I'll tell you every single-We all have gifts, you know, and uh, like special gifts. And there's this voice inside of us that says "don't do that," you know, "Why you gonna get up there with that guitar? You're gonna like like a, a hip hop folk singer. What are you, you know, what are you?..."
(Laughter)
[CHORUS 1]
You're just too good to be true.
Can't take my eyes off of you.
You'd be like heaven to touch. I wanna
hold you so much. At long last love has
arrived. And I thank God I'm alive. You're
just too good to be true. Can't take my
eyes off of you.
Pardon the way that I stare. There's nothing
else to compare. The sight of you leaves me
weak. There are no words left to speak.
But if you feel like I feel. Please let me know
that it's real. You're just too good to be true.
Can't take my eyes off of you.
[CHORUS 2]
I need you baby, if it's quite all right,
I love you baby, you warm a lonely night. I love
you baby. Trust in me when I say It's OK: Oh pretty
baby, don't let me down I pray. Oh pretty
baby, now that I found you, stay. And let me
love you, oh baby let me love you, oh baby....
Repeat Chorus 1
[To fade]
I need you baby, and if it's quite all right,
I love you baby, you warm a lonely night. I love
you baby. Trust in me when I say: It's OK Oh pretty
baby, don't let me down I pray. Oh pretty
baby, now that I found you, stay. And let me
love you, oh baby let me love you, oh baby....
I need you baby, and if it's quite all right,
I love you baby, you warm a lonely night. I love
you baby. Trust in me when I say: It's OK Oh pretty
baby, don't let me down I pray. Oh pretty
baby, now that I found you, stay. And let me
love you, oh baby let me love you, oh baby....
Oh Jerusalem yeah, oh Jerusalem, oh Jerusalem, oh Jerusalem...
Realizing that there's no place else to go
And there's nobody I know who can help me
Text book solutions are so improbable
Cuz everybody else is just as empty
Naked as the day that I was born, I tried to hide
...behind education and philosophy
Hopeless explanation to describe a situation
I can't see because the world's on top of me
Oh wretched man that I am, who will deliver me
From the body of this death
Freeing me from dust, and the superficial trust
Of an enemy that seeks to take my breath
Failing to connect, cuz I'm morally defect
By reason of the God inside my head
Causing me to see, only what pertains to me
Believing I'm alive when I'm still dead
Limited to earth, unable to find out my worth
Cuz I... can't see past my own vanity
If I'm not included, then I just have to remove it
From my mind because it has to be in sanity
Oh wretched man that I am, who will deliver me
From the body of this death
Can I even factor, that I've only been an actor
In this staged interpretation of this day
Focused on the shadow, with my back turned to the light
Too intelligent to see it's me in the way
What a paradox, having God trapped in a box
All this time professing to be spiritual
Naturally pretending, that I'm actually defending
God (?) don't need material
Oh Jerusalem, wash thy heart from wickedness
That thou may be saved from thy deception
How long, shall thy face those lies within thee
Oh Jerusalem, keeping thee from perfection
Submit to truth, leave the deception of thy youth
So we could walk in the council of authority
Forget the proof, our generation so aloof
Only follow in the steps of the majority
Trust in the Lord, with all thy heart
And lay not to thine, oh an understanding in all thy ways
Acknowledge Him, and He shall correct our paths
Be (?) you can follow him
We judge and condemn, just as ignorant as them
Who religion tells us that we should ignore
Perpetrating we're in covenant with Him
Exposed by the very things that we adore
We grin and shake hands, then lay ambush for the man
Who has a different point of view then us
Infuriated cuz he doesn't understand
Bringing up those things we don't want to discuss
Why still do evil, we don't know how to do good
Walking on in darkness running from the light, ey
Led to believe, because we live in neighborhoods
Telling us what's going on will be alright
Oh so repressed, so convinced that I was blessed
When I played with my game of Monopoly
Oh to suggest, that my life is still a mess
Who reveal the pride I'm hiding is what's stopping me
Oh Jerusalem, wash thy heart from wickedness
That thou may be saved from thy deception
How long, shall thy face those lies within thee
Oh Jerusalem keeping them from perfection
Abide in me and I in you, as the branch cannot bare
...fruit of itself except in the vine
I am the vine, ye are the branches, He's in live in me
And I in him, the same bring forth much fruit
Without me, you can do nothing
Oh Jerusalem, you're traditions have deceived you
I've chosen you, you haven't chosen me
Do whatsoever, you asking my name he may give to you
But in vain they call my name
teaching doctrines just the same
Justified among themselves
But God know with the heart, what man esteemed as smart
Is an abomination to Emmanuel
Just repent, turn from selfish motivation
So iniquity will not cause your demise
Make you a new heart and a new spirit
...for why would he die
Oh Jerusalem, please tell me why
I have no pleasure in the death of him to die
Says the Lord God where forth turn yourselves and live
It's not the talkers, but the walkers and his word
Are the only ones the Father will forgive
Oh Jerusalem, wash thy heart from wickedness
That thou may be saved from thy deception
How long, shall thy face those lies within thee
Oh Jerusalem, providing you no protection
It's the mystery of inequity
Said it's the misery of inequity
Said it's the history of inequity
When it all, all falls down
Telling you all, it all falls down
Children eat your bread
Little children eat your bread
'Cuz it all, all falls down
Telling you all, it all falls down
Yo, ya'll can't handle the truth in a courtroom of lies
Perjures the jurors, witness despised
Crooked lawyers, false Indictments publicized
It's entertainment the arraignments, the subpoenas
High profile gladiators in bloodthirsty arenas
Enter the Dragon, black-robe crooked-balance
Souls bought and sold and paroled for thirty talents
Court reporter catch the surface on the paper
File it in the system not acknowledged by the Maker
Swearing by the Bible blatantly blasphemous
Publicly perpetrating that, "In God We Trust"
Cross-examined by a master manipulator
The faster intimidator, receiving the judge's favor
Deceiving sabers doing injury to they neighbors
For status, gratis, apparatus and legal waivers
See the bailiff, representing security
Holding the word of God soliciting perjury
The prosecution, political prostitution
The more money you pay the further away solution
Legal actors, Babylon's benefactors
Masquerading as the agency for the clients
Hypocritical giants, morally non-compliant
Orally armed to do bodily harm
Polluted, recruited and suited judicial charm
And the defense isn't making any sense
Faking the confidence of escaping the consequence
That a defendant is depending on the system
Totally void of judgment purposely made to twist em'
Emotional victim blackmailed by the henchmen
Framed by intentions, inventions whereby they lynch men
Enter the false witness slandering the accused
Planting the seed openly showing he's being used
To discredit, edit, headed for the alleged
Smearing the individual fearing the unsuspected
Expert witness, the paid authority
Made a priority to deceive the majority
Of disinterested peers, dodging duty for years
Hating the process waiting to be returning to their careers
Do we expect the system made for the elect
To possibly judge correct? Properly serve and protect?
Materially corrupt, spiritually amuck
Oblivious to the cause, prosperously bankrupt
Blind leading the blind, guilty never defined
Filthy as swine, a generation purin' it's own mind
Legal extortion, blown out of proportion
In vein deceit, the truth is obsolete
Only two positions, victimizer or victim
Both end up in destruction trusting this crooked system
Mafia with diplomas keeping us in a coma
Trying to own a piece of the "American Corona"
The revolving door, insanity every floor
Sky scraping, paper chasing, what are we working for?
Empty traditions, reaching social positions
Teaching ambition to support the family superstition?
When the Son of Podition is Commander in Chief
The standard is Thief, brethren can we candidly speak?
Woe to the men, trusted in the chariots dem'
Leaning on horses, they run their intellectual sources
Counterfeit wisdom creating the illusion of freedom
Confusion consumes them
Every word they speak it turns them out really white
Internally they absent of light
Trapped in the night and bonded to the Cain of the night
Under the curse, evil men waxing more worse
Faxing the first, angelic being cast to the earth
It's time for rebirth, burnin' up the branch and the root
The empty pursuits of every tree bearing the wrong fruit
Turning me ill, let him who stole, no longer steal
Oh, it's real, surrender for Jehovah is real
How long will you sleep
Troubled by the thoughts that you keep, the idols you heap
'Causing the destruction you reap
Judgment has come, find it and return to the One
Abandon the flesh, self-interest, Broadway to death
Pride and the greed, hide and subdividing the seed
The knowledge of good and evil is what caused us to lie
Caused us to die, let your emotions be crucified
Renounce all your thoughts
Repent and let your mind be re-taught
You'll find what you sought was based on the deception you bought
A perception of naught, where the majority remains caught
Loving a lie, not realizing in Adam, all die
Loving a lie, not realizing in Adam, all die
Loving a lie, not realizing in Adam, all die
Loving a lie, not realizing in Adam, all die
It's the mystery of Inequity
Say it's the history of Inequity
Say it's the misery of Inequity
When it all, all falls down
Intro
As I look at what I've done
The type of life that I've lived
How many things I pray the father will forgive
One situation involved a young man
He was the ocean and I was the sand
He stole my heart like a thief in the night
Dulled my senses blurred my sight
I used to love him but now I don't
I used to love him but now I don't
I chose a road of passion and pain
Sacrificed too much and waited in vain
Gave up my power ceased being queen
Addicted to love like the drug of a fiend
Torn and confused wasted and used
Reached the crossroad which path would I choose
Stuck and frustrated I waited, debated
For something to happen that just wasn't fated
Thought what I wanted was something I needed
When momma said no I just should have heeded
Misled I bled till the poison was gone
And out of the darkness arrived the sweet dawn
I used to love him but now I don't
I used to love him but now I don't
Father you saved me and showed me that life
Was much more than being some foolish man's wife
Showed me that love was respect and devotion
Greater than planets deeper than oceans
My soul was weary but now it's replenished
Content because that part of my life is finished
I see him sometimes and the look in his eye
Is one of a man who's lost treasures untold
But my heart is gold I took back my soul
And totally let my creator control
The life which was his to begin with
I used to love him but now I don't
[Repeat to end]
Everybody knows that they're guilty
Everybody knows that they've lied
Everybody knows that they're guilty
Resting on their conscience eating their inside
It's freedom, said it's freedom time now
It's freedom, said it's freedom time now
Time to get free, oh, give yourselves up now
It's freedom, said it's freedom time
Yo, there's a war in the mind, over territory for the dominion
Who will dominate the opinion, skisms and isms
Keepin' us in forms of religion, conformin' our vision
To the world churches decision trapped in a section
Submitted to committee election, moral infection
Epidemic lies and deception, insurrection of the highest possible order
Distortin' our tape recorders from here and like under water
Beyond the borders fond of sin and disorder
Bound by the strategy, it's systematic depravity, heavy as gravity
Head first in the cavity, without a bottom, a fate worse than Sodom
What's got 'em drunk of the spirits, truth comes, we can't hear it
When you've been, programmed to fear it
I had a vision, I was fallin' in indecision
Apollin', callin' religion, some program on television
How can dominant wisdom be recognized in the system
Of Anti-Christ, the majority rules intelligent fools, PhD's in illusion
Masters of mass confusion, Bachelors in past illusion
Now who you choosin', the head or the tail, the bloodshed of male
Or confidence in the veil, conferences of Yale
Discussin' doctrines of Baal, causin' people to fail
Keepin' the third in jail, His word has nailed
Everything to the tree, severing all of me from all that I used to be
Formless and void, totally paranoid, enjoy darkness as the Lord
Keepin' me from the sword, blocked from mercy, bitter than Ceres
Hungry and thirsty, for good meat we would eat
And still dined at the table of deceit, how incomplete
From confrontation to retreat, we prolong the true enemies defeat
Destitute a necessity causin' desperation to get the best of me
Punishment 'til there was nothing left of me
Realizin' the unescapable death of me
No options in the valley of decision
The only doctrine, supernatural circumcision
Inwardly only water can purge the heart, from words, the fiery darts
Thrown by the workers of the arts, iniquity, shapen in
There's no escapin' when you're whole philosophy is paper thin
In vanity, the wide road is insanity, could it be all of humanity?
Picture that, scripture that, the origin of man's heart is black
How can we show up for an invisible war
Preoccupied with a shadow, makin' love with a whore
Achin' in sores Babylon, the great mystery
Mother of human history, system of social sorcery
Our present condition needs serious recognition
Where there's no repentance there can be no remission
And that sentence, more serious than Vietnam
The atom bomb and Saddam and Minister Farakkhan
What's goin' on, what's the priority to you?
By what authority do we do the majority hasn't a clue
We majored in curses, search the chapters, check the verses
Recapture the land, remove the mark from off of our hands
So we can stand in agreement with his command
Everything else is damned, let them with ears understand
Everything else is damned, let them with ears understand
It's freedom, said it's freedom time now
It's freedom, said it's freedom time now
It's freedom, I'ma be who I am
It's freedom time, said it's freedom time
Everybody knows that they've lied
Everybody knows that they've perpetrated inside
Everybody knows that they're guilty, yes
Resting on their conscience eating their insides
Get free, be who you're supposed to be
Freedom, said it's freedom time now
Freedom, said it's freedom time
You're just too good to be true.
Can't take my eyes off you.
You'd be like heaven to touch. I wanna
hold you so much. At long last love has
arrived. And I thank God I'm alive. You're
just too good to be true. Can't take my
eyes off yoy.
Pardon the way that I stare. There's nothing
else to compare. The sight of you leaves me
weak. There are no words left to speak.
But if you feel like I feel. Please let me know
that it's real. You're just too good to be true.
Can't take my eyes off you.
I need you baby, and if it's quite all right,
I need you baby to warm a lonely night. I love
you baby. Trust in me when I say: Oh pretty
baby, don't bring me down I pray. Oh pretty
baby, now that I found you, stay. And let me
love you, oh baby let me love you, oh baby....
You're just too good to be true.
Can't take my eyes off you.
You'd be like heaven to touch. I wanna
hold you so much. At long last love has
arrived. And I thank God I'm alive. You're
just too good to be true. Can't take my
eyes off you.
I need you baby, and if it's quite all right,
I need you baby to warm a lonely night. I love
you baby. Trust in me when I say: Oh pretty
baby, don't bring me down I pray. Oh pretty
baby, now that I found you, stay. And let me
love you, oh baby let me love you, oh baby....
I need you baby, and if it's quite all right,
I need you baby to warm a lonely night. I love
you baby. Trust in me when I say: Oh pretty
baby, don't bring me down I pray. Oh pretty
baby, now that I found you, stay. And let me
love you, oh baby let me love you, oh baby....
Adam lives in theory
Trying to turn stone into bread
Masquerading like he got it figured out
Cut off from the sunshine, only smart in his own head
Leaving his descendants to hope and doubt
Left to his devices, those worth the sacrifices
Praying to the alter of himself
Making pilgrimages, thinking he's religious
Like he's got all the light, and no one else
He takes the unsuspected
Cuz he knows they're not connected
And he shows them how to be just as he is
Virtually real, and commercially appealed
To the lust of all the people where he lives
Eve was so naive, blinded by the pride and greed
Wanting to be intellectual
Drifting from the way she got turned down one day
And now she thinks that she's bisexual
Caught up in emotion
Burning up in her devotion
To the king of exploitaion in the field
She handed him her virtue
Cuz he told her "I won't hurt you"
So she lay with him to see how good it feels
Now can you tell me, what, what we gonna do now
Where we gonna go now, what we gonna say now
Now can you tell me, what, what we gonna do now
Where we gonna go now, what we gonna say now
Now after the sensation, and the empty fornication
She brought affection home into her bed, quickly multiplying
Now the 3 of them are dieing by the poison she perceived to be good head
Now Eve and her husband are perverted in their judgment
Cuz everything appears to be the same
They entertain suggestion,
Next time just use protection
Desiring to cover up their shame
But much to their demise, poor decision closed their eyes
To the very antidote to their dilemma
Burning in their lust,
Both of them were dealt to us
Destroying the original agenda
Praying to the sky, in order to maintain a lie
They exhausted every possible conclusion,
They can't even entertain the solution,
In a brain filled with vain information and pollution
Hiding from the truth,
He provided an excuse to explain away his desperate situation
When confronted, blamed his wife
Giving birth to carnal life
Refusing to acknowledge what he done
Now if we can agree with who created us to be
Who says we're guilty everyone before his eyes
Making no exceptions, since the day of our conception
Predisposed to hating truth, and loving lies
Then can you tell me, what, what we gonna do now
Where we gonna go now, what we gonna say now
Then can you tell me, what, what we gonna do now
Where we gonna go now, what we gonna say now
Stop walking in pride, let the thief be crucified
Un-learn everything you know, and let him teach you
Line upon line, every step upon pre-step, say goodbye,
To this decaying social system
He wants to know, how far we're willing to go
If we love him like we say we do,
He will try us
Just don't regress,
Or slip into hopelessness
Once he's satisfied his love,
He won't deny us,
And then he'll tell us,
What, what we gonna do now
Where we gonna go now, what we gonna say now
And then he'll tell us,
What, what we gonna do now
"Verse 1:
Moving down the streams of my lifetime
Pools of fascination in my sleep
Cooling off the fire of my longing
Warming up my cold with inner's ease
Melting down the walls of inhibition
Evaporating all of my fears
Baptizing me to complete submission
Desolving my condition with his tears
Chorus:
[(Lauryn "L Boogie" Hill) Singing in parentheses]
Yo... (Can I see you?)
Lauryn Hill on the track... (In the morning)
New art got my back...
DJ Skribble just relax haha! I'm a get you the joint! haha! (Can I see
you?)
Yeah...morning (In the morning!)
Uh Huh Uh Huh Uh Huh Uh Huh Uh Huh Uh Huh!
[Lauryn]
As I span the cosmos (The cosmos)
Mahogany travel at the speed of sound (Sound)
Span the mainstream but still esteemed underground (Unh!)
My parameters, and wrap up contaminants
Travel twice Earth's diameter, intimidating amateurs (Intimidating...what?!)
At the Apollo, I played the shepherd sheep followed (Sheep followed)
Chicks try to model after me like I'm Tyra [(Like I'm Tyra) Pause] Banks
(Banks!)
Wanna thank me because my statements are prodigious (...digious)
Styles so prestigious, make a sinner act religious (Act religiouus)
Street academics, seen alot of girls mimic (Huh)
But when it's all over you can tell who's the gimmick (You can tell!)
L slang-bangs (Slang-bang!) like a dub plate (Bing!)
Jericho Sound System, mash up your club dates! (Mash up your...)
Sweeter than a cherry on a fruit cocktail
Whenever, Wherever, Whatever (Whenever, Wherever, Whatever! - Singing)
Like Maxwell (Unh)
My pentium, makes more chips than Intel (Intel)
I didn't mean to turn you on (I didn't mean to turn you on!)
Like Sherell! ( Uh Huh)
Kids move they body like they're tripping off of acid, Anthony
Not even fantasy can surpass it (Unh, unh!)
Once you blast it one starts to feel kinky
I think thee, goes by the name of Young Slinky
And just when you thought it was safe to relax (Safe to relax!)
L-Boogie spits with perfect syntax! ( Perfect syntax!)
Then, DJ Skribble make you dribble on the wax (What?)...
DJ Skribble make you dribble on the wax!
[Lauryn Singing - Chorus]
Can I hear you in the morning, (Can I see you?)
like I hear you late at night?
Chance to hear you (In the morning)
Amp the party
DJ Skribble Keep It Tight!
(Can I see you?)
Just a short time in the morning
Like I hear you late at night (In the morning!)
Chance to hear you
Amp the party
DJ Skribble Keep It Tight!
Can I hear you in the morning (Can I see you?)
Like I hear you late at night (In the morning!)
Chance to hear you
Amp the party
DJ Skribble, KEEP IT TIGHT!!! (L-Boogie!) - Forte' 3x (Keep It Tight!)
Keep It Tight! (Keep It Tight)
Keep It Tight (echo)
RED and YELLOW and PINK and GREEN!
PURPLE and ORANGE and BLUE!
I can sing a rainbow!
Sing a rainbow!
Sing a rainbow too!
Listen with your eyes!
Listen with your eyes and sing a song with me!
You can sing a rainbow!
Sing a rainbow!
Sing a rainbow too!
RED and YELLOW and PINK and GREEN!
PURPLE and ORANGE and BLUE!
I can sing rainbow!
Sing a rainbow!
Sing a rainbow too!
(repeat song 3x)
If they only owned love, shown love, grown love, like this before
If they only knew love, true love, to love, like this before
If they only gave love, saved love, brave love, like this before
If they only called love, love love, called love, like this before
If they?d only showed love, they owed love, owed love, like this before
If they only showed love, they owed love, owed love, like this before
If they only knew love, true love, to love, like this before
If they only gave love, saved love, brave love, like this before
If they only showed love, they owed love, they owed love, like this before
La la la la la, la la la la, la la la la la, la la la la la
Like this before
If they ever showed love, they owed love, they owed love, they owed love
If they ever showed love, they owed love, they owed love, like this before
Oh, oh, oh, oh, yeah
La la la la la, la la la la, la la la la la, la la la la
If they only claimed love, claimed love, claimed love
They maintained love instead they drained love, stained love
They didn?t control love, my soul loves a whole love, like this before
Received the same love
If they didn?t regret love, forget love, say they never met love
If they will love, don?t kill love, just be still love
If they only claimed love, claimed love, claimed love
They maintained love instead they drained love, stained love
They didn?t control love, my soul loves a whole love, like this before
Received the same love
If they didn?t regret love, forget love, say they never met love
If they will love, don?t kill love, just be still love
If they only claimed love, claimed love, claimed love
They maintained love instead they drained love, stained love
They didn?t control love, my soul loves a whole love, like this before
Received the same love
If they didn?t regret love, forget love, say they never met love
If they will love, don?t kill love, just be still love
If they only claimed love, claimed love, claimed love
They maintained love instead they drained love, stained love
They didn?t control love, my soul loves a whole love, like this before
Received the same love
If they didn?t regret love, forget love, say they never met love
My world it moves so fast today
The past it seems so far away
And I squeeze it so tight, I can't breathe
And every time I try to be
What someone has thought of me
So caught up, I wasn't able to acheive
But deep in my heart the answer it was in me
And I made up my mind to find my own destiny
I look at my environment
And wonder where the fire went
What happened to everything we used to be
I hear so many cry for help
Searching outside of themselves
Now I know His strength is within me
And deep in my heart the answer it was in me
And I made up my mind to find my own destiny
And deep in my heart the answer it was in me
*Talking*
Yo heh heh tell him it's like uhh you know uhh
*Singing*
Sweet sweet tell him
Let me be patient let me be kind
Make me unselfish without being blind
Though I may suffer I'll envy it not
And endure what comes
Cause he's all that I got and
tell him...
Chorus
Tell him I need him [yeah]
Tell him I love him [tell him]
And it'll be alright
*Background singing* Telll himmm be alright be alright
Tell him tell him I need him
Tell him I love him
It'll be alright
Now I may have faith to make mountains fall
But if I lack love then I am nothin' at all
I can give away everything I possess
But left without love then I have no happiness
I know I'm imperfect [I know I'm imperfect]
& not without sin [& not without sin]
But now that I'm older all childish things end
and tell him...
Chorus
Bridge
I'll never be jealous
And I won't be too kind
Cause love is not boastful
Oooh and loveis not loud
Tell him I need him
Tell him I love him
Everything's gonna be alright [w/ adlibs]
Oooh oooh yeah yeah aww yeah
Now I may have wisdom and knowledge on Earth
But if I speak wrong then what is it worth?
See what we now know is nothing compared
to the love that was shown when our lives were spared
and tell him...
Chorus w/ adlibs til fade
You’re everything I want and more
Oh I adore your mystery
Since I found a new love
Since I found a new love
I can’t complain no more
That’s how its supposed to be
I’m not in pain no more … yeah
Cause he’s so close to me
It doesn’t matter what they say
I’ll be a fool for you
But is it possible to say?
Oh if they can’t be cool with you
Since I found a new love
Since I found a new love
I don’t get it wrong at all
I’m in no empty conversations
I can’t be strong at all
Oh with that vain imagination
Oh I won’t even tolerate
None of their insane expectations
What you’ve given me already
Oh has me free from obligation … hey … hey
Since I found a new love
Since I found a new love
See it don’t bother me at all
because I’m free from obligation
Oh I don’t even entertain
None of their insane expectations
See what you’ve given me already
Oh its enough to satisfy
See you’ve forgiven me for getting
All of the pride I had inside
See now our living can begin
Because all that’s been left behind
See now our living can begin
Because that chance has left and I .. I .. I
And now I just belong to you
There’s no one else to satisfy
Oh baby I’ll be strong for you
Until they come to realize … realize … realize that
Since I found a new love
Since I found a new love
Since I found a new love
Since I found a new love
I have no fear at all
No fear at all
I have no fear at all
No fear at all
I have no … fear at all
I have no … fear at all
I have no fear … at all
I have no fear … at all
"I gotta find peace of mind... I gotta find peace of mind
He says it's impossible...But I know it's possible
He says it's impossible... But I know it's possible
He says there's no me without him... Please help me forget about him
He takes all my energy... Trapped in my memory
Constantly holding me... Constantly holding me
I need to tell you all... All the pain he's caused mmmmm
I need to tell you I'm... I'm undone because mmmmmm
He says it's impossible... But I know it's possible
He says it's impossible without him... But I know it's possible
To finally be in love... And know the real meaning of
A lasting relationship... Not based on ownership
I trust every part of u.... Cause all that you say you do
You love me despite myself
Sometimes I... I fight myself
I just can't believe that you.... Would have anything to do
With someone so insecure... Someone so immature
Ohh you inspire me, to be the higher me
You make my desire pure... You make my desire pure
Just tell me what to say... I can't find the words to say
Please don't be mad with me... I have no identity
All that I've known is gone... All I was building on
I wanna walk wit you, how do I talk to you?
Touch my mouth with your hands... Touch my mouth with your hands
Oh I wanna understand the meaning of your embrace
I know now I have to face... The temptations of my past
Please don't let me disgrace... will my devotion last
Now that I know the truth... Now that it's no excuse
Keeping me from your love... What was I thinking of
Holding me from your love... What was I thinking of
You are my peace of mind... That old me is left behind
You are my peace of mind... That old me is left behind
He says it's impossible... but I know it's possible
He says it's improbable... but I know it's tangible
He says it's not grabbable... but I know it's haveable
Cause anything's possible... Cause anything is possible
Please come free my mind... Please come feed my mind
Can you see my mind ohh... Won't you come free my mind
Oh I know it's possible
Anything, anything, anything, anything, anything.... yeah
Anything, anything, anything, anything, .... yeah
Anything, anything, anything, anything, anything.... yeah
Oh, free... free, free, free your mind
Free... free your mind
Free.. free your mind
Free free free free your mind
Oh, it's so possible... Oh, it's so possible
I'm telling you it's possible... I'm telling you it's possible
Free, free, free....... free, get free now (repeat)
You are my peace of mind... That old me is left behind
You are my peace of mind... Your my peace of mind
He's my peace of mind... He's my peace of mind
He's my peace of mind... What a joy it is to be alive
To get another chance, yeah... Every day's another chance
To get it right this time... everday's another chance
Oh what a merciful... merciful, merciful God
Oh what a wonderful... wonderful wonderful God (continue to end)
What a merciful... merciful, merciful, merciful God
What a wonderful, wonderful, wonderful, merciful
Merciful, merciful, wonderful
Merciful, wonderful............"
Come, they told me, pa-romp-pa-pom-pom,
the newborn King you'll see, pa-romp-pa-pom-pom.
Our finest gifts we bring, pa-romp-pa-pom-pom,
to lay before the King, pa-romp-pa-pom-pom,
romp-pa-pom-pom, romp-pa-pom-pom,
so to honor him, pa-romp-pa-pom-pom, when we come.
Baby Jesus, pa-romp-pa-pom-pom,
I am a poor boy too, pa-romp-pa-pom-pom,
I have no gift to bring, pa-romp-pa-pom-pom,
that fit to give our King, pa-romp-pa-pom-pom,
romp-pa-pom-pom, romp-pa-pom-pom,
Shall I play for you, pa-romp-pa-pom-pom,
Shall I play for you, pa-romp-pa-pom-pom,
Shall I play for you, pa-romp-pa-pom-pom, on my drum
Shall I play for you, pa-romp-pa-pom-pom, on my drum.
Mary nodded pa-rumpa-pom-pom,
The ox and lamb kept time pa-romp-pa-pom-pom,
I played my drum for him pa-romp-pa-pom-pom,
I played my best for him pa-romp-pa-pom-pom,
romp-pa-pom-pom, romp-pa-pom-pom
Then he smiled at me pa-romp-pa-pom-pom,
Then he smiled at me and my drum.
On my drum, on my drum, on my drum, on my drum,
on my drum, on my drum, on my drum, on my drum,
on my drum, on my drum, on my drum, on my drum,
Me and my drum, me and my drum,
Me and my drum, me and my drum,
On my drum, on my drum, on my drum, on my drum, ....
What becomes of little boys
Who dreams are larger than life has ever shown them they should be
What becomes of little boys
Whose goals are bigger than anything in there reality
What happens to young men
Disappointed once again when they find out there not suppose to grow
Do their lives become a lie
Should they wither up and die
When they find out they deserve more than they know
And it’s hard to be confused
When you find out you been used as a sacrifice for other peoples gain
And no matter what they say it’s the same thing everyday
And no one seems concerned about your pain
What becomes of little boys
Who make a little too much noise
When their dreams have flown way beyond the clouds
Would you rather see them silent
Or would you rather see them violent
Cause they never had a reason to be proud
What becomes of little boys
What becomes of little boys
What becomes of little boys
What becomes of little boys
Yeah… yeah … yeah…yeah ... yeah…yeah…yeah..
Young men…young men…young man…young men
Yeah… yeah … yeah…. yeah….yeah….yeah…yeah..
Rap:
True that there
Your the one that hide scare
We got wonders here
Yall run this here
Yall run this here
They done this here
They done this here
Cant nobody turn this here
Learn this year
To whom it will concern this year
We firm this year
That’s why you can’t burn this here
Joyful, joyful, we adore thee
God of glory, lord of love
Hearts unfold like flowers before thee
Opening to the sun above
Melt the clouds of sin and sadness
Drive the dark of doubt away
Giver of immortal gladness
Fill us with the light of day
All thy work with joy surround thee
Earth and heaven reflect thy rays
Stars and angels sing around thee
Center of unbroken praise
Field and forest, vale and mountain
Chanting bird and flowing fountain
Call us to rejoice in thee
Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah,rejoice
Mortals, join the mighty chorus
Which the morning stars began
Father love is reignning o’er us
Brother love binds man to man
Ever singing, march we onward
Victors in the midst we strife
Joyful music leads us sunward
In the triumph song of life
In the triumph song of life
Strummin' my pain with his fingers
Singin' my life with his words
Killing me softly with his song
Killing me softly with his song
telling my whole life with his words
killing me softly with his song
I heard he sang a good song
I heard he had a style
And so I came to see him
And listen for a while
And there he was this young boy
A stranger to my eyes
Strummin' my pain with his fingers
Singin' my life with his words
Killing me softly with his song
Killing me softly with his song
telling my whole life with his words
killing me softly with his song
I felt all flushed with fever
Embarrassed by the crowd
I felt he found my letters
And read each one out loud
I prayed that he would finish
But he just kept right on
Strummin' my pain with his fingers
(One time, one time)
Singin' my life with his words
(Two times, two times)
Killing me softly with his song
Killing me softly with his song
telling my whole life with his words
killing me softly with his song
I said whoa oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, la, la, la, whoa
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, ohla, la, la
La, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, whoa
Oh, oh, oh, la, la, la, la, la
La, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la
Strummin' my pain with his fingers
(Yes he was)
Singin' my life with his words
Killing me softly with his song
Killing me softly with his song
telling my whole life with his words
Undying love you've given to me
Seen in me things I would never have seen
I don’t understand why you care so much
It's all a mystery
Time and time again I ask myself
What I have done to deserve such wealth
The price you paid
I could never repay
Your generosity
Chorus:
In wanting to save me
In order to save the day
Because of love you placed yourself
In harm's way
It's truly beyond me
Left without a word to say
What kind of love would place itself
In harm's way?
What kind of love would place itself
In harm's way?
When I was down you came and lifted me
When I was bound, yes, you set me free
Things that you do makes it clear to see
It's all a master plan
Oh, n greater love that I've come to know
And when I refuse, you still love me so
With open arms you came and rescued me
And erased all the pain
Yes all the pain
(Chorus)
What kind of love would place itself
And risk your life for love's sake?
What kind of love just takes on all the blame?
It seems to be so easy
It hurts sometimes but you never let go
You will to love in spite of all you know
You know, you know
(Chorus)
I will follow Him,
Follow Him wherever He may go,
And near Him, I always will be
For nothing can keep me away,
He is my destiny.
I will follow Him,
Ever since He touched my heart I knew,
There isn't an ocean too deep,
A mountain so high it can keep,
Keep me away, away from His love.
I love Him, I love Him, I love Him,
And where He goes,
I'll follow, I'll follow, I'll follow.
I will follow Him,
Follow Him wherever He may go,
There isn't an ocean too deep,
A mountain so high it can keep,
Keep me away, away from His love...
I love Him
(Oh yes I love Him)
I'll follow
(I'm gonna follow)
True love
(He'll always be my true, true love)
Forever
(Now until forever)
I love Him, I love Him, I love Him,
And where He goes,
I'll follow, I'll follow, I'll follow,
He'll always be my true love,
My true love, my true love,
From now until forever,
Forever, forever...
There isn't an ocean too deep,
A mountain so high it can keep,
Keep me away, away from His love
Babies, they must first learn how to crawl before they walk
Oh and, Children they must first learn how to speak before
they talk
I had to walk to get there, I had to walk
There is a season to everything on the earth
What came first
There is a reason, and after death, there is rebirth
For what its worth
I had to walk to get there, I had to walk to get there
Everytime I face adversity, it causes me to grow,
Oh you didn't know
Everytime you thought you were hurting me, you caused me to
grow
Oh you didn't know, Oh you didn't know
I had to walk to get there, I had to let go to get there, I
had to walk to get there, I had to walk
Walk.....walk.....Walk....walk.....Walk.....walk......
why should i fell discouraged and why should the shadows come and why should my heart fell lonely and long from heaven and home because jesus is my portion a constant friend is he his eye is on the sparrow and i know he watches me i sing because im happy and i sing because im free his eye is on the sparrow and i know he watches me i know he watches mw
The sweetest thing I've ever known
Was like the kiss on the collarbone
Soft caress of happiness
The way you walk your style of dress
I wish I didn't get so weak
Ooo baby just to hear you speak
Makes me argue just to see
How much you're in love with me
See like a queen a queen upon her throne
Chorus
Chorus
It was the sweet sweet sweetest thing I know
It was the sweet sweet sweetest thing I know
I get mad when you walk away (don't walk away)
So I tell you leave, when I mean stay
Warm as the sun dipped in black
Fingertips on the small of my back
More valuable than all I own
Like your precious, precious, precious, precious dark skin tone
Chorus
It was the...Ah
I tried to explain
Ah...but baby, it's in vain
Speaking on my mother's phone
The touching makes me think I'm grown, (you ain't grown)
Sweet prince of the ghetto
Your kisses taste like armoretto
Intoxicating, oh, so intoxicating
How sad, how sad that all things come to an end
But then again, I'm, I'm not alone
Chorus
It's been three weeks since you've been looking for your friend
The one you let hit it and never called you again
'Member when he told you he was 'bout the Benjamins
You act like you ain't hear him then gave him a little trim
To begin, how you think you really gon' pretend
Like you wasn't down then you called him again
Plus when you give it up so easy you ain't even fooling him
If you did it then, then you probably fuck again
Talking out your neck sayin' you're a Christian
A Muslim sleeping with the gin
Now that was the sin that did Jezebel in
Who you gon' tell when the repercussions spin
Showing off your ass 'cause you're thinking it's a trend
Girlfriend, let me break it down for you again
You know I only say it 'cause I'm truly genuine
Don't be a hardrock when you're really a gem
Babygirl, respect is just a minimum
Niggas fucked up and you still defending them
Now Lauryn is only human
Don't think I haven't been through the same predicament
Let it sit inside your head like a million women in Philly, Penn.
It's silly when girls sell their soul because it's in
Look at where you be in hair weaves like Europeans
Fake nails done by Koreans
Come again
Come again, come again, come again, come again
Guys you know you better watch out
Some girls, some girls are only about
That thing, that thing, that thing
The second verse is dedicated to the men
More concerned with his rims and his Timbs than his women
Him and his men come in the club like hooligans
Don't care who they offend popping yang like you got yen
Let's not pretend, they wanna pack pistol by they waist men
Cristal by the case men, still in they mother's basement
The pretty face, men claiming that they did a bid men
Need to take care of their three and four kids men
They facing a court case when the child's support late
Money taking, heart breaking now you wonder why women hate
The sneaky silent men the punk domestic violence men
The quick to shoot the semen stop acting like boys and be men
How you gon' win when you ain't right within
How you gon' win when you ain't right within
How you gon' win when you ain't right within
Come again
Come again, come again, come again, come again
Girls you know you better watch out
Some guys, some guys are only about
That thing, that thing, that thing
[CHORUS 1]
You're just too good to be true.
Can't take my eyes off of you.
You'd be like heaven to touch. I wanna
hold you so much. At long last love has
arrived. And I thank God I'm alive. You're
just too good to be true. Can't take my
eyes off of yoy.
Pardon the way that I stare. There's nothing
else to compare. The sight of you leaves me
weak. There are no words left to speak.
But if you feel like I feel. Please let me know
that it's real. You're just too good to be true.
Can't take my eyes off of you.
[CHORUS 2]
I need you baby, and if it's quite all right,
I need you baby to warm a lonely night. I love
you baby. Trust in me when I say: Oh pretty
baby, don't bring me down I pray. Oh pretty
baby, now that I found you, stay. And let me
love you, oh baby let me love you, oh baby....
Repeat Chorus 1
[To fade]
I need you baby, and if it's quite all right,
I need you baby to warm a lonely night. I love
you baby. Trust in me when I say: Oh pretty
baby, don't bring me down I pray. Oh pretty
baby, now that I found you, stay. And let me
love you, oh baby let me love you, oh baby....
I need you baby, and if it's quite all right,
I need you baby to warm a lonely night. I love
you baby. Trust in me when I say: Oh pretty
baby, don't bring me down I pray. Oh pretty
baby, now that I found you, stay. And let me
love you, oh baby let me love you, oh baby....
[CHORUS 1]
You're just too good to be true.
Can't take my eyes off of you.
You'd be like heaven to touch. I wanna
hold you so much. At long last love has
arrived. And I thank God I'm alive. You're
just too good to be true. Can't take my
eyes off of you.
Pardon the way that I stare. There's nothing
else to compare. The sight of you leaves me
weak. There are no words left to speak.
But if you feel like I feel. Please let me know
that it's real. You're just too good to be true.
Can't take my eyes off of you.
[CHORUS 2]
I need you baby, if it's quite all right,
I love you baby, you warm a lonely night. I love
you baby. Trust in me when I say It's OK: Oh pretty
baby, don't let me down I pray. Oh pretty
baby, now that I found you, stay. And let me
love you, oh baby let me love you, oh baby....
Repeat Chorus 1
[To fade]
I need you baby, and if it's quite all right,
I love you baby, you warm a lonely night. I love
you baby. Trust in me when I say: It's OK Oh pretty
baby, don't let me down I pray. Oh pretty
baby, now that I found you, stay. And let me
love you, oh baby let me love you, oh baby....
I need you baby, and if it's quite all right,
I love you baby, you warm a lonely night. I love
you baby. Trust in me when I say: It's OK Oh pretty
baby, don't let me down I pray. Oh pretty
baby, now that I found you, stay. And let me
love you, oh baby let me love you, oh baby....
Yo, hehe
Tell him, ho, it's like uhh, you know, uhh
Sweet, sweet
Tell him, uhh, mmm
Let me be patient, let me be kind
Make me unselfish without bein' blind
Though I may suffer, I'll envy it not
And endure what comes, 'cause he's all that I got and tell him
Tell him I need him
Tell him I love him
And it'll be alright
And tell him
Tell him I need him
Tell him I love him
It'll be alright
Now I may have faith, to make mountains fall
But if I lack love, then I am nothin' at all
I can give away, everything I possess
But I'm without love then I have no happiness
I know I'm imperfect and not without sin
But now that I'm older all childish things end and tell him
Tell him I need him
Tell him I love him
It'll be alright
Tell him
Tell him I need him
Tell him I love him
It'll be alright
I'll never be jealous
And I won't be too proud
'Cause love is not boastful
Ooh and love is not loud
Tell him I need him
Tell him I love him
Everything is gonna, is gonna be alright
Ooh, ooh, yeah yeah, oh yeah
Now I may have wisdom and knowledge on earth
But if I speak wrong, ooh, then what is it worth?
See what we now know is nothing compared
To the love that was shown when our lives were spared and tell him
Tell him I need him
Tell him I love him
It'll be alright
Tell him
Tell him I need him
Tell him I love him
It'll be alright
Yeah, yeah yeah, yeah yeah yey
Why, why, why, why, why, why, why
Why, Why, heh
They've got so much things to say right now
They've got so much things to say
They've got so much things to say right now
They've got so much things to say
I'll never forget no way, how they crucified Jesus Christ
I'll never forget no way, how they sold Marcus Garvey for rice
I'll never forget no way, how they turned their back on Paul Bogle
So don't you forget no way...
Who you are, and where you stand in the struggle
They've got so much things to say right now
They've got so much things to say
They've got so very many things, to say right now
They've got so much things to say
I'n'I nah come to fight flesh and blood
But spiritual wickedness in high and low places
And don't you fight me down
I'll stand firm, and give Jah all the thanks and praises
I don't expect to be justified, by these laws of men
Though the we can find me guilty, Jah will proove my innocency
Cuz when the rain falls, it don't, fall on one man's house top
Remember that
See when this rain falls, it don't, fall on one man's house top
They've got so much things to say right now
They've got so much, so much things to say
They've got, heh, so much things to say right now
They've got so, so much things to say
But let them keep talking, oh let them keep talking
Cuz non of them walking, oh non of them walking, no
And while they still talking, see I'ma be walking
I'ma be walking, so let them keep talking
Said I never forget no way, how they crucified Jesus Christ
And I, I'll never forget, how they sold Marcus Garvey for rice
Said I, never forget, how they turned their backs on Paul Bogle
So non of you, non of you forget...
Who you are, and where you stand in the struggle
Cuz when this rain, cuz when this rain, rain, rain, rain, rain falls
It don't fall on one man's house, I'm telling you the rain...
I'm telling you the rain, rain, rain, rain, rain don't fall
It don't fall... they...
They've got, they've got, so many very things to say about me
I'm telling you: lie
They, and they, and they will have so many things
They'll have so many things to say about you... to say about you
Cuz they don't know me, know me
They don't know me, oh they don't know me, oh they don't know me
Oh they don't know me well
They, they, they, they, they, they, they don't know my Father
Your just too good to be true
Can't take my eyes off of you
You'd be like heaven to touch
I want to hold you so much
At long last love has arrived
And I thank God I'm alive
You're just too good to be true
Can't take my eyes off of you.
Pardon the way that I stare
There's nothing else to compare
The site of you leaves me weak
There are no words left to speak
But if you feel like I feel
Please let me know that it's real
Your just too good to be true
Can't take my eyes off of you.
I need you baby and if it's quite alright
I need you baby to warm the lonely nights
I love you baby trust in me when I say, oh yay
Oh pretty baby don't let me down I pray
Oh pretty baby now that i found you stay
And let me love you love you oh baby.
Your just too good to be true
Can't take my eyes off of you
You'd be like heaven to touch
I want to hold you so much
At long last love has arrived
And I thank God I'm alive
You're just too good to be true
Can't take my eyes off of you.
I need you baby and if it's quite alright
I need you baby to warm the lonely nights
I love you baby trust in me when I say, it's ok
Oh pretty baby don't let me down I pray
Oh pretty baby now that I found you stay
And let me love you oh baby let me love you oh baby.
I need you baby and if it's quite alright
I love you baby you warm the lonely nights
I need you baby trust in me when I say it's ok
Oh oh pretty baby don't let me down I pray
Oh pretty baby now that i found you stay
Yeah, yeah, yeah hey, yeah hey, yeah hey
See the road to hell is paved with good intentions
Can't you tell the way they have to mention
How they've helped you out, you're such a hopeless victim
Please don't do me any favors, Mr Intentional
All their talk is seasoned to perfection
The road they walk, commanding your affection
They need to be needed, deceived by motivation
An opportunity, to further situation
Why they so important is without explanation
Please don't patronize me, Mr Intentional
Oh, oh, oh oh
We give rise to ego by being insecure
The advice that we go desperately searching for
The subconscious effort to support our paramour
To engage in denial, to admit we're immature
Validating lies, Mr Intentional, oh
Open up yours eyes, Mr Intentional
Stuck in a system that seeks to suck your blood
Held emotionally hostage by what everybody does
Counting all the money that you give them just because
Exploiting ignorance in the name of love
Stop before you drop because that's just the way it works
Please don't justify me, Mr Intentional
Oh one dimensional, Mr Intentional
Oh, oh don't you do me any favors
Oh, oh, oh oh
Wake up you've been sleeping
Take up your bed and walk
Stop blaming other people
Oh it's nobody else's fault
Accept the truth about you
You know that life goes on without you
And your expensive misinventions
Disguising your intentions
Don't worship my hurt feelings, Mr Intentional
Oh, oh oh oh
See I know you can't help me, Mr Intentional
The only help I need to live, is unprofessional
The only wealth I have to give, is not material
And if you need much more than that, I'm not available
Please don't entertain me, Mr Intentional
Oh I don't need your sympathy, Mr Intentional
Stay away from me, Mr Intentional
So one dimensional, Mr Promotional, Mr Emotional, Mr Intentional
I just want you around
I just want you around
I just want you around
I just want you around
Thought that I had lost you
I can hardly make a sound
When I thought I couldn't hold you
Knew the world had let me down
Should have took the time to tell you
You keep my feet on the ground
I hope that you can hear me
Cause I know its not profound
I just want you around
I just need you around
I just want you around
I just need you around
When I thought I was without you
I got used to being down
It was my fault I used to doubt you
But that aint me next time around
Please believe me when I tell you
Cause all my words are bound
This is my cross now let me bare it
I was lost but now I'm found-found-found
I just want you around
I just need you around
I just want you around
I just need you around
Took this love for granted
Kept my feelings underground
Should have watered what I planted
Should have known what I have found
I'm not used to being lonely
I don't like the way it sounds
You're the only one I know-yeah
Who don't turn my upside-down
I just want you around
I just need you around
I just want you around
I just need you around
Yeah I want you around
I remember, when you looked into my eyes
You saw right through me
And I could not hide
I was exposed, just like a child
All of my heart, you hold in your hands
I'm yours to command
I'm yours to command
I, I feel so humbled
With you in my life
With you in my life
I remember, when I looked into your eyes
I saw a reflection of myself
And I could not lie, out of control
Too weak to deny
All of myself is naked before you
But what can I do?
There's nothing I can do
I feel so beautiful
With you in my life
With you in my life
I remember, I remember, I remember, I
With you in my life
Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those that trespass against us
Although them again we will never, never, never trust
Dem noh know weh dem do, dig out yuh yei while dem sticking like glue,
Fling, skin, grin while dem plotting fah you,
True, Ah Who???
Forgive them father for they know not what they do
Forgive them father for they know not what they do
Beware the false motives of others
Be careful of those who pretend to be brothers
And you never suppose it's those who are closest to you, to you
They say all the right things to gain their position
Then use your kindness as their ammunition
To shoot you down in the name of ambition, they do
Forgive them father for they know not what they do
Forgive them father for they know not what they do
Why every Indian wanna be the chief?
Feed a man 'til he's full and he still want beef
Give me grief, try to tief off my piece
Why for you to increase, I must decrease?
If I treat you kindly does it mean that I'm weak?
You hear me speak and think I won't take it to the streets
I know enough cats that don't turn the other cheek
But I try to keep it civilized like Menelik
And other African czars observing stars with war scars
Get yours in this capitalistic system
So many caught or got bought you can't list them
How you gonna idolize the missing?
To survive is to stay alive in the face of opposition
Even when they comin' gunnin'
I stand position
L's known the mission since conception
Let's free the people from deception
If you looking for the answers
Then you gotta ask the questions
And when I let go, my voice echoes through the ghetto
Sick of men trying to pull strings like Geppetto
Why black people always be the ones to settle
March through these streets like Soweto
Like Cain and Abel, Caesar and Brutus, Jesus and Judas,
Backstabbers do this
Forgive them father for they know not what they do
Forgive them father for they know not what they do
It took me a little while to discover
Wolves in sheep coats who pretend to be lovers
Men who lack conscience will even lie to themselves, to themselves
A friend once said, and I found to be true
That everyday people, they lie to God too
So what makes you think, that they won't lie to you
Forgive them father for they know not what they do
Forgive them, forgive them
Forgive them father for they know not what they do
Forgive them, forgive them
Gwan like dem love while dem rip yuh to shreds,
Trample pon yuh heart and lef yuh fi dead,
Dem a yuh fren who yuh depen pon from way back when,
But if yuh gi dem yuh back den yuh mus meet yuh end,
Dem noh know wey dem do,
Dem no know, dem no know, dem no know,
Watch the master plan, the pastures span through the streets
Flipped the beat, move the sheep, like the shepherd
It's a new day, my crew stay forever strivin'
Give thanks 'cause we alive and been through the gutter
Now we see the horizon
It's clear to me now
Used to be confused, took a lot of years to see how
Now we movin' planets, take the average mind and expand it
You take for granted like we're always gonna be disadvantaged
But soon come, it soon come, ya soon done
Ya start run, you stumble, we catch one
In the rhythm, Santana lick the guits with precision
Not accidental, intentional, conscious decision
To Zion, we're marchin' through with African Mayans
Conquerin' Babylon with the heart of a lion
Behold and watch yesterday come back around
And the walls of Jericho come a tumblin' down
Tell me, how long has it been
Is everything, everything alright my friend
You see, time is passin'
People askin' how come none of this ain't lastin'
Money will make people deal like they don't even have to feel
But no, it ain't real, it ain't real
Oh, do you like the way that's going down?
Do you like the way that it's going down?
Ooh, do you like the way
How long, how long will we wait, to sit down and communicate?
See, everything is relative, if you want to get then give
Can't we all just build and live, can't we, can't we?
Oh, do you like the way that it's going down baby?
I get out
I get out of all your boxes
I get out
You can't hold me in these chains
I'll get out
Father, free me from this bondage
Knowin' my condition is the reason I must change
Your stinkin' resolution is no type of solution
Preventin' me from freedom, maintainin' your pollution
I won't support your lie no more, I won't even try no more
If I have to die, oh Lord, that's how I choose to live
I won't be compromised no more, I can't be victimised no more
I just don't sympathize no more
'Cuz now I understand, you just wanna use me
You say love, then abuse me
You never thought you'd loose me
But how quickly we forget that nothin' is for certain
You thought I'd stay here hurtin'
Your guilt trip's just not workin'
Repressin' me to death 'cuz now I'm choosin' life, yo
I take the sacrifice, yo, if everything must go, then go
That's how I choose to live
That's how I choose to live
No more compromises, I see past your diguises
Blindin' through mind control, stealin' my eternal soul
Appealin' through material to keep me as your slave
But I get out
Oh, I get out of all your boxes
I get out
Oh, you can't hold me in these chains
I'll get out
Oh, I want out of social bondage
Knowin' my condition
Oh, is the reason I must change
See, what you see is what you get
Oh, and you ain't seen nothin' yet
Oh, I don't care if you're upset
I could care less if you're upset
See, it don't change the truth and your hurt feeling's no excuse
To keep me in this box, psychological locks
Repressin' true expression, cementin' this repression
Promotin' mass deception, so that no one can be healed
I don't respect your system
I won't protect your system
When you talk, I don't listen
Oh, let my Father's will be done
And just get out
Oh, just get out of all these bondage
Just get out
Oh, you can't hold me in these chains
Just get out
All these traditions killin' freedom
Knowin' my condition
Is the reason I must change
I just accepted what you said, keepin' me among the dead
The only way to know is to walk, then learn and grow
But faith is not your speed
Oh, you've had everyone believe
That you're the sole authority
Just follow the majority
Afraid to face reality
The system is a joke
Oh, you'd be smart to save your soul
Oh, and escape this mind control
You spent your life in sacrifice
To a system for the dead
Oh, are you sure?
Where is the passion in this living?
Are you sure, it's God you servin'?
Obligated to a system, getting less than you're deserving
Who made up these schools, I say?
Who made up these rules, I say?
Animal conditioning
Oh, just to keep us as a slave
Oh, just get out
Of this social purgatory
Just get out
All these traditions are alive
Just get out
Superstition killing freedom
Knowin' my condition
Is the reason I must die
Just get out
Just get out
Just get out
Let's get out
Let's get out
Knowin' my condition
Is the reason I must die
Just get out
...I've written it about the whole Amadou Diallo situation...
...It was such a hot time in the city at that point, I was afraid that if I
put the record out, people would Misunderstand what I meant by "Rebel" and
they just take it to the streets...
Ok, yeah, alright...
I find it hard to say, that everything is alright
Don't look at me that way, like everything is alright
Cuz my own eyes can see, through all your false pretenses
But what you fail to see, is all the consequences
You think our lives are cheap, and easy to be wasted
As history repeats, so foul you can taste it
And while the people sleep, too comfortable to face it
His life so incomplete, and nothing can replace it
And while the people sleep, too comfortable to face it
Your lives so incomplete, and nothing can replace it
Fret not thyself I say, against these laws of man
Cuz like the Bible says, His blood is on their hands
And what I gotta say, and what I gotta say, is rebel
While today is still today, choose well
And what I gotta say, is rebel, it can't go down this way
Choose well, choose well, choose well...
...choose well, choose well, choose well
And while the people sleep, too comfortable to face it
Your lives are so incomplete, and nothing, and no one, can replace it
No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no
And what I gotta say, and what I gotta say
And what I gotta say, and what I gotta say
And what I gotta say, and what I gotta say
And what I gotta say, and what I gotta say
Is rebel... rebel, rebel, rebel, rebel, rebel, rebel
Rebel, rebel, rebel, rebel, rebel
Repent, the day is far too spent, rebel... rebel!
Wake up, wake up, wake up, wake up, wake up, wake up, wake up...
Wake up and rebel
We must destroy in order to rebuild
Wake up, you might as well
Oh are you... oh are you satisfied
Oh are you satisfied
Rebel... ohhh rebel
Why don't you rebel, why don't you rebel?
Why don't you rebel?
(TANYA BLOUNT)
WHY SHOULD I FEEL DICOURAGED
WHY SHOULD THE SHADOWS COME
WHY SHOULD MY HEART FEEL LONELY AND LONG FOR HEAVEN AND HOME
WHEN JESUS IS MY PORTION
A CONSTANT FRIEND IS HE
HIS EYE IS ON THE SPARROW
AND I KNOW HE WATCHES ME
(LAURYN HILL)
I SING BECAUSE IM HAPPY
I SING BECAUSE IM FREE
HIS EYE IS ON THE SPARROW
AND I KNO HE WATCHES ME
(LAURYN AND TANYA)
I SING BECAUSE IM HAPPY
I SING BECAUSE IM FREE
(LAURYN)
HIS EYE IS ON THE SPARROW
AND I KNOW HE WATCHES
(TANYA)
I KNOW HE WATCHES
(LAURYN)
I KNOW HE WATCHES ME
(BOTH)
I SING BECAUSE IM HAPPY
I SING BECAUSE IM FREE
HIS EYE IS ON THE SPARROW
It could all be so simple
But you'd rather make it hard
Loving you is like a battle
And we both end up with scars
Tell me, who I have to be
To get some reciprocity
No one loves you more than me
And no one ever will
Is this just a silly game
That forces you to act this way
Forces you to scream my name
Then pretend that you can't stay
Tell me, who I have to be
To get reciprocity
No one loves you more than me
And no one ever will
[Hook:]
No matter how I think we grow
You always seem to let me know
It ain't workin'
It ain't workin'
And when I try to walk away
You'd hurt yourself to make me stay
This is crazy
This is crazy
I keep letting you back in
How can I explain myself
As painful as this thing has been
I just can't be with no one else
See I know what we've got to do
You let go and I'll let go too
'Cause no one's hurt me more than you
And no one ever will
[Repeat Hook]
Care for me, care for me
I know you care for me
There for me, there for me
Said you'd be there for me
Cry for me, cry for me
You said you'd die for me
Give to me, give to me
Why won't you live for me
I was just a little girl, skinny legs, a press and curl
My mother always thought I'd be a star
But way before my record deal
Streets that nurtured Lauryn Hill
Made sure that I'd never go too far
Every ghetto, every city and suburban place I've been
Make me recall my days in the New Jerusalem
Story starts at Hootaville, grew up next to Ivy Hill
When kids were stealin' quartervilles for fun
Kill the guy in Carter Park
Rode a mongoose 'til it's dark
Watchin' kids show off the stolen ones
Every ghetto, every city and suburban place I've been
Make me recall my days in New Jerusalem
You know it's hot, don't forget what you've got
Lookin' back, lookin' back, lookin' back, lookin' back
You know it's hot, don't forget what you've got
Lookin' back, lookin' back, lookin' back, lookin' back
Bag of Bontons, twenty cents and a nickel
Springfield Ave. had the best popsicles
Saturday morning cartoons and Kung-Fu
Main street roots tonic with the dreds
A beef patty and some coco bread
Move the patch from my Lees to the tongue of my shoe
'Member Frelng-Huysen used to have the bomb leather
Back when Doug Fresh and Slick Rick was together
Lookin' at the crew, we thought we'd all live forever
You know it's hot, don't forget what you've got
Lookin' back, lookin' back, lookin' back, lookin' back
You know it's hot, don't forget what you've got
Lookin' back, lookin' back, lookin' back, lookin' back
Drill teams on Munn Street
Remember when Hawthorne and Chancellor had beef
Movin' Records was on Central Ave.
I was there at dancing school
South Orange Ave. at Borlin' Pool
Unaware of what we didn't have
Writin' my friends' names on my jeans with a marker
July 4th races outside of Parker
Fireworks at Martin Stadium
The Untouchable P.S.P. where all them crazy nigga be
And car thieves got away through Irvington
Hillside brings beef with the cops
Self-Destruction record drops
And everybody's name was Muslim
Children grow and women produce and
Sensations and '88 attracted kids from out-of-state
And everybody used to do the wop
Jack, jack, jack ya body
Nah, the Biz Mark used to amp up the party
I wish those days, they didn't stop
Every ghetto, every city and suburban place I've been
Make me recall my days in New Jerusalem
You know it's hot, don't forget what you've got
Lookin' back, lookin' back, lookin' back, lookin' back
You know it's hot, don't forget what you've got
Lookin' back, lookin' back, lookin' back, lookin' back
You know it's hot, don't forget what you've got
Looking back, lookin' back, lookin' back, lookin' back
Lookin' back, lookin' back, lookin' back
Lookin' back, lookin' back, lookin' back
Lookin' back, lookin' back, lookin' back
Lookin' back, lookin' back, lookin' back
Lookin' back, lookin' back, lookin' back
It's been three weeks since you've been looking for your friend
The one you let hit it and never called you again
'Member when he told you he was 'bout the Benjamins
You act like you ain't hear him then gave him a little trim
To begin, how you think you really gon' pretend
Like you wasn't down then you called him again
Plus when you give it up so easy you ain't even fooling him
If you did it then, then you probably f*** again
Talking out your neck sayin' you're a Christian
A Muslim sleeping with the gin
Now that was the sin that did Jezebel in
Who you gon' tell when the repercussions spin
Showing off your ass 'cause you're thinking it's a trend
Girlfriend, let me break it down for you again
You know I only say it 'cause I'm truly genuine
Don't be a hardrock when you're really a gem
Babygirl, respect is just a minimum
Niggas f***ed up and you still defending them
Now Lauryn is only human
Don't think I haven't been through the same predicament
Let it sit inside your head like a million women in Philly, Penn.
It's silly when girls sell their soul because it's in
Look at where you be in hair weaves like Europeans
Fake nails done by Koreans
Come again
Come again, come again, come again, come again
Guys you know you better watch out
Some girls, some girls are only about
That thing, that thing, that thing
The second verse is dedicated to the men
More concerned with his rims and his Timbs than his women
Him and his men come in the club like hooligans
Don't care who they offend popping yang like you got yen
Let's not pretend, they wanna pack pistol by they waist men
Cristal by the case men, still in they mother's basement
The pretty face, men claiming that they did a bid men
Need to take care of their three and four kids men
They facing a court case when the child's support late
Money taking, heart breaking now you wonder why women hate men
The sneaky silent men the punk domestic violence men
The quick to shoot the s***n stop acting like boys and be men
How you gon' win when you ain't right within
How you gon' win when you ain't right within
How you gon' win when you ain't right within
Come again
Come again, come again, come again, come again
Girls you know you better watch out
Some guys, some guys are only about
When it hurts so bad, when it hurts so bad
Why's it feel so good?
When it hurts so bad, when it hurts so bad
Why's it feel so good?
I loved real, real hard once
But the love wasn't returned
Found out the man I'd die for
He wasn't even concerned
I tried, and I tried, and I tried
To keep him in my life
I cried, and I cried, and I cried
But I couldn't make it right
But I, I loved the young man
And if you've ever been in love,
Then you'd understand
What you want might make you cry
What you need might pass you by
If you don't catch it,
If you don't catch it,
And what you need ironically
Will turn out what you want to be
If you just let it,
If you just let it
See, I thought this feeling
It was all that I had
But how could this be love
And make me feel so bad?
Gave up my power,
I existed for you
But whoever knew the voodoo you'd do?
But I, I loved the young man
And if you've ever been in love you'd understand
What you want might make you cry
What you need might pass you by
If you don't catch it
And what you need ironically
Will turn out what you want to be
If you just let it,
What you want might make you cry
What you need might pass you by
If you don't catch it
And what you need ironically
Will turn out what you want to be
If you just let it,
If you just let it
When it hurts so bad, when it hurts so bad
Why's it feel so good?
When it hurts so bad, when it hurts so bad
When it hurts so bad, when it hurts so bad
Why's it feel so good?
When it hurts so bad, when it hurts so bad
When it hurts so bad, when it hurts so bad
When it hurts so bad, when it hurts so bad
(with Bob Marley)
[Bob Marley]
(Lauryn – Uh)
Turn your lights down low
And-a pull your window curtain
Oh let Jah moon come shining in
Into our life again
Saying ooh, it's been a long, long time (Lauryn - Long, long time)
I kept this message for you, girl
But it seem I was never on time
still I wanna get through to you, girl?
On time, on time (Lauryn - What)
I want to give you some love
I want to give you some good, good loving (Lauryn - Mm, mm mm)
Oh I, oh I, oh I (Lauryn - Yeah)
I want to give you some good, good loving (Lauryn – Mm)
[Lauryn Hill]
Turn your lights down low (Word, word word)
Never ever try to resist, oh no (No, no, no)
Oh let your love come shining in (No, no, no)
Into our lives again (No, no, no)
Saying: ooh, I love you (I love you, I love you)
And I want you to know right now (Know right now)
Ooh I love you (Uh uh, yeah, uh uh)
And I want you to know right now (Mm)
That I (No, no, no)
That I (No, no, no)
I wanna give you some love (Mm, uh, yeah, uh)
I wanna give you some good, good loving (Good, good)
Oh I, oh I, oh I (Mm, mm mm, mm)
I wanna give you some good, good loving
Yeah, uh uh
Loving you (Loving you) is a like a song I replay (Baby, is so beautiful)
Every three minutes and thirty seconds of every day (Uh)
And every chorus (Uh) was written for us to recite (Right)
Every beautiful melody of devotion every night
This potion might, (Uh)this ocean might (Uh) carry me (Uh)
In a wave of emotion to ask you to marry me
And every word, every second, and every third
Expresses the happiness more clearly than ever heard (Uh)
And when I play ‘em, every chord is a poem
Telling the Lord how grateful I am because I know him
The harmonies (Word) possess a sensation similar to your caress (Uh)
If you asking then I'm telling you it's yes (Yes, yes)
Stand in love, take my hand and love Jah bless
Right, right
[Bob]
(Lauryn - Jah bless, uh)
I want to give you some good, good loving (Lauryn – Yeah, uh uh)
Turn your lights down low (Lauryn- Right, right now)
And-a pull your window curtains
[Lauryn]
(I said right, right now)
And let Jah love come tumbling in (Right, right now)
Into our lives again (Uh, uh said right, right now)
[Bob]
Sayin’ (Lauryn – Ooh) ooh
It’s been a long, long time
[Lauryn]
(Yeah, yeah)
I got this message for you, boy (Ha ha, ha ha, ha)
[Bob]
But it seems I was never on time
[Lauryn]
Still I wanna get through to you, boy (Uh, yeah)
[Bob and Lauryn]
On time (Lauryn – Right, right now)
On time (Lauryn – Said right, right now, uh)
I want to give you some love (Lauryn – What, what, yeah. What, what)
(Bob – Oh, oh I)
I want to give you some good, good loving (Lauryn - Can you hear me, uh)
Oh I, oh I (Lauryn – Uh), oh I (Lauryn – Uh, yo it’s like)
I wanna give you some good, good loving (Lauryn - Yo, yo it’s like)
[Lauryn]
Good, some good, good, good, good, good, good
[Bob]
I want to give you some good, good loving
[Lauryn]
Good, good
Oh I, oh I (Uh, yeah yeah right, right now)
I wanna give you some good, good lovin’ (Yo yo, uh, right, right now)
I wanna, I wanna
I wanna (Oh), I wanna, I wanna, I wanna, I wanna
Oh oh, oh oh, oh oh (Uh, uh, yeah)
Yeah (Yeah, what, what)
(Feels so good to me) Please don’t forget passionate
Babies in the bassinet
You call, we be ready (Feels so good to me)
Ha ha, Ma steady
(Laugher)
Yeah, yes
Unsure of what the balance held
I touched my belly overwhelmed
By what I had been chosen to perform
But then an angel came one day
Told me to kneel down and pray
For unto me a man child would be born
Woe this crazy circumstance
I knew his life deserved a chance
But everybody told me to be smart
Look at your career they said,
"Lauryn, baby use your head"
But instead I chose to use my heart
Now the joy of my world is in Zion
Now the joy of my world is in Zion
How beautiful if nothing more
Than to wait at Zion's door
I've never been in love like this before
Now let me pray to keep you from
The perils that will surely come
See life for you my prince has just begun
And I thank you for choosing me
To come through unto life to be
A beautiful reflection of his grace
For I know that a gift so great
Is only one God could create
And I'm reminded every time I see your face
That the joy of my world is in Zion
Now the joy of my world is in Zion
Now the joy of my world is in Zion
Now the joy of my world is in Zion
Marching, marching, marching to Zion
Marching, marching
Marching, marching, marching to Zion
Come on baby, light my fire
Everything you drop is so tired
Music is supposed to inspire
How come we ain't getting no higher?
Now tell me your philosophy
On exactly what an artist should be
Should they be someone with prosperity
And no concept of reality?
Now, who you know without any flaws
That lives above the spiritual laws
And does anything they feel just because
There's always someone there who'll applaud
Come on baby, light my fire
Everything you drop is so tired
Music is supposed to inspire
How come we ain't getting no higher?
I know you think that you've got it all
And by making other people feel small
Makes you think you're unable to fall
And when you do, who you gonna call?
See, what you give is just what you get
I know it hasn't hit you yet
Now I don't mean to get you upset
But every cause has an effect
Come on baby, light my fire
Everything you drop is so tired
Music is supposed to inspire
So, how come we're not getting no higher?
I cross sands in distant lands, made plans with the sheiks
Why you beef with freaks as my album sales peak?
All I wanted was to sell like 500
And be a ghetto superstar since my first album, Blunted
I used to work at Foot Locker, they fired me and fronted
Or I quitted, now I spit it - however do you want it?
Now you get it!
Writing rhymes my range with the frames slightly tinted
Then send it to your block and have my full name cemented
And if your rhymes sound like mine, I'm taking a percentage
Unprecedented and still respected when it vintage
I'm serious, I'm taking over areas in Aquarius
Running red lights with my 10,000 chariots
Just as Christ was a superstar, you stupid star
They'll hail you then they'll nail you, no matter who you are
They'll make you now then take you down
And make you face it, if you slit the bag open
and put your pinky in it, then taste it
Come on baby, light my fire
Everything you drop is so tired
Music is supposed to inspire
These social drugs
These social drugs
These social drugs
These social drugs
Afraid to address
The reality before me
Too proud to confess
That I'm addicted to a lie
So I seek temporary feeling
To replace reality
Though the truth is telling me I have to die
But I've been taught to numb it
Sedate it don't confront it
I hate it when I found out
That I can't get what I wanted
This emotional tantrum
Has become sort of an anthem playing everytime I need to take a little trip
To hide this condemnation
I'll find a combination
Of a manmande stimulation
To deny my situation
Now this unreality
Is distorting what I see
Reporting back to me
A sense of false security
So in my imagination
I must find a recreation
Desperately in searching ways
To alter my sensations
There's no equilibrium
Inebriated till I'm numb
Intoxicated till I'm dumb
To avoid confrontation
These social drugs
Messing with my mind
These social drugs
Telling me I'm fine
Now this chemical analogy
Is our emotional reality
These political
Traditional
And ethical stimulants
And social ettiquettes
Wont let us be too upset
With the way things really are
You're taught to camouflage regrets
And those religious structures
Tell us GOD want us to suffer
To suppot a situation
We all know is obligation
And if you shun the complication
They'll just gun your repuation
Like mob intimidation
To enforce participation
See they need to keep us fiends
To their lies and broken schemes
And if you find another means
You're told you're being too extreme
And if you wanted to get clean
They'll just pull those social strings
Holding up their social norms
Deifying noble things
Now were all stuck in tradition
Unable to state our position
Too afraid to contradict
The expectations of the system
Oh and the harsh reality
Is they've made Grace for you and me
Instead of saving you and me
They're just enslaving you and me!
These social drugs
These social drugs
These social drugs
These social drugs
Nothing can be done against the truth
No matter how we remain in denial, yeah
Wasting time
Replacing time
With each empty excuse
But that'll only work a little while
Coping with despair
Knowing you're not there
Ashamed to just admit
I've been a fool
So I blame it on the Sun
Run away from everyone
Hoping to escape this ridicule
Trapped in misery
Wrapped so miserably
In this deception that im wearing like a skin
Dying to mantain
Oh I keep trying to explain
A heart that never loved me to begin
Oh I'm such a mess
I have no choice but to confess
That I've been desperately trying to belong
Lying to myself
And everybody else
Refusing to admit my right was wrong
And then He came
Selah
And it means
Praise and meditation
And then He came
Selah
And it means
Did you think about that?
And then He came
Selah
Oh and it means
Praise and meditation
And then He came
Selah
Oh and it means
That it is seen
How beautiful is fruit still in denial of its roots?
My guilty heart behaved so foolishly
This treason from within
That reasons with my sin
Won't be happy til it sees the death of me
Selfishly addicted
To a life that I depicted
Conflicted cuz it's not reality
Oh what's left of me
I beg you desperately
Cause me to agree with what I know is best for me
Please save me from myself
I need You to save me from myself
Please save me from myself so I can heal
The choices that Ive made
Oh have been nothing but mistakes
What a wasted use of space
Should I die before I wake?
In all of my religion
I've fortified this prison
Obligated to obey
The demands of bad decisions
Please save me from myself
I need You to save me from myself
Please save me from myself so I can heal
And then He came
Selah
And it means
Praise and meditation
And then He came
Selah
And it means
Did you think about that?
And He came
Selah
Oh and it means
Meditation
And then He came
Selah
Oh and it means
That it is seen
And then He came
And then He came
Then He came, then He came, then He came
Now the skies could fall
Not even if my boss should call
The world it seems so very small
'Cause nothing even matters at all
Nothing even matters
Nothing even matters at all
Nothing even matters
Nothing even matters at all
See I don't need no alcohol
Your love makes me feel ten feet tall
Without it I'd go through withdrawal
'Cause nothing even matters at all
Nothing even matters
Nothing even matters at all
Nothing even matters
Nothing even matters at all
These buildings could drift out to sea
Some natural catastrophe
Still there's no place I'd rather be
'Cause nothing even matters to me
Nothing even matters
Nothing even matters to me
Nothing even matters
Nothing even matters to me
You're part of my identity
I sometimes have the tendency
To look at you religiously
'Cause nothing even matters to me
Nothing even matters
Nothing even matters to me
Nothing even matters
Nothing even matters to me
Now you won't find me at no store
I have no time for manicures
With you it's never either or
'Cause nothing even matters no more
Nothing even matters
Nothing even matters no more
Nothing even matters
Nothing even matters no more
Now my team could score
And make it to the Final Four
Just repossess my 4x4
'Cause nothing even matters no more
Nothing even matters
Nothing even matters no more
Nothing even matters
It's funny how money change a situation
Miscommunication leads to complication
My emancipation don't fit your equation
I was on the humble, you - on every station
Some wan' play young Lauryn like she dumb
But remember not a game new under the sun
Everything you did has already been done
I know all the tricks from Bricks to Kingston
My ting done made your kingdom wan' run
Now understand L. Boogie's non violent
But if a thing test me, run for mi gun
Can't take a threat to mi newborn son
L's been this way since creation
A groupie call, you fall from temptation
Now you wanna ball over separation
Tarnish my image in your conversation
Who you gon' scrimmage, like you the champion
You might win some but you just lost one
You might win some but you just lost one
You might win some but you just lost one
You might win some but you just lost one
You might win some but you just lost one
Now, now how come your talk turn cold
Gained the whole world for the price of your soul
Tryin' to grab hold of what you can't control
Now you're all floss, what a sight to behold
Wisdom is better than silver and gold
I was hopeless now I'm on Hope road
Every man want to act like he's exempt
When him need to get down on his knees and repent
Can't slick talk on the day of judgement
Your movement's similar to a serpent
Tried to play straight, how your whole style bent?
Consequence is no coincidence
Hypocrites always want to play innocent
Always want to take it to the full out extent
Always want to make it seem like good intent
Never want to face it when it's time for punishment
I know that you don't wanna hear my opinion
But there come many paths and you must choose one
And if you don't change then the rain soon come
See you might win some but you just lost one
You might win some but you just lost one
You might win some but you just lost one
You might win some but you just lost one
You might win some but you just lost one
You might win some but you really lost one
You just lost one, it's so silly how come
When it's all done did you really gain from
What you done done, it's so silly how come
You just lost one
Now don't you understand man universal law
What you throw out comes back to you, star
Never underestimate those who you scar
Cause karma, karma, karma comes back to you hard
You can't hold God's people back that long
The chain of Shatan wasn't made that strong
Trying to pretend like your word is your bond
But until you do right, all you do will go wrong
Now some might mistake this for just a simple song
And some don't know what they have 'til it's gone
Now even when you're gone you can still be reborn
And, from the night can arrive the sweet dawn
Now, some might listen and some might shun
And some may think that they've reached perfection
If you look closely you'll see what you've become
Cause you might win some but you just lost one
You might win some but you just lost one
You might win some but you just lost one
You might win some but you just lost one
You might win some but you just lost one
You might win some but you really lost one
You just lost one, it's so silly how come
When it's all done did you really gain from
Moving down the streams of my lifetime
Pulls the fascination in my sleeve
Cooling off the fire on my longing
Boiling off my cold within his heat
Melting down the walls of inhibition
Evaporating all of my fears
Baptizing me into complete submission
Dissolving my condition with his tears
He's just like the water
I ain't felt this way in years
He's just like the water, the water
I ain't felt this way in years
Coursing through my senses, he's prevailing
Floating through the space of my design
Drowning me to find my inside sailing
Drinking in the mainstream of his mind
Filling up the cup of my emotions
Spilling over into all I do
If I only I could get lost in his ocean
Surviving on the thought of loving you
He's just like the water
I ain't felt this way in years, in years
He's just like the water, the water
I ain't felt this way in years
Bathing in the fountain of his essence
He causes my expression to remain
Humbled on a mountain by his presence
Washing my intentions with his name
Sealing off the floodgates of his passions
Saving all his liquid for his own
Moisturizing me to satisfaction
In my imagination, no, no
He's pouring out his soul to me for hours and hours
Drawing out my nature with his hands
Yearning, I'm so thirsty for his power
Burning to be worthy of his land
He's just like the water
I ain't felt this way in years
He's just like the water
I ain't felt this way in years
Cleaning me, he's purging me
And moving me around
He's bathing me and he's claiming me
And moving me around, around
And around and around and around
Watching me, claiming me
Moving me around
He's purging me, he's been cleaning me
And moving me around and around
And around, around, around
Joyful, joyful
Lord, we adore Thee
God of glory
Lord of love
Hearts unfold like flowers before Thee
Hail Thee as the sun above
Melt the clouds of sin and sadness
Drive the dark of doubt away
Giver of immortal gladness
Fill us with the light
Fill us with the light
Oh, fill us with the light of day
Joyful, joyful
Lord, we adore Thee
God of glory
Lord of love
Hearts unfold like flowers before Thee
Hail Thee as the sun above
Melt the clouds of sin, sin and sadness
Drive the dark of doubt away
Drive it away
Giver of immortal gladness
Fill us
Fill us with the light of day, light of day
Joyful, joyful
Lord we adore Thee
An' in my life
I put none before Thee
'Cuz since I was a youngster
I came to know
That you was the only way to go
So I had to grow an' come to an understandin'
That I'm down with the King so now I'm demandin'
That you tell me who you down with, see
Cuz all I know is that I'm down with G O D
You down with G O D?
(Yeah, you know me)
You down with G O D?
(Yeah, you know me)
You down with G O D?
(Yeah, you know me)
Who's down with G O D?
(Everybody)
Come and join the chorus
The mighty, mighty chorus
Which the morning stars begun
The Father of love is reigning over us
By the way
What have you done for Him lately?
Ooh, ooh, ooh yeah
What have you done for Him lately?
He watches over everything
So we sing
Joyful, joyful
Lord, we adore Thee
God of glory
Lord of love
Hearts unfold like flowers before Thee
Hail Thee as the sun above
Melt the clouds of sin, sin and sadness
Drive the dark of doubt away, drive it away
Giver of immortal gladness, won't you?
Fill us
(Fill us with the light of day, Lord, fill us)
Fill us
(Oh we need You, yes we do, fill us)
Fill us
(Yeah, oh, oh yeah)
Fill us
(With the light of day, Lord)
We need you, come right away
We need you, need you today, we need you
I'm here to say fill us, fill us, fill us, fill us
Fill us with the light of day
(Oh, yeah)
Now I don't, I used to
Love him, now I don't, now I don't
As I look at what I've done, the type of life that I've lived
How many things I pray the Father will forgive
One situation involved a young man
He was the ocean and I was the sand
He stole my heart like a thief in the night
Dulled my senses and blurred my sight
And I used to love him but now I don't
I used to love him but now I don't
I chose the road of passion and pain
Sacrificed too much and waited in vain
Gave up my power, ceased being queen
Addicted to love like the drug of, drug of a fiend
See, torn and confused, wasted and used
Reached the crossroad, which path would I choose?
Stuck and frustrated I waited, debated
For somethin' to happen that just wasn't fated
Thought what I wanted was somethin' I needed
When Momma said no, then I just should have heeded
Misled, I bled till the poison was gone
And out of the darkness arrived the sweet dawn
I used to love him, but now I don't
I used to love him, yeah yeah yeah, but now I don't
Father, you saved me and you showed me that life
Was much more than being some foolish man's wife
Showed me that love was respect and devotion
Greater than planets and deeper than any ocean
See, my soul was weary, but now it's replenished
Content because that part of my life is finished
I see him sometimes and the look in his eye
Is one of a man who's lost treasures untold
But my heart is guilty, I took back my soul
And totally let my Creator control
The life which was his
The life which was his, to begin with
Now I don't, I used to
Love him, now I don't
Now I don't, I used to
Love him, now I don't
Now I don't, I used to
Love him, now I don't
Now I don't, I used to
Love him, now I don't, now I don't
I used to love him but now I don't
I used to love him, yeah yeah yeah, but now I don't
I used to love him but now I don't
I gotta find peace of mind
I know another cord...
I gotta find peace of mind
See, this what that voice in your head says
When you try to get peace of mind...
I gotta find peace of mind, I gotta find peace of mind
He says it's impossible, but I know it's possible
He says it's impossible, but I know it's possible
He says there's no me without him, please help me forget about him
He takes all my energy, trapped in my memory
Constantly holding me, constantly holding me
I need to tell you all, all the pain he's caused, mmmm
I need to tell I'm, I'm undone because, mmmm
He says it's impossible, but I know it's possible
He says it's impossible without him, but I know it's possible
To finally be in love, and know the real meaning of
A lasting relationship, not based on ownership
I trust every part of you, cuz all that I... All that you say you do
You love me despite myself, sometimes I fight myself
I just can't believe that you, would have anything to do
With someone so insecure, someone so immature
Oh you inspire me, to be the higher me
You made my desire pure, you made my desire pure
Just tell me what to say, I can't find the words to say
Please don't be mad with me, I have no identity
All that I've known is gone, all I was building on
I don't wanna walk with you, how do I talk to you
Touch my mouth with your hands, touch my mouth with your hands
Oh I wanna understand, the meaning of your embrace
I know now I have to face, the temptations of my past
Please don't let me disgrace, where my devotion lays
Now that I know the truth, now that it's no excuse
Keeping me from your love, what was I thinking of?
Holding me from your love, what was I thinking of?
You are my peace of mind, that old me is left behind
You are my peace of mind, that old me is left behind
He says it's impossible, but I know it's possible
He says it's improbable, but I know it's tangeable
He says it's not grabbable, but I know it's haveable
Cuz anything's possible, oh anything is possible
Please come free my mind, please come meet my mind
Can you see my mind, oh
Won't you come free my mind?
Oh I know it's possible
Anything, anything, anything, anything, anything, yeeey
Anything, anything, anything, anything, yeeey
Anything, anything, anything, anything, anything, yeeey
Oh free! Free, free, free your mind
Free, free your mind... free, free your mind
Free, free, free, free your mind
Oh, it's so possible, oh it's so possible
I'm telling you it's possible, I'm telling you it's possible
Free, free... free, free... free, free... get free now
Free, free... free, free, free, free... free, free
You're my peace of mind, that old me is left behind
You're my peace of mind, you're my peace of mind
He's my peace of mind, he's my peace of mind
He's my peace of mind, he's my peace of mind
What a joy it is to be alive
To get another chance, yeah
Everyday's another chance
To get it right this time
Everyday's another chance
Oh what a merciful, merciful, merciful God
I treat this like my thesis
Well written topic
Broken down into pieces
I introduce then produce
Words so profuse
It's abuse how I juice up this beat
Like I'm deuce
Two people both equal
Like I'm Gemini
Rather simeon
If I Jimmy on this lock I could pop it
You can't stop it
Drop it
Your whole crew's microscopic
Like particles while I make international articles
And on the cover
Don't discuss the baby mother business
I been in this third LP you can't tell me, I witness
First handed I'm candid
You can't stand it
Respect demanded
And get flown around the planet
Rock Hard like granite or steel
People feel Lauryn Hill from New-Ark to Israel
And this is real
So I keep makin' the street's ballads
While you lookin' for dressin' to go with your tossed salad
You could get the money
You could get the power
But keep your eyes on the final hour
Now I be breakin' bread sippin Manichevitz wine
Pay no mind party like it's 1999
But when it comes down to ground beef like Palestine
Say your rhymes, let's see if that get you out your bend
Now I'm a get the mozzarella like a Rockerfeller
Still be in the church of Lalibela
Singing hymns a cappella
Whether posed in Maribella in Couture
Or collectin' residuals from off the Score
I'm makin' sure
I'm with the 144
I've been here before this ain't a battle this is war
Word to Boonie
I makes a lot like a Sunni
Get diplomatic immunity in every ghetto community
Had opportunity went from
Hoodshock to Hood-chic
But it ain't what you cop
It's about what you keep
And even if there are leaks
you can't capsize this ship
Cause I baptize my lips every time I take a sip
You could get the money
You could get the power
But keep your eyes on the final hour
I'm about to change the focus
From the richest to the brokest
I wrote this opus
To reverse the hypnosis
Whoever's closest
To the line's gonna win it
You gonna fall tryin to ball
While my team win the pennant
I'm about to be in it
For a minute
Then run for senate
Make a slum lord be the tenant
Give his money to kids to spend it
And then amend it
Every law that ever prevented
Our survival since our arrival
Documented in the bible
Like Moses and Aaron
Things gon change, it's apparent
And all the transparent gonna
Be seen through
Let God redeem you
Keep your deen true
Watch out what you cling to
You can get the green too
Observe how a queen do
And I remain calm readin' the 73 Psalm
Cause wit all this on I got the world in palm
You could get the money
You could get the power
Everything is everything
What is meant to be, will be
After winter, must come spring
Change, it comes eventually
I wrote these words for everyone
Who struggles in their youth
Who won't accept deception
Instead of what is truth
It seems we lose the game,
Before we even start to play
Who made these rules? We're so confused
Easily led astray
Let me tell ya that
Everything is everything
Everything is everything
After winter, must come spring
Everything is everything
I philosophy
Possibly speak tongues
Beat drum, Abyssinian, street Baptist
Rap this in fine linen
From the beginning
My practice extending across the atlas
I begat this
Flippin' in the ghetto on a dirty mattress
You can't match this rapper / actress
More powerful than two Cleopatras
Bomb graffiti on the tomb of Nefertiti
MCs ain't ready to take it to the Serengeti
My rhymes is heavy like the mind of Sister Betty
L. Boogie spars with stars and constellations
Then came down for a little conversation
Adjacent to the king, fear no human being
Roll with cherubims to Nassau Coliseum
Now hear this mixture
Where hip hop meets scripture
Develop a negative into a positive picture
Now, everything is everything
What is meant to be, will be
After winter, must come spring
Change, it comes eventually
Sometimes it seems
We'll touch that dream
But things come slow or not at all
And the ones on top, won't make it stop
So convinced that they might fall
Let's love ourselves then we can't fail
To make a better situation
Tomorrow, our seeds will grow
All we need is dedication
Let me tell ya that,
Everything is everything
Everything is everything
After winter, must come spring
Everything is everything
Everything is everything
What is meant to be, will be
After winter, must come spring
You're just too good to be true.
Can't take my eyes off of you.
You'd be like heaven to touch.
I wanna hold you so much.
At long last love has arrived.
And I thank God I'm alive.
You're just too good to be true.
Can't take my eyes off of you.
Pardon the way that I stare.
There's nothing else to compare.
The sight of you leaves me weak.
There are no words left to speak.
But if you feel like I feel.
Please let me know that it's real.
You're just too good to be true.
Can't take my eyes off you.
I need you baby,
and if it's quite all right,
I need you baby to warm a lonely night.
I love you baby.
Trust in me when I say:
Oh pretty baby,
don't bring me down I pray.
Oh pretty baby,
now that I found you, stay.
And let me love you,
Oh baby let me love you, oh baby....
You're just too good to be true.
Can't take my eyes off you.
You'd be like heaven to touch.
I wanna hold you so much.
At long last love has arrived.
And I thank God I'm alive.
You're just too good to be true.
Can't take my eyes off you.
I need you baby,
and if it's quite all right,
I need you baby to warm a lonely night.
I love you baby.
Trust in me when I say:
Oh pretty baby, don't bring me down I pray.
Oh pretty baby, now that I found you, stay.
And let me love you,
oh baby let me love you, oh baby....
I need you baby,
and if it's quite all right,
I need you baby to warm a lonely night.
I love you baby.
Trust in me when I say:
Oh pretty baby, don't bring me down I pray.
Oh pretty baby, now that I found you, stay.
And let me love you,
I'll tell you every single, we all have gifts you know, and like special gifts
And there's this voice inside of us that says
"Don't do that", you know, "Why you gonna get up there with that guitar?
You're gonna like like a, a hip hop folk singer
What are you, you know, what are you"
And I really went through, I mean, I'm serious
I mean I can laugh about it now
But it took a long time for me to understand that
You know, what I am is what I am
And I can't be afraid to, you know to expose that to the public
You know, always get in trouble trying to make it
Tryin' to dress it up, you know what I'm sayin'?
Just tired of that, you know, just tired of that
Tired of frontin', tired of that
And until I find a group of people
That are as passionate about it as I am
I'll just roll alone until such time, you know
It's all good, God is faithful, y'all still get to hear it, so, you know?
'Cause see that enemy he would tell me, you know
"You don't have the 20 piece band, you can't do nothin'"
I said, "Yeah, sure, keep talkin"
'Cause somebody's gonna, they gonna see me and they gonna know
"Oh I, there's somethin' that God's been tellin me to do
I can do it, too I can do what I'm supposed to be doin'
I don't need an entourage what do I need a crew for?"
OK. Oh no! not you! What are you doing here?
Oh boy it's gonna be hard now... Can we put him in the back?
Robin, Robin, Robin...
I used to get dressed for you all, I don't do that no more, I'm sorry... it's a new day, I don't have the energy...
Ya'll like my jokes?
OK so, ah... these are brand new songs, that a very few people have heard hmm
very much about... you know, whatever... I been going trough and what I been
learning lot of her, wonderful life lessons, you know, that are easy to combine
but you're very blessed after you realize why you had to go trough what you had
to go trough... is it very important that you really listen to the words, you
know, and if you have a hard time to hear what I'm saying please raise your hand
you know, object... whatever... you guys ready in there? (All set) OK
...and I... you know, It's really interesting because I used to... I used to be a performer, and I really don't consider myself a performer so much anymore, I'm really just... you know I'm sharing... you know... more or less the music that I've been giving, but if I stop, if I start, if I... you know... feel like saying baby, baby, baby for... eighten bars... whatever... you know...
I just I do that...
So You guys are cool? [Yeah!] Ok I'm talking to people in my head too, It's alright though. This is worth my? ape lope?. I'm just gonna finish sucking on my Lazenger.
Ok so this particular song is called Mr. Intentional will see, we tune that nowthis is
What is freedom but a fleeting notion,
is this reality or just emotion,
I would rather be a giver then,
be apart of hurting you again,
I want to be conformed to love, show me what to do again,
show me to win your love,
I want to be conformed to love,
so I can perform love,
My impatience is the part of me,
that I realize you hate you say,
it complicates the very art of you,
show me what ought to do,
I want to be comformed to love,
so I can perform love,
My Beloved is the greatest Love, YES!!,
I think of him all the time,
My beloved is the greatest love,
please make up my mind,
I want to be conformed to love,
so I can make more love,
I want to be pure pure love,
so I can restore love,
so I can make more love,
so I can be sure love,
Help me be secure love,
so I can make more love,
so I can restore love
*Talking* That is the objective, to be conformed to love, to actually be love incarnate,
because that is what I was before, but ya'll got that I think,
to be love incarnate, and to not listen to people who might say there's something wrong with being love, you know. I'll give you an example:
You talked about professionalism,
but what does professionalism have to do with a real exchange,
you are as professional as you have to be right now,
you are as professional as you need to be,
your sincerity has offended me in any way,
it hasn't confused or complicated things,
if anything it's broken down and made the environment more comfortable for everyone else,
What did it do, what was the cost of your lack of professionalsim, your so called lack of professionalism, because I don't call it that.
Can I get some of that tea, some of that tea. I know I sound rhaspy but thats
hey, I used to go on tour ya know, and I'd be a prisoner, I used to be a
prisoner on tour cause I would go on tour and tour your'e supposed to enjoy and
have a good time but I'd be this prisoner in the hotel you know drinkin' tea
and ya know tellin' children ya know mommy has to sleep cause I wanted to
maintain this ya know emmaculate sounding voice, but that's not realistic, ya
know reality is sometimes I stay up late and this is what I sound like when I
wake up the next day, and ya know its a voice ya know and to me the the more I
uh focus less on myself the more I realize I can be used to spread a message,
because when I am I used to be so ya know oh my god if I sound ya know harsh
and rhaspy I can't go out there, that's a lie ya know I just sound like a
singer with a lot of stuff in her throat.
So, I told the people at MTV that they gotta like me better if not then people
are gonna keep on sayin' who's that boy on stage. Who's that little boy. OK,
You all doin' alright? You ok? I'm not screamin at ya, I'm just askin you a question. Y'all givin' me a clap. A yes is fine (laughing) ok? (voice from audience “I love that song”) Thank you. Praise God. I tell you, I know everybody's in the same mess. I'm telling you. We all are. I know that, you know, and I'm just, you know, I'll be the first to tell you, you know, I'm a mess and God is dealing with me everyday. And everyday I'm trying, you know, how I can be less of a mess. Cuz you know, he showed me, Look Lauryn, you know, You're the problem, ok, I'm going to show you how you're causing the problem, and now I want you to be the solution. And that's what all of these songs are about, just, problem, cause and solution. Free your mind. It's like, we all think that the gospel is join and church building, and that's deception, you know. The real gospel is Repent, which means ‘let go of all that crap,' that's killin' ya. Life was supposed to be a pleasurable experience, not this torment, you know. And when I realized that I was tormenting myself, it was about my lust. It wasn't about things that I needed it was just, you know, all these security blankets. I mean, the more I acquired I became more of a prisoner. I mean, you know, forty people on staff, and you can't do nothing, and now creativity is impossible because all you can think about is all these folks that you know, you're supporting and carryin' and you know, it's not good. You know, everybody...a friend of mine says that every tub has to stand on it's own bottom, you know. And in that respect, we all get to do what our passion is. See that's what praisin God is all about, is doing your passion. You know, it's not useless, worthless ritual, you know, monotonous ritual, where we just show up and can't wait to see the game, you know. It's doing your passion and fulfilling your passion. You know. That's how we're thankful. That's how we say we appreciate the opportunity to be alive. And I'm just glad that I, you know, I don't have to slave anymore. You know, cuz I, music was my love, and because of everything I thought had to accompany my music it became my burden. It just got stolen from me. I said, What is this? How did this thing that I love so much so easily and so quickly turn to something I loath and hate? And so now, you know, I understand that it was because I was measuring myself or trying to compare myself to a standard that wasn't reality. It wasn't the standard at all, you know. There's a scripture in the Bible that we, what does it say, it says ‘We compare ourselves amongst ourselves' you know. That's not the standard. You already are the standard. What are you trying to fit into a standard for? We were each created to be individual standards, you know. And we're trying to fit into a standard? It doesn't make any sense, you know. So now I'm just, you know, after all that, I'm just ready to be me. And it's a lot to work through, you know, because all of us have hidden in these little boxes purposely, because of parts of ourselves that we were unhappy about. And it's because we didn't understand, you know, because there's all this social doctrine that says, you know, that the infinite God, with all this expression, who created every single one of us, absolutely different, on purpose, wants everybody to fit into the same suit. But like, you know, that's deception. That's deception.
(Talking to someone offstage) Ok, let me just, I think this is the wrong one (laughing) I don't think this is the right one.
We took...we were in, um, Florida this weekend and we took the kids to Disneyworld, and um, you know we were going, they gave us a tour. They escorted us through the back. And when they escorted us through the back, we got to see how, you know, there all these people workin all hard, and it was like, real dirty back there, and of course, in the front it was all immaculately clean. And I said, I said, you know, People need to see the reality, they need to see, you know, how these people slave to maintain this illusion. And it felt like my life. I said, If people only knew what it was. It's like, you know, a bunch of musicians, listen, bustin' their ‘mm' workin all hard to make it look easy. What's the point? You know, Oh, uh, I just threw this together, uh...(audience laughs). You know, it's like, you know what I'm sayin? I mean, you know. Slaving. Slaving to act like, you know, I wake up like this. And none of us do, you know, none of us do. None of us do. And reality is good cuz that means everybody could just exhale, let your belly out, you know, and chill. You know. But people get mad at me when I say, Look, let's stop frontin'. And I'm saying, you know, that's the blessing. Now we can go around and look at each other and say, Oh, you got one too?! And be free. And we want to defend the curse. I'll tell ya, that was not fun. Did it for a long time. Too long.
(offstage) You didn't find it? It's another white one. But you see...in my purse. Or the, the other bag? Or the green one? Ghetto. You know, it's reality, ok (laughing)?
One time, it came to me, you know, I was just told very concretely. You know, it was like that voice, the right one, said to me, he said, Lauryn, You know the real you is more interesting than the fake somebody else. I just want you to know that. Because we always thought we could get, you know, we could get reality by just putting on the clothes and wearin' the face and you know, lookin hard in the video. But, you know. Reality is.it's like I've always told to my husband, it's like, look, you know, we look at Bob Marley, you know, and we say Ok, let's just grow locks and wear the clothes and have the band and we have no many idea how many years of struggle and pain and suffering that made that content. You see what I'm saying? You can't get it from the outside in. Truth is from the inside out. You know, and the way we've been trying to heal and be healed is with these topical, surface, superficial, temporary solution. And I'm telling you, true healing is from the inside out. You know, we've been told to protect our outer man while our inner man is dying. (offstage) Oh, this is the one.
Boy I'll tell ya, God made him for me. I'm something to put up with. And to endure that is amazing. I'll be the first to tell you, trust me. Y'all could clap cuz that's some real work (more clapping). I was in there in the room, you know, before we came out here, and he said to me, I said, Ro should I change? And he said, Yeah. So I looked at him, I said, Why did you tell me to change I was comfortable, man. But I asked him the question. So I went in the room and I tried on all these clothes and I was like, I feel like an idiot. So I pulled out all these clothes and I'm sayin, ok Ro, you know, Pack the bag neatly, you know, Could you put the clothes back in? And he's like, Alright. So he's trying to do this but then I'm like, No! Now take this out! Now put that back and take that out! Put that back, hold that, take, that, put, The orange shoe! The orange shoe! So I'm like. And then after awhile I just said, Ro baby, could you leave? Please get out the room. And I just put back on the clothes I came in. Ok, I was like...I'm just not there anymore. Nah, I'm telling you. It's like, uh (laughing). Hey you know he's learned. Because before we used to just beef and now he's like, Okay...I'm out. It's real. God gave us a brand new relationship, man, I mean, one in truth, you know. It's like, we date people, like let's say, you know, we're interested in somebody and we put on the perfume and dress up and then we do things that we will never ever ever do again! You understand what I'm sayin? It's like...And that's why so many marriages end up in divorce. It's because people wake up next to a stranger. They say, Who the hell are you? What are you doing in this bed? Where's that man that used to do ‘du, dua, and du.' And I'm sayin let's give them reality from the door because...you're going to attract love, and the one that really loves you. And then you don't have to pretend and falcify, and you know, keep that posture. You know, you know, I can't, I'm just like... I'll never forget when I first met him I said to him, it was like, he saw me eating in front of him, and he told me, he was like, You eat like a man, you must not like me. You know, because, women, usually they keep that posture. And I said, Nah. I said it's not even that, you know. It's but, this is reality. This is, you know, and that's it, man, I mean, I'm just telling you, it's so wonderful to finally find...And trust me, it's a work in progress, it's not something that happens overnight. We all have to be introduced to each other. I'm telling you, I know that I'm up here and you see, Lauryn Hill, you came to see Lauryn Hill. But this is the first time y'all meet me. You see what I'm saying? Don't think you met me before, ok. And as I grow, you're going to meet me a little bit more. You're gonna be exposed to the real me a little bit more. I can tell you I had to reintroduce myself to everybody I know. My mother my father. Listen, y'all never knew me. I want to introduce you to me. I'm just getting to know me. And you know what, anything that's not growin is dead, so we better be changing. You know, people would say to me, they would hold me hostage. And they, seriously, emotionally hostage, and they'd say, Uh, she's changing. The money's changing her. And I'd say Listen, the money's not changing me, God's changing me. I'm changing, because that's a natural part of life. We're all supposed to change. Who wakes up and is the same way tomorrow and the day after that? Nobody is. Let the experience teach you and be real, man. And, um.there's gonna be warfare involved. Because there's some people who prefer deceptions, see. They say, uh, I don't like this new expression, and I say, what, you want two-thirds of me to stay outside? I'm a whole person. You can't say, you know, two-thirds of Lauryn, come in here. Only two-thirds is acceptable. I'm a whole person. You know. And that's everybody. You always talk about spiritual warfare and we did
(feat. Santana & CEE LO)
[Lauryn's rap]
Watch the master plan, the pastures span
Through the streets, move the sheep
Flipped the beat, like the shepherd
It's a new day, my crew stay forever striving
Give thanks cause we alive, and been through the gutter
Now we see the horizon
It's clear to me now
Used to be confused, took a lot of years to see how
Now, we moving planets
Take the average mind and expand it
You take for granted like we're always gonna be disadvantaged
But soon come, it soon come, ya soon done
Ya start run, you stumble, we catch one
In the rhythm, Santana lick the guits with precision
Not accidental, intentional conscious decision
To Zion, we're marching through with African Mayans
Conquering Babylon with the heart of a lion
And the walls of Jericho come a-tumbling down
Tell me, how long has it been
Is everything, everything alright my friend
You see, time is passing, people asking how come none of this ain't lasting
Money will make people deal like they don't even have to feel
But no, it ain't real, it ain't real
Oh, do you like the way that it's going down
Do you like the way that it's going down
Ooh, do you like the way
How long, how long will we wait, to sit down and communicate
See, everything is relative, if you want to get then give
Can't we all just build and live, can't we, can't we?
Do you like the way that it's going down
Do you like the way that it's going down
Do you like the way that it's going down
Can I get some of that tea, some of that tea. I know I sound raspy but that's
Hey, I used to go on tour yaw know, and I'd be a prisoner, I used to be a
Prisoner on tour cause I would go on tour and tour you're supposed to enjoy and
Have a good time but I'd be this prisoner in the hotel you know drinking' tea
And ya know tellin' children ya know mommy has to sleep cause I wanted to
Maintain this ya know immaculate sounding voice, but that's not realistic, ya
Know reality is sometimes I stay up late and this is what I sound like when I
Wake up the next day, and ya know its a voice ya know and to me the the more I
Uh focus less on myself the more I realize I can be used to spread a message
Because when I am I used to be so ya know oh my god if I sound ya know harsh
And raspy I can't go out there, that's a lie ya know I just sound like a
Singer with a lot of stuff in her throat
So, I told the people at MTV that they gotta like me better if not then people
Are gonna keep on sayin' who's that boy on stage. Who's that little boy. OK
The Conquering Lion
The conquering lion shall break every chain
The conquering lion shall break every chain
Give him the victory again and again and again and again
Give him the victory
The conquering lion shall break every chain
The conquering lion shall break every chain
Give him victory again and again and again and again and again and again
Give us some victory ya, oh, ya
The Conquering Lion shall break every chain, every chain, every chain
Conquering Lion shall break every chain
Give us some victory we need some victory, we need some victory
Again and Again and Again and Again, give give give some victory
Oh, Oh, the conquering lion he'll break every chain, everyone of your chains,
everyone of your chains
The conquering lion he's gonna break all of those chains if you just let him
Give Give him the victory again and again and again and again...
Yea Yea Yea
Yea Yea
Yea Yea Yea
Yea Yea
Yea Yea Yea
Yea Yea
Show me why paid alive ain't your average click
Could it be that dude he D-K-N-Y
As I see his majesty's ebony eyes
His clear complexion got me open wide
I'm sayin', "Come on, girl, roll with the ride"
Allow me to introduce to utilize
You need a vibe, I could tell through the eyes
If you decide you wanna roll with the real money
Live, keep it goin', flowin', you know that we go
It's all for the dough and the love for my people
N'I mean, come on we could blow this scene
We the types to make the nigga wanna drop his team
We could force the A/C and let me sack this cream
Cruisin' the Garden State as we conversate
About big time livin' so we both relate
Keepin' it real, honey, if you ain't the one, I can't tell
Sincerely yours, protection, A-N-G-E-L
All my time
It could be spent wit' you
So what you gonna do
Make sure your game is true
See, all my time
It could be spent wit' you
So what you gonna do
Make sure your game is true
Well, could it be the dude he's caught, see as I swear
There's stares, especially smooth as Syndey Portier
Clean cut and dapper, seems he's straight and narrow
Tinglin' the bone marrow, team the almighty apparel
But I ain't that aggressive, instead I act suggestive
Bat my eye lashes right through the sunglasses
Sound perfectly with the classic under my dark glasses
I mouthin' all the words to Blue Magic (You must have put a spell on my
mind)
With all due respect till you 'pproached it
Hand off a the roach clip as I respectfully decline to smoke it
Roll get the ice, his demeanor was nice
He tried to freak it to my mental, word [Hey, yo', it was an accidental]
Yo', his talk was slick, my resume is kinda thick
[So let's blow this scene, girl, and check this flick]
And show me why Paid & Live ain't your average click
[Recognize Paid & Live 'bout to lock this s@#$]
All my time
It could be spent wit' you
So what you gonna do
Make sure your game is true
See, all my time
It could be spent wit' you
So what you gonna do
Make sure your game is true
Yeah, yeah, I know you got a car, but we should keep it in the lot
I got a urge to ride the train and do some walkin' in the rain
It sounds the same, but meditate it for the brain
Plus I like to get to see if you as crazy as you claim
Dope blown, like iceberg, slim and down goin's
Uncut, it's all raw, dog, hit me off
Paid & Live, baby girl, I'm sayin' this connection
Be in through your burrow, territory in section, true
I come correct in all my agenda
Trump jewels, top gear, and Willie Wear linens
No question, I'll show you affection
As I proceed to lead your direction
Well, these procedures that you agree to
I'm gonna need to know a little bit more about yourself and family
Well, who's Paid and who's Live, where you live, what you drive
Never did a homicide let our molecules collide
And time will tell if you can endure with Nell
If you tryin' to knock it down then I'm not the type of girl
My mind's a pearl, and I done been around the world
But if you righteous, I might just let you spend the night and
Tuck me in real tight and watch the fight with Tyson
Kiss me on my cheek, I got the type of s@#$ to make a nigga fight for
weeks
Never mess with geeks
Well, mister Live I've decided that I like you
And if you try to get to know me better I won't fight you
All my time
It could be spent wit' you
So what you gonna do
Make sure your game is true
See, all my time
It could be spent wit' you
So what you gonna do
Make sure your game is true
See, all my time
It could be spent wit' you
So what you gonna do
Make sure your game is true
See, all my time
It could be spent wit' you
So what you gonna do
Make sure your game is true
See all my time
What
Naw, ain't nobody about wastin' my time
It's like
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Show me why Paid & Live ain't your average click
See, all my time
It could be spent wit' you
So what you gonna do
Make sure your game is true
See, all my time
It could be spent wit' you
So what you gonna do
Make sure your game is true
See, all my time
It could be spent wit' you
So what you gonna do
Make sure your game is true
See, all my time
It could be spent wit' you
So what you gonna do
Hola! Soy Celia Cruz
Y estoy aqui con Wyclef, celebrando el Carnival
Azucar!
(singing) Guantanamera
(Wyclef) We out here in Miami just shining
(singing) Guajila, Guantanamera
(Wyclef) Worldwide
(singing) Guan-tana-mera
(Wyclef) Bout to bring it to you in stereo
(singing) Guajila, Guantanamera
Yo soy un hombre sincero
(Wyclef) That was then, this is now
Welcome to the Carnival, the arrival... c'mon!
(Wyclef Jean)
Spanish Harlem! Oahh-eee-ohh!
Boogie Down Bronx! Oahh-eee-ohh!
Manhattan! Oahh-eee-ohh!
Back to Staten! Oahh-eee-ohh!
(Wyclef sings, then raps)
Guantanamera
Hey yo I'm standing at the bar with a, Cuban cigar
Guajila, Guantanamera
Hey, yo, I think she's eyeing me from afar
Guan-tana-mera...
Guajila Guan-tana-mera...
Verse One: Wyclef Jean
Yo, I wrote this in Haiti, overlooking Cuba
I asked her what's her name, she said, 'Guantanamera'
Remind me of an old latin song, my uncle used to play
On his old forty-five when he used to be alive
She went from a young girl, to a grown woman
Like a Virgin, so she sex with no average mahn
Peep the figure, move like a caterpillar
Fly like a butterfly, let your soul feel her glide
Pac Woman better yet Space Invader
If your name was Chun-Li, we'd be playin Street Fighter
Penny for your thoughts, a nickel for your kiss
A dime if you tell me that you love me
Chorus:
Guantanamera
Hey yo, I'm standin at the bar with a, Cuban cigar
Guajila, Guantanamera
Yo, I think she's eyeing me from afar
Guan-tana-mera...
Guajila Guan-tana-mera...
(singing in Spanish, with Wyclef responses)
Soy una mujer, sincera
Do you speak English?
De donde crecen las palmas
Can I buy you a drink?
(man joins in) Soy una mujer, sincera
Uh-huh uh-huh uh-huh
De donde crecen las palmas
You killin me
Y antes de morir, yo quiero
Cantar mis versos del alma
Te quiero mama, te quiero!
Guantanamera
Aiyyo I'm standing at the bar with a, Cuban cigar
Guajila, Guantanamera
Hey yo John Forte, she's eyeing me from far
Guan-tana-mera...
Guajila Guan-tana-mera
Verse Two: Lauryn Hill
Yo, she was a rose in Spanish Harlem, mamasita beg your pardon
Make stakes at a faster rate then she fornicates
Pure traits of genius, Goddess of Black Venus
Crab niggaz angry cause they can't get between us
to no sele-xion, smooth complex-ion
The lexicon of Lexington, parents came from Cuba
Part Mexican, pure sweet, dimes fell to her feet
She like Movado, and shook her hips like Delgado
And broke niggaz down from the Grounds to Apollo
and then some, she took her act sent it to? demp sum?
And waited patiently while the businessmen come
Call late on purpose, got even politicians nervous
And made plans to infiltrate the street secret service
This gentle flower, fertility was her power
Sweet persona, Venus Flytrap primadonna
Que sera que sera she turned dinero to dinera
(Wyclef responds to singing again)
Guantanamera
Hey yo I'm standing at the bar with a, Cuban cigar
Guajila Guantanamera
Hey yo... I think she's eyein me from afar
Guan-tana-mera...
OK. Oh no! not you! What are you doing here?
Oh boy it's gonna be hard now... Can we put him in the back?
Robin, Robin, Robin...
I used to get dressed for you all, I don't do that no more, I'm sorry... it's a new day, I don't have the energy...
Ya'll like my jokes?
OK so, ah... these are brand new songs, that a very few people have heard hmm
very much about... you know, whatever... I been going trough and what I been
learning lot of her, wonderful life lessons, you know, that are easy to combine
but you're very blessed after you realize why you had to go trough what you had
to go trough... is it very important that you really listen to the words, you
know, and if you have a hard time to hear what I'm saying please raise your hand
you know, object... whatever... you guys ready in there? (All set) OK
...and I... you know, It's really interesting because I used to... I used to be a performer, and I really don't consider myself a performer so much anymore, I'm really just... you know I'm sharing... you know... more or less the music that I've been giving, but if I stop, if I start, if I... you know... feel like saying ''baby, baby, baby'' for... eighten bars... whatever... you know...
I just I do that...
So You guys are cool? [Yeah!] Ok I'm talking to people in my head too, It's alright though. This is worth my? ape lope?. I'm just gonna finish sucking on my Lazenger.
Ok so this particular song is called Mr. Intentional will see, we tune that now this is
Say what you say or just sail away
She can't stand me but I miss her face
I feel like drownin' but the tides too low
And now I'm waiting for the undertow
So I stand tall
It gets a little better
I see the water we can break down together
Stand strong it gets a little better now
(we can break it down, yes we can make it)
Stand tall
It gets a little better
I see the water we can break down together
Stand strong it gets a little better now
(we can break it down, yes we can break it)
(we can break it down, yes we can break it)
Well I can only take so much
The pressure may come to pressure us
They came to watch us fall
Oh yes, they came to watch us fall
But we will rise up against them all
So I stand tall
It gets a little better
I see the water we can break down together
Stand strong it gets a little better now
(we can break it down, yes we can make it)
Stand tall
It gets a little better
I see the water we can break down together
Stand strong it gets a little better now
(we can break it down, yes we can break it)
(we can break it down, yes we can break it)
The part of me that fights you like
Gonna sing my song gonna sing it proud
No ones gonna bring me down
Gonna stand up strong gonna hold my ground
Tell me what are we fighting for
Just to do what we done before
Tell me what are we fighting for (fighting for)
(x2)
Stand tall
It gets a little better
I see the water we can break down together
Stand strong it gets a little better now
(we can break it down, yes we can break it)
Stand tall
It gets a little better
I see the water we can break down together
Stand strong it gets a little better now
(we can break it down, yes we can break it)
(we can break it down, yes we can break it)
Yo... (Can I see you?)
Lauryn Hill on the track... (In the morning)
New art got my back...
DJ Skribble just relax, haha!
I'm a get you the joint! haha! (Can I see you?)
Yeah... morning (In the morning!)
Uh Huh, Uh Huh, Uh Huh, Uh Huh, Uh Huh, Uh Huh!
As I span the cosmos
Mahogany travel at the speed of sound
Span the mainstream but still esteemed underground
My parameters, and wrap up contaminants
Travel twice Earth's diameter, intimidating amateurs
At the Apollo, I played the shepherd sheep followed
Chicks try to model after me like I'm Tyra Banks
Wanna thank me because my statements are prodigious
Styles so prestigious, make a sinner act religious
Street academics, seen alot of girls mimic
But when it's all over you can tell who's the gimmick
L slang-bangs like a dub plate
Jericho Sound System, mash up your club dates
Sweeter than a cherry on a fruit cocktail
Whenever, Wherever, Whatever
Like Maxwell
My pentium, makes more chips than Intel
I didn't mean to turn you on like Sherell
Kids move they body like they're tripping off of acid
Not even fantasy can surpass it
Once you blast it one starts to feel kinky
I think thee, goes by the name of Young Slinky
And just when you thought it was safe to relax
L-Boogie spits with perfect syntax!
Then, DJ Skribble make you dribble on the wax
DJ Skribble make you dribble on the wax!
Can I hear you in the morning (Can I see you?)
like I hear you late at night?
Chance to hear you (In the morning)
Amp the party
DJ Skribble keep it tight
(Can I see you?)
Just a short time in the morning
Like I hear you late at night (In the morning)
Chance to hear you
Amp the party
DJ Skribble keep it tight!
Can I hear you in the morning (Can I see you?)
Like I hear you late at night (In the morning!)
Chance to hear you
Amp the party
DJ Skribble, KEEP IT TIGHT!
Forte' 3x
Of the world
Spun by evil men with lies
Only programmed to agree
With what we see before our eyes
Running after status quo
On a television show
Just a picture perfect life
Its the only life we know
And this uncomfortable reality
Got me chasing, chasing fallacy
And the pace the pace is killing me
But I so willingly practiced it
Just like its my friend
When the whole world is a hustle
Exactly where did we arrive
In this manufactured life
to Sell my soul just to survive (yes)
In the game of numbers
I must thank the Gods of Industry
oh for the opportunity
or I display such loyalty
oh for the way that they exploit me (yes)
Oh to consider life outside of this
Just like a splinter in
My mind persists
But the ministry of fear exists
Only to keep me from knowing the truth
Stealing my youth (oooh)
When the whole world is a hustle
Escape familiarity
Means that I must face the fear in me
And do something with this greed in me
In order to address this need in me
Oh but I must confess
The pride I keep
Protecting as if its my friend
Oh, when will it end?
When the whole world is a hustle
To consider life
Outside of this
Just like a splinter in
My mind persists.
But the ministry of fear exists
Only to keep me from knowing the truth.
And its my excuse
When the whole world is a hustle
When it is, when it is.
(Instrumental)
Oh to escape this mere analogy
Means I must face the fear in me
And do something with this greed in me
In order to address this need in me
Oh but I must confess
The pride I keep
Protecting as if its my friend
Until the bitter end
When the whole of the world is a hustle
Everybodys got it going on (yeah right, yeah right)
Everybodys so damn strong (yeah right, yeah right)
When the whole of the world is a hustle
A hustle (x5)
I must exercise my faith
The sweetest thing, I've ever known
Was like the kiss on the collarbone
Soft caress of happiness
The way you walk, your style of dress
I wish I didn't get so weak
Ooh baby, just to hear you speak
Makes me argue just to see
How much you're in love with me
See, like a queen, a queen upon her throne
It was the sweet, sweet, sweetest thing I know
It was the sweet, sweet, sweetest thing I know
I get mad when you walk away
(Don't walk away)
So I tell you leave, when I mean stay
Warm as the sun dipped in black
Fingertips on the small of my back
More valuable than all I own
Like your precious, precious
Precious, precious dark skin tone
It was the sweet, sweet, sweetest thing I know
It was the sweet, sweet, sweetest thing I know
It was the, ah, I tried to explain
Ah, but baby, it's in vain
Speaking on my mother's phone
The touch that makes me think I'm grown
(You ain't grown)
Sweet prince of the ghetto, your kisses taste like amaretto
Intoxicating, oh, so intoxicating
How sad, how sad that all things come to an end
But then again, I'm, I'm not alone
It was the sweet, sweet, sweetest thing I know
It was the sweet, sweet, sweetest thing I know
Ah, sometimes watch you in your sleep
Ah, excuse me if I get to deep
(Ha)
It was the sweet, sweet, sweetest thing I know
It was the sweet, sweet, sweetest thing I know
It was the sweet, sweet, sweetest thing I know
It was the sweet, sweet, sweetest thing I know
It was the sweet, sweet, sweetest thing I know
It was the sweet, sweet, sweetest thing I know
I used to do it for the love a long time ago
And all I ever wanted was love
I used to love without fear a long time ago
And all I ever wanted was love
Then somebody came around and tried to hurt me
Tried to make me feel like I was unworthy
Took a pure love and tried to make it dirty
Truth was they never did deserve me
Chorus:
I had to lose myself so I could love you better
I had to lose myself, had to lose myself so I could
love you better
Had to lose myself, had to lose myself
So I could love you better
Had to lose myself in love
And that's just the way it is
Couldn't tell me I was love when I needed it
When, all I ever wanted was love.
Should a told me just me because!
I'm worth receiving it
But all I ever wanted was love
There's is something awkward about the selflessness it
takes to
Give love and the good that it makes you!
True love can never really forsake you
But it took a little while just for me to see!
Chorus:
I had to lose myself so I could love you better
I had to lose myself, had to lose myself so I could
love you better
Had to lose myself, had to lose myself
So I could love you better
Had to lose myself in love
And that's just the way it is
I had a paralyzing fear of facing failure
And I couldn't love you perfectly with fear in my head
So I peerlessly had to face the danger
So I could come back and love you whole instead
All of your soul I said!
So I could make it better
Chorus:
I had to lose myself so I could love you better
I had to lose myself, had to lose myself so I could
love you better
Had to lose myself, had to lose myself
So I could love you better
Had to lose myself in love
And that's just the way it is
B-Sec:
And so it goes that I never meant to hurt you
Couldn't stay but I never meant to desert you
Whole lot a things I just had to work thru
Time to heal and restore myself worth too
Confrontation of my fears and anxiety
Cried a whole lot years I suffered quietly
And though it may have taken years I can finally!
Tell you that you were always on my mind!
Chorus:
I had to lose myself so I could make it better
I had to lose myself, had to lose myself so I could
make it better
Had to lose myself, had to lose myself
So I could make it better
Had to lose myself in love
And that was just the way!
Bridge:
Takes strength to absorb all the abuse I did
Great love to absorb all the misuse I did
Hey baby it's not an excuse I give.
And I'd do it all again because for you I live
Takes strength to absorb all the abuse I did
Great love to absorb all the abuse I did
Hey baby it's not an excuse I give.
And I'd do it all again because for you I live
Chorus:
I had to lose myself so I could make it better
I had to lose myself, had to lose myself so I could
make it better
Had to lose myself, had to lose myself
So I could make it better
Had to lose myself in love
And that was just the way!
