working hard been writin' songs about the things he feels
He says it's real, 'cause I got bills, but I got skills
My deck is stacked, if I could only get my shit on wax
When it was ripe he took his tape up to the rec execs
They smoked cigars and rolled their eye's at him behind their specs
Your shit is phat but I don't hear it in the format Jack
What's all this black crap check page twenty one of your contract
(He's strong!)
Mama Mama Mama Mama I couldn't say 'No'
(So strong!)
Got sick and tired of seein' brothers being treated ill
(He's strong!)
They say to chill, they say my homey's not available
(Stay strong!)
I hear Mama they got him working on tha Payroll
(She's strong!)
Mama Mama Mama Mama I couldn't say 'No'
(So strong!)
Got sick and tired of seein' sistas being treated ill
(She's strong!)
They say to chill, they say my homegirl's not available
(Stay strong!)
I hear Mama they got her working on tha Payroll
A friend of mine Roberta she got a job at the post office
She was college edjamacated but got fired up at the law office
I'm all alone two kids at home, I need a job just any job
So I can get back on my feet like Tina 'T'(urner)
The boss came up to her said, 'why don't you come home with me'
I'd like to see you take off your clothes for me
She said 'No way man!'
He said 'You don't understand'
'You lose your life, you lose your job if you don't do this shift!'
(He's strong!)
Mama Mama Mama Mama I couldn't say 'No'
(So strong!)
Got sick and tired of seein' brothers being treated ill
(He's strong!)
They say to chill, they say my homey's not available
(Stay strong!)
I hear Mama they got him working on tha Payroll
(She's strong!)
Mama Mama Mama Mama I couldn't say 'No'
(So strong!)
Got sick and tired of seein' sistas being treated ill
(She's strong!)
They say to chill, they say my homegirl's not available
(Stay strong!)
I hear Mama they got her working on tha Payroll
I met a black man who became a police officer
Officer, officer, officer, officer, officer, overseer
He tried to tell me it was the only job available
Either rob or join the mob 'cause I'm not salable
One night he went out on an undercover sting-ing
Bought some smack tried to break the heroin ring-ring
Two cops white cops saw juggling goin' down
They spilled his brain like homey the fuckin' clown
(He's gone!)
Mama Mama Mama Mama I couldn't say no
Got sick and tired of seein' people bein' treated ill
Picked up my nines, walked up from behind
Tapped two of them on the neck so I could meet their eyes direct
Pom! Pom
I didn't do it for tha payroll
(He's strong!)
Mama Mama Mama Mama I couldn't say 'No'
(So strong!)
Got sick and tired of seein' brothers being treated ill
(He's strong!)
They say to chill, they say my homey's not available
(Stay strong!)
I hear Mama they got him working on tha Payroll
(She's strong!)
Mama Mama Mama Mama I couldn't say 'No'
(So strong!)
Got sick and tired of seein' sistas being treated ill
(She's strong!)
They say to chill, they say my homegirl's not available
(Stay strong!)
(Refrain)
Ya tell me lies, lies, lies, sweet little lies
When I Cannot bear the truth
Ya tell me lies, lies, lies, sweet little lies
Help me make them all come true
Tell me that the rain wont fall today
Tell me that the tax man lost his way (eh uh)
Tell me that the hurtin aint gonna hurt no more (no it aint gonna hurt no more)
Tell me that somebody stopped the war (hey tell me)
(Refrain)
I say yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah yeah yeah
I say yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah yeah yeah
Tell me that the whole worlds wonderful (yes it is)
Tell me that the bank accounts to full (uhh unh)
Tell me that me that we all got plenty of time, time, time (tell something)
Tell me that I aint gonna lose my mind (lift me up now)
(Refrain)
Aint on just a man, with my heart in my hand
You tell me things that haunt, and ghosts wont leave me alne
And even I got no plans, Im on the run from the man
Just hold on to me, just hold on to me
Everytime I need a breath, everytime I need to share, everytime I need someone to hold on too
(Refrain)
Help me make them all come trueâ¦.[for a while]
From the top of buildings you'll shout
To the kids in the street below
And you'll know
She swings with the ease of a hammer
From the edge down to the ground
And you'll know
What's right what's wrong
And you know it
But you can't do it
Try hard to find
A way to move up in life
Set a fire to cover your path
And you should know
I get the last laugh
The tents will sigh
It wakes me up and shakes my bones
It makes me miss my friends
You wasted days, I hung my head
I wore these blinders
So I'll hide from you, hide from you
You can hear the sound
Oh, when walls break down
You wasted my days
Building on shaky ground
You can't carry on
Oh, when walls break down
Such wasted days
Building on shaky ground
Sitting face to face, dead tides will rise
Our light is in your eyes
We will be heard, our voice is strong
You shamed yourself
And we're done with you, we're done with you
You can hear the sound
Oh, when walls break down
You wasted my days
Building on shaky ground
You can't carry on
Oh, when walls break down
Such wasted days
Building on shaky ground
This is your life, you led
This is my life, you bled
These tides sweep us out of reach
Well, these tides sweep us out of reach
You can hear the sound
Oh, when walls break down
You wasted my days
Building on shaky ground
You can't carry on
Oh, when walls break down
Such wasted days
And building on shaky ground
This is your life, you led
This is my life, you bled
These tides
Well, these tides sweep us out of reach
These tides sweep us out of reach
Well i love this town like you do
We'll burn it to the ground
Pack your things and than you were gone
We'll call a new place home
Like you do
Like you do
Like you do
Like you do
And you'll never change
Well i got a feeling inside
It's gonna happen again
There's a fire deep in your eyes
That i've never seen before
Like you do
Like you do
Like you do
Like you do
And you'll never change
You'll never change
More than life
Alone, it could be alright
I'll make it alright
Have to get by
Have to get by on my own
Today, I found this moment
Leaned in and stole it
And this is the start
This is the start of it all
I was born into this world
I've done all I was told
But oh, I did it too slow
I walked the straightest line
I finished it all in time
But oh, it's not enough for you
I'll steal your cries
I'll take your life and run it all aground
I'll bleed your lies
I'll take your life and run it all aground
Time wore down this passion
Force fed, but total lack of love
It wasn't enough
I lost my head at the thought of losing
Fell apart when it came to choosing you
Its time to get it right
Did you listen to his stories?
He had some stories that would change your life
This doesn't have to be the saddest day
For we can always hold the brilliant memories
You're always on my, always on my mind
Turned from tragedy
A source to draw from a bloodline legacy
You showed me more than just these railways
It was your passion and I learned that well
You gave me more in life than anyone deserves
And forever I'll keep your bloodline legacy
And you're always on my, always on my mind
Turned from tragedy
A source to draw from
And you're always on my mind
Turned from tragedy
A source to draw from a bloodline legacy
This photograph, I'll carry to my grave
I never lost so much as I did that day
Turned from tragedy
A source to draw from a blood
And forever, yeah, yeah, forever
You're always on my, always on my mind
