I need a reason to get up /before I wash my face
The junkies, the Hookers, the dealers the place
kickin' off my covers / trippin' off the fact
that I haven't called my gramma in a long, long time
standin in the shower/ for almost half an hour
Tryin' to wake up/ and I'm lookin for the power
reachin' for the towel/ with soap in my eyes
dryin' off my shoulders,/ my chest, and my thighs
The next thing I know/ the telephone rings
I hear my own voice /on the answering machine
please leave a message/ I'm glad ya called
I listen for a voice /but there's nothin' at all
Man oh Man
I gotta kick the blues
and pay respect where respect is due
all praises to GOD the one I return to
the one I can turn to
when I'm feelin burned to the bone
(chorus)
Early in the morn/ before I wash my face
The bed is still warm but there's an empty space
Easrly in the morn/ before I wash my face
a hundred thousand miles is a lonely place
At six in the morning /she rolled outa bed
stared out the window/ and then she said
that I wasn't her type...
I think she's runnin outa types though...and I told her so.
She picked up her things and walked through the door
and then said that she couldn't see me no more
just as she was leaving /I asked her if she'd call
she didn't look back / said nuttin at all
I didn't change my clothes/ because they smell like you
and when I took a shower it reminded me of you
I called Gramma Brown/for advice
it happened to me once/it happened to me twice
Michael/ my son/ you sound really bugged
I wish that you were here /so I could to you give
a hug then she gave me/ a long, long talk
she said "you have the patience /of ice on a sidewalk"
when things get rough/ don't sweat it
sometimes in life you just have to let it
and sing out a song / so strong
that even a bad dream couldn't bring harm
to the mind of a young childs battles
formed from the candle light shadows
her voice is like a whispering kiss on the forehead
(chorus)
Early in the morn/ before I wash my face
The bedisstill warmbut there's an empty space
Early in the mornin/beforeIwashmy face
a hundred thousand miles is a lonely place
In the last thirty minutes/before I fall asleep
when I have said my prayers /and I have brushed my teeth
This is the time /when I am forced to think about
all of the things/ I been tryin to forget about
The Bills, the phone, cleanin up my room
the cars, the traffic, the speakers and the boom
alone I remember /the times with me and you
and I realize my heart is shakin' up the room
Gramma she would tell us /about the glory days
and gramma she would tell us/ about when we were slaves
in the livin' room/ pianos outa tune
on top of it the pictures /of every bride and groom
child/ grand child /lost child
every single tear shed / every single smile
'cause everybodies got/ alota shit to deal with
and life doesn't stop/ it just makes ya feel it
so shake the dust/ offa your feet
take a step forward/ liberate with the beat
so for you/ I wrote this song
I wanted you to hear it/ before you are gone.
the African in me/ the Seminole in me
These are some a things my grandmother gave
to me some believe there are and some believe there
ain't if ever there was one my gramma Brown she is a saint
(chorus)
Early in the morn/ before I wash my face
The bed isstill warmbut there'san empty space
Earlyin themornin/ before I wash my face
a hundred thousand miles is a lonely place
Memories come down and me once again
caught without an umbrella
memories come down and me once again
caught without an umbrella
Well it was not -that he was particularly
suicidal he just didn't care wether he lived or died though
it was just a matter of time
you got yours and I got mine
when he turned sixteen
they said he could drive
when he turned eighteen they said he could die
when he turned twenty one he could buy rum
but no one ever taught him
how things were done
then an angel appeared inside his head
she said boy do you think
you're realty better off dead
he don't know he just shook his heed
(chorus)
'Cause he thought the day that he died
would be a normal day for the people on the other side
He thought that the day that he died
would be a normal day for the people on the other side
but memories come down and me once again
caught without an umbrella
But time was a matter of velocity
in this age of information and technology
he would cry in the shower
put his face in a towel hot from the dryer
then he sat down and wrote a note to his mom
when all is said and done
can I still be your son
because manhood is so elusive
and respect is so exclusive
and I got a daddy to prove it
I think I'll never get to shake it and move
then he tied a rope around his neck
looked in the mirror and said what the heck
I'm gonna bring the whole roof down with me
and then he jumped
(chorus)
"Come in Vernon'
But halt way down
he heard what the angel said
and he realized -he really didn't want to be dead
he landed with a thump- his head was reeling
layin in a lump- looked up at the ceiling
and saw that the rope... had broke
well he failed at the only thing
that he thought he couldn't fail at
that was takin' his own life
and he said" I kinda like livin'
he could feel his heart makin a boom
sounded like music in the next room
music in the next room
he said "it's time for a celebration"
felt his hands looked at his face
lifted the rope off his throat, "I ain't such a disgrace."
he said manhood is so elusive and respect is so exclusive
and I gotta daddy to prove, that some people never get to
shake it and move.
(chorus)
And He knew that the day that he tried
was not a normal day for the people
And memories come down and me once again
am caught without an umbrella
(Chorus)
Rock rock y'all Spearheads comes alive
on the eve of two triple O
eleven forty five
no jive we be survivin'
singin' praises to jah
every time we throw down and every time we puff La
Haaaaa!!!, well you can roll my way
on the chocolate supa highway!!!
Late last year
some of ya mighta had fear, that the Spearhead crew
would never be back through your way, no way
we naw go out like that, because we livin' for the riddim
and the funk is always fat so
we bring phat beats like a gift for Christmas
I'II make you testify just like an O.J. Simpson witness
our sound is so alarming like killer bees people all be swarn
so like the price is right come on down, make a little wish
but excuse me while I light my spliff and make some noise
if you think the herbs a gift. Hoooo!!
(Chorus)
check it I'm descending back into this record
the heavy breathing funky rhyme paramedic
shootin' funky venom from my sharp teeth injectors
not vex ya but yes to resurrect ya
'cause I can't stand the pain outside my window
why ya think so many smokin' indo blunts
sippin' gin and juice for confidence
blowin' more la than Jackie Chan be doin' stunts
the Buddha elevates the stress off rhe chest
but could never elevate boot off the ghetto necks
flex like flash when they try to pull me under
but like the lightnin' I'II be there before the thunder
(Chorus)
Yes I remember the time in Oklahoma
you tried to blame an Arab
but the whitey was the bomber
you be jumpin' to conclusions
I chink you spent your whole life
watchin' cable in seclusion
illusions 'bout what's outside your door
one nigga two nigga three nigga four
robbing every house and every liquor store
run for your life we marchin' one million more
Plowing the fields like some natty dread farmers
you can roll your own in September from our harvest
big up yourself.. when life comes gets the hardest
Spearheads comin' straight from the cartridge
(Chorus)
::Crime To Be Broke In America
I take the needle off the record
and shove it in my arm
whenever I feel life is
comin' on too strong
they left me in a clinic fulla
cynical motha fuckin' bureaucrats
and other kinda ding bats
Livin on the tracks
the tracks in my arm said
it all depends which side the tracks your on.
tellin' me what to wear
tellin me cut my hair
and tryin to convince me that they
really really care
all about my health and about my wealth
but still they built the Stealth
'cause everybody's
just lookin out for they self
So then I ask 'em
can I have a clean needle
"Hell no that's illegal!"
(chorus)
'Cause it's a crime to be broke in America!
and it's a crime to smoke dank in America!
(repeat)
"Yeah hit those drums now"
they lockin' brother's in the poorhouse
who can't afford Moorhouse
politicians nervous
it's the only free service they provide
you wanna go inside
there's a hot meal waitin' for ya
a deal we can score ya
on a bed for a night or two
or three or four months.
They say they lockin' us up in cells
to protect us from ourselves
it smells like they got anotha
plan in store house
or should I say warehouse
fulla niggas and other misfits
that couldn't turn tricks in the courthouse
it's a justice whorehouse
(chorus)
It's a crime to be broke in America!
and it's a crime to be Black in America!
But there's a mutiny on the bounty
in ever single county
we remember Attica
but don't forget to pat a few
other on the back as a matter of fact
sister Asatta Shakur and Geronimo Pratt
'cause Amnesty international
is fightin' for political
but if your analytical
you know it's much more critical than that
percentages black is really, really whack
can I kick a few facts yes?
Sx percent in college
from livin on the block
twenty five percent in prison
the school of hard knocks
fifty percent in poverty
is livin on the rocks
five hundred brothas on a death row box
The punishment is capital
for those who lack in capital
because a public defender
can't remember the last time
that a brother wasn't treated like an animal.
They say they blame it on a song
when someone kills a cop
what music did they listen to
when they bombed Iraq?
give me one example so I can take a sample
no need to play it backwards
if you wanna hear the devil
cause music's not the problem
it didn't cause the bombin'
but maybe they should listen
to the songs of people starving..
(chorus)
'Cause it's a Crime to be broke in America!
it's a crime to smoke dank in America!
it's a crime to be black in America!
it's a crime to be black in America!
it's a crime to be Puerto Rican
African
Native American
Asian Hatian
a Woman
So many times, people turn they backs to you
'cause they don't wanna see, what's inside you
'cause lookin' inside of you
they might realize there's something inside of them
they might not wanna find
But it ain't about who ya love (who ya love)
see it's all about do ya love (do ya love)
(chorus)
Well well well well
sunshine, and loveliness
ain't nobody feeling no ugliness tonight
ain't it fine like sippin' sweet Georgie wine
see I'm just chillin' with these friends of mine
I ain't tryin' a bother you
so why ya gotta bother me
what goes on in your bedroom ain't no mess to me
you say your God don't like my God
'cause you don't like my friends
but your friends tryin' to kill a man
and I don't understand
'cause it ain't about who ya love (who ya love)
see it's all about do ya love (do ya love)
(churus)
Ooh one two three
say yeah say yeah feels so good to me
ohh! and ya one two three, say yeah, say yeah
feels so good !!!
I say do it at home or on the street
with a drag queen don't matter to me
it ain't about sex or having degrees
your pedigree don't matter to me
about who ya love (who ya love)
see it's all about do ya love (do ya love)
(chorus)
Red Black Green, Red Gold Green
Dat's how we know we a fe we dream team
(repeat)
The other day
A friend gave me a call
He said that the dream team was playin basketball
Was so excited / That I hadda get a Witness
The first time the NBA was in the 'lympics
players from the east/ players from the west
And you can bet that they took the very best
("Except they left Tim Hardaway at home"
"Yeah that was hella fucked up!")
But Anyway
I tuned in because I was hella psyched
To see Magic Johnson on the same team as Mike
Gettin crazy / Havin lots of fun
makin sure that they got the job done
Fans were wavin the red white end blue
It seemed strange to me / was it strange to you?
Brotha's on the street / And everyone is scared a ya
So how could ten Africans represent America?
Bullshit / It didn't mean a thing
'Cause in the same year / we saw Rodney King
So I thought / That I would put a team together
A team that I have been waitin for forever
Some a you / May know what I mean
But if you don't then / Lemme introduce you to...
MY DREAM TEAM!
"SPEARHEAD IN THE AREA!"
(chorus)
THIS IS MY DREAM TEAM, MY DREAM TEAM
MY DREAM TEAM, MY DREAM TEAM
Well Chuck D's announcin'/ Flava's doin' color
halftime enterntainment by Dre and Ed Lover
Malcolm X is the coach he's drawin' up the strategy
he's choppin up America's anatomy
'cause they're the ones/ we're up against of course
are general manager is Chief Crazy Horse
Huey Newton/ 'cause he was extra hard
he's the one/ who would be playin at the shootin' guard
I dreamed Charles Barkley would be
played by Marcus Garvey
he'd be throwin people off his back and makin
sure they never got a rebound rebound / and
he'd throw it to the outlet
Nat Turner/ 'cause he can turn the corner when
he's out there
he be flyin through the air/ throwin passes like
he really doesn't care/behind the back /and in
between the legs
he's handlin the rock /as gently as an egg
he's throwin it in/ to Angela Davis's neighborhood
she's postin up down in the extra hard wood
she grabs the pill/ and then she puts her shoulder down
get out the way/ 'cause she's gonna throw down now
boom /oh my god! I just can't believe it
get anotha backboard or bettah yet leave it.
we always play for fun /but we always play for keeps
the game is over and the loser's gotta sweep.
up the glass/ that we busted in the ass
Set the record straight /about America's past
THIS IS MY DREAM TEAM
"SPEARHEAD IN THE AREA!"
(chorus)
DREAM TEAM'S IN THE HOUSE
DREAM TEAM'S IN THE HOUSE
Well after doin that /we be headin for the ceremony
hand on the heart /is a bunch of baloney
the spirit of/ the '68 olympics
Black power people/ can I get a witness
fist in the air/ this is proper manners
while Jimi Hendrix/ is fuckin' up the spangled banner
up into the sky/ Miles Davis blows a horn
Look into the bleachers/ It's Bill Clinton sellin popcorn
so now we jump! and we have a celebration!
Shaquille 0'neal would provide the entertainment
to some of you this is a far fetched scheme
but to me... I'll tell you what it is...
This is my Dream Team...
"spearhead in the area"
(chorus)
Yeah Sista Rosa Perks she gets the first seat
on the bench!
and Dr. King, webring him in in a pinch.
Because I like to shoot hoops not brothas!
Beceuse I like to shoot hoops not brothas!
Because I like to shoot hoops not brothas!
Because I like to shoot hoops not brothas!
I love family
'cause family brings inspirations
one love to you and peace to all the nations
Aztlan the Puerto Rican and Jamaican
African the Maori, Kouri and the Haitian
on the chocolate reservation
I'll take a hit and then pass the information
to the left hand side and
keep providin', pride and,
sustenance and guidance
Mass Hysteria fools breaking down the barrier
militant cliques big up the area
put your fist in the air now,
show me that cha care now
and that cha really know how
Don't get thee behind me Satan
I'll keep thee in front so I can kick thee in the ass and
assassinate all your wicked inventions
your new world order and your global intentions
not to mention the department of corrections
makin' money off of people in detention
doin' time for possessions
countin' the days in the dark they buildin' up aggressions
progressions all the dirty lessons
in the belly of the beast only God hears confessions
Geronimo Pratt's still sittin' in the cellar
done as many years as they did Mandela
Parole board warned to know are you remorseful
how could I be because I didn't do the crime yo
y'alls the Motha fucka's that's guilty
lockin' me in solitary eight year's of filthy
kill the messenger, you can't kill the message
yo I'm bringin' food for the masses
(Chorus)
For the Masses for the masses
mental food food far the masses
for the masses for the masses for the true for the true
So let's eat have a seat
call the Maitre D'
commencin' with the riddim
I get open on the beat
let em say what they say about the way that we be
it's the year two triple O
They can't stop we
Aw'ight, Sellassie I the book unfolds
I write 'cause half the story has never been told so
No one can stop it the whole world's droppin' out the socket
Blowin' u,. like NASA when I rock it
The high tech ways of the civilized man
can't stand my people but ya love a sun tan
Fly the space shuttle like dancer and prancer
you nuke the North pole now you got skin cancer
the answer you see I'm fly like Lufthansa
you can Valujet but you takin' big chances
on crashes. Change your name like Cassius
the classes be making food for the masses
then shift to a speed that's common for the listeners
MC's and wanna be street politicians
in competition with the envious visions
they chasin' paper dollars to a pop chart prison
but listen this isn't me against you
'cause the whole world's checking out the things that we do
ya sold your soul to the Saint Ide's brew
that's aw'ight I like the Sprite in you.
(Chorus)
::Gas Gauge (Tha World's In Your Hands
At days arrival
one man at the table
eatin' corn flakes
checkin out the paper
his brother walks in from a hard nights caper
half hungover and looking for his pager
what's in the news today did we find a saviour
Nah I'm just looking for some part time labor
by the way did you remember put the gas in my ride
or must I remind ya how I lost my last job
chill with all that chatter
ya know ya need to stall
trust me baby bro that's what big brotha's for
uh uh, I got interviews today
so don't even front about my broken gas gauge
by the way things are looking it's a very good day
If I could ever find my wallet I'll be on my way
bigger brotha steps to his girlfriend's place
just then the phone rings and it was moms to say
remind ya big brotha it's your cousin's birthday
and I'ma need a half dozen eggs for the cake
No problem moms I'll tell him later in the day
but now I can't find my wallet gotta go I'm late
(Chorus)
The world's in your hands
don't waste... don't waste your time
Back to the saga
the car wouldn't start up JJJJhhhh..JJJJhhhh there he goes
now he's rolling like a baller
out of the city and into the woods
for a job with a hammer where the pay is good
reaches in the back seat for his favorite tape
uuuh a condom from his brotha's last date
damn my lazy no good brotha
and just as he says it, the car starts to sputter
and sputter, until it outright stops
the gas tank empty, not even a drop
I'm gonna choke that nigga when I reach my spot
three miles from no place and now I gotta walk
to the top of the hill and down again
'round the bend page my broth from the old fruit stand
the phone ring rings yo it's me your big brotha
I told ya not to sweat me when I'm laying with my lover
What! You punk ass broke muthafukka
I told ya cut the crap when it came to my endeavors
chill baby bro and don't even start it there's a gallon in
the trunk and if ya need more fart it
some of my shit along with ya lost wallet
is in the glove box kid, the mystery solv-en
take what's yours and leave mine where ya saw it
my baby's calling gotta go stay solid
(Chorus)
so he hung up the phone in a rush to leave
I forgot to tell my brotha 'bout the cake recipe
star 69 so he pushed it in
but by now the bigger brotha was pursuing some skins
the phone ring rings - don't answer it
it's my little brotha calling fuckin' with me again
So he beeped him back a one two more times
but he was already naked with his Valentine
Damn - I Gotta - get back to the ride What the hell's
going on with this day of mine,
once again up the hill down the other side
what the fucks a cop doin' snooping by my ride
. yo officer - check it - out everything is fine
I just ran outta gas and now I'm running outta time
slow down boy this ain't no race
I can tell you kinda people ain't from this place
tell ya what turn around put ya hands on the hood
and ya best act good just like a good boy should
listen up holdup - I'm speaking the truth
See I'm just trying to get to this here job interview
shut them lips boy don't let 'em get no bigger
or I'm gonna have to say I was attacked by a nigger
now if you wanna make it through the morning with me
I suggest you wise up and show me valid I.D.
chill man - awright - problem - we solve it
my brotha put my wallet in the glove box compartment
aw'ight you can get it but ya don't move quick
just remember I'm behind ya with a full up clip
he opens up the box and to their surprise
out pops a wallet and the bigger brothers nine
the cop shouts "Freeze"
raise ya hand kid he reaches for his wallet
and the cop goes blam
damn - pulp fiction in the car
another dead homey tryin' a find a job
MMM MMm MMm
back at the crib bigger brotha laying up and girlfriend says
maybe you should give ya little brother a call
and don't forget it's ya cousin's birthday after all
I will in a minute please let me be
I think he left me a message on the message machine
big brotha - I'm gonna be home late
and I'm afraid that my day has been great
can I remind you if it's not too late
to get a half dozen eggs for the birthday cake
(Money Money Money Money Nothin But Money)
I work 9 to 5 but it starts in the P.M.
and I love the sunrise so I step out in the A.M.
the street is black and shiny from the early
nightly rainin'
the glory of the light it brings evaporation
morning's fresh oxygen cleanest
I take a deep hit help my mind stay the greenest
I'm already wake so I'm not drinkin' coffee
don't wanna cigarrette, 'cause it's a form of slavery
walk into the store 'cause I need a few items
the sun heats the blood like a hit of vitamins
needa buy some food and some 'poo for my dreads
can't remember why but I need a spool of thread
Man with dirty dreads, steps around the comer
he asks me for a dime, a nickel or a quarter
I don't have any change so I'm steppin' along
and as I'm walkin' past he sings to me a song...
(chorus)
There's a whole in the bucket dear liza, dear
liza...(repeat)
The day is pickin' up cause I'm hummin' his song
the buses and the people all keep movin' along
to the shopkeeper I say "was'sup?"
and I'm thinkin' about the man who's holdin' up the cup
I pay for all the stuff and get a pocketful of change
should I give it to the man's the question in my brain
What's gonna happen if I give the man a dime?
I don't wanna pay for anotha brotha's wine
What's gonna happen if I give the man a quarter?
will he find a dealer and try to place an order?
what's gonna happen if I give the man a nickel
will he buy some food or some pork that's been pickled?
I'm not responsible for the man's depression
how can I find compassion in the midst of recession?
How come all these questions keep fuckin' with my head
and I still can't rememba why I need a spool of thread.
(chorus)
He's starin' in my eyes just as I'm walkin' past
I'm tryin to avoid him cause I know he's gonna ask
me about the coinage that is in my pocket
But I don't know if I should put it in his bucket
walk right past him to think about it more
back at the crib I'm openin' up the door
a pocketful of change it don't mean alot to me
my cup is half full but his is empty
I put back on my cap and I start headin' back
I reach into my pocket and I have a heart attack
well as I'm diggin' deep I scream "oh no!"
there's nothin' in the pocket but a great big hole
While I was busy thinkin' if he would buy smack
the jingle in my pocket it slipped through the cracks
no one has the change and it's fuckin' up my head
But now I no the reason why I had to buy the thread!
(chorus)
If you are hungry I will
bake some bread for you
If you are worried I will
hold your head for you
If you can't sleep at night I will
screen your dreams for you
And if you feel uptight I will
make everything alright for you
If the key don't work/knock on the door
If the key don't work/knock on the door
no matter how far away you seem I am always
here at home
(Chorus)
So I gotta get lifted! All night yea, yea!
(Hip Hop business lift up America)
Keep me lifted
(Hip Hop business lift up America)
so I gotta get lifted! All night yea yea!
(you remind me of my herb you keep me lifted!)
Keep me lifted!
I'm the dread lock producer
some call me medusa
salaams and shaloms introduce ya
a rooster waking up the whole coopsta
spearheaded man him nice haffe move ya
sshh..understand why we sweatin'
makin' love in the wake of Armageddon
forgettin' -Babylon need a lesson
drop the tech and use my tongue as a weapon
listen -I come to lubricate the friction
sound system purrin' with my diction
Frantz Fanon the Wretched of the Earth home
Phenomenon be goin' on and on
soling along a likkle song
by the record take it home and fling it on
(Chorus)
Hey yo I am the glory-fied of the story
child of a high crime rate category
they explore connect me to an I.Q. test
like a rat in a cage I'm trapped with the rest projects
but now I make my life go flip
like Malcolm comin' out the pen and shit
upliftment from a triflin' scene
to make a blind man murder for the things he seen
to believe is different than the daily bear witness
the spots filled up with the cocaine business
bullets trigger be pulled by the beast
kids paralyzed from his neck to his feet layin' way low
smokin' more and more ...
seein' shapes in the chipped paint of my frame window
with slow visions of me livin' in the future
with forty, forty acres, acres and a land cruiser
(Chorus)
Alpha-betical ABCD's come gettable
the brown brotha with the tone unforgettable
it's edible, every word be gourmet-able
Mecca Lekka shake ya hiney ho incredible
really though ya getting' sick it when ya hear it so
I'm bringin' with it biorhythmical medical
Anti- always dope my biotic
Macrobiotic organic Narcotic
the hemp is Kemp, like Kemp on hemp
Super like the sonics keep it real like rent so
ti tac toe me say all in a row-
donkey want water me say "hold him Joe"
my stereo killed the video star just like Arsenio Hall
so tall like the rain I never back fall
young lifted and black y'all
(Chorus)
Say when you called me that night
to tell me that things
they weren't goin' alright with your boyfriend
was it me or did you just want somebody to talk to
Say is it you or the fact that I can't be near you
that keeps you in front of my mind
when your voice goes away
and a breath is the last thing that you say
But the warmth of your lips on my fingertips
won't go away
when I drop my head in my hands and play
the memory of that night in L.A.
again and again and again
because I can't think straight and I can't sleep late
the few times we shared I try to recreate
I know this is wrong better stop this talk
because grass can grow up through a crack in the sidewalk
and what I see when I look in your eyes
grass that's truly greenest sprouting inside
I wasn't even looking when I realized
that you had the vibe that was my fertilizer
thought love in this world was dead and buried and gone
how could I be so cynical when I was so young
you hit me in the chest like an 808 boom
I found love is the shit that makes life bloom
(chorus)
Love is the shit that makes life bloom
and you never know when you might step in it!
love is the shit that makes life bloom
and you never know when you might...
But fate is like a pigeon that follows me around
sometimes he flies ahead and he brings me what he found
then he'll drop it on my head leave me numb from the brain down
that's the way it was when I walked upon your ground
The irrepressible and impermissable
are the two things that have made my life miserable
'cause spirits don't leave when you don't talk about them
and memories come back when you don't think about them
I wish I had an ocean of some magic potion
I'd trade all this emotion for a for a few moments of motion
I've never felt this way some things can't be rehearsed
now I'm grindin' up my gearbox tryin' to find reverse
because
(chorus)
(bridge)
But I want to keep on walking
Right through
And let this feeling rock me
ooh-oooh!
(repeat)
"ya know falling in love is like easing into a hot tub
it feels good on your feet but by the time you get to your mid section
you know your either gonna get all the way in or all the way out!"
But music brings me cover in this grieving hour
the Sade tape tells me it's all over now
I listen real hard but don't dare play it loud
'cause I don't wanna think what you might be doin' now
sometimes it feels like a bad initiation but you
woke my heart from a long hibernation
you were worth every risk and so I gave my heart room
and now I'm deep in the doo-doo
that makes life bloom
because...
(chorus)
(bridge)
See the flowers bloomin' in the springtime
see the bees zoomin' in the sunshine
(repeat)
::Madness In Tha Hood (Free Ride)
Ooh Ooh take a chance on a free ride
Ooh Ooh take a chance on a free ride free ride
Madness in tha hood keeps trying to kill the vibes
even gram's preacher packs a 45
run get the chalice and posse up the tribe
and with the love of Rastafari we shall never die
wake up in the morn unlock the store pops
hookers on Leavenworth closing' up shops
cops. Lookin' like a blind Cyclops 'cause
they clockin' ten percent
of the CREAM off the top
got mad money comin' down the pipe
from the three piece suit who gotta piece last night
the butcher the baker phony credit card maker
plus the operation being sponsored by Jamaica
and then there's the dime a dozen hoodie hitmen
who be killin' for sport, they go kids to support
Slingin' dice come cross the snake eyes
come and take a chance on a free ride
(Chorus)
Badi ah-dee adi ah
come and take a chance on a free ride
Badi ah-dee adi ah
come and take a chance on a free ride
Ooh Ooh take a chance on a free ride
Madness in tha hood keeps tryin' a kill the vibes
Ooh Ooh take a chance on a free ride
And with the love of Rastafari we shall never die
Like Gregory Hines I return to the dance, dancin'!
broadcast vast audio radiance, entrance
wave hands, shake pants as I commence
D.J. wheel up drop bass then advance
I get reactions just like Johnny Cochran
when he compared Mark Fuhrman to that old German
listen Herman Munster was a gangsta
S.F.P.D. shield on his clothes gave up the answer
to the crack freak just released from jail
twenty in his pocket waitin' to inhale
takes deep breath from the piss stinkin' air
past the drag queen wearin' other people's hair
she snaps, "What you think you lookin' at here you look
like Jimmy Walker wearin' Biggy Small's gear.
Get the fuck away before I make you disappear
I don't play that freaky shit do I make myself clear."
(Chorus)
Badi ah-dee adi ah
come and take a chance on a free ride
Badi ah-dee adi ah
come and take a chance on a free ride
Ooh Ooh take a chance on a free ride
Madness in tha hood keeps tryin' a kill the vibes
Ooh Ooh take a chance on a free ride
And with the love of Rastafari we shall never die
"Ya know one day the indigenous people of the
earth are gonna reclaim what's righfully
there's."
"Really? Uh oh!"
Lose your mind misplace your mind
forgot you even had a mind
'cause someone told you it's impossible
to change your mind
a friend of mine made it to twenty-five
we had a celebration "man I'm glad that you're alive"
I'm happy to see my man you're beatin' the odds
and for this on this day we give thanks to the gods
'cause everyone deserves a shot except you only get one
I hope it's not through the head my son.
'cause life is short when you're afraid to die.
life is hard when you're afraid to cry.
but when I feel alone I sing myself a song
because wherever I lay a groove is my home.
(chorus)
But can you see me in the desert?
Of course you can!
Can you see me on the mountain?
Of course you can!
Can you see me in the ocean?
Of course you can!
I'm just splishin' and splashin'
and jumpin' in the sand!
(repeat)
But he remembered memories of walkin'
through the puddles
sayin' "Gee dad, am I the one who's wanted by
the federal Government doesn't want me
to go to school
I ask too many questions
and I don't play by their rules.
In school they tried to tall me
that a rock is not alive
but I have seen a volcano growin' up and die
In school they tried to tell me
that a tree it couldn't feel
but I have felt a tree and it was bleeding for real
In school they tried to tell
me animals couldn't talk
but they can understand it when a dog starts to bark
in school they tried to tell me
man doesn't have a soul
"whet happened to his" I say "cause mine is
still whole!"
(chorus)
(bridge)
"Can you see me?"
"Can you see me?"
The reoccuring dream of life's imprisonment
the reoccuring scream of a world and it's residents
the reoccuring theme of a mind full of finger prints
the reoccuring dream of a knife and a president
well would you like to look at Madonna's book on sex?
or would you rather Alex Haley's book on Malcolm X?
Their fuckin' with Ice T but they don't even care if
Eric Clapton's singin' I Shot the Sherriff!
but how many more books on this subject can I read
and how many more frustrations must I try to ease
end how many more days of this bad air can I breathe
and how many more of my friends must just die and leave
But you can't diffuse the ticking time bomb
you can't refuse the time it has come
you can't erase our people from the nation
I'll take a life before they call us "the lost generation"
(chorus)
Can you see me in Africa?
of course you can!
can you see me in Asia?
of course you can!
can you see me in Australia?
of course you can!
Aotearoa? Western Samoa? Eskimoa?
can you see me in the White House?
no you can't!
can you see me on the radio?
Hell No!
Can you see me with the police?
In handcuffs?
splishin',splashin',jumpin' in the sand.
(chorus)
Oh-my, oh-my God!
out here mama they got us livin' suicide
singin' oh-my, oh-my God!
out here mama they got us livin' genocide
Slam bam I come unseen
but like gasoline you can tell I'm in the tank
like money in the bank
I smell appealing, but I'm toxic, can send ya reeling
without an inklin', keep ya thinkin'
'cause you gave cash to the feds, left your school district for dead
fucked you up in the head, but still they sayin' nothin's wrong
sellin' firewater but outlawing the bong
still believing the system is workin'
while half of my people are still outta workin'
anonymous notes left in the pockets and coats
of judges and juries from 'Frisco to Jersey
threats and protests politicians mob debts
trumped up charges and phoney arrests
stage a lethal injection, the night before the election
'cause he got donations from the prison guard's union
(chorus)
Listen in to my stethoscope on a rope
international lullabies, human cries
thumps and silence, the language of violence
algorithmic, cataclysmic, seismic, biorhythmic
you can make a life longer, but you can't save it
you can make a clone an then you try to enslave it?
stealin' DNA samples from the onborn
and then you comin' after us
'cause we sampled a James Brown horn?
scientists who's God is progress
a four-headed sheep is their latest project
the CIA runnin' like that Jones from Indiana
but they still won't talk about that (Jim) Jones
(People's Temple mass suicide) in Guyana
This ain't no cartoon
no one slips on bananas
do you really think that that car killed Diana
hell I shot Ronald Reagan, I shot JFK,
I slept with Marilyn (Monroe) she sung me happy birthday
singin'
(chorus)
Well politicians got lipstick on the collar
the whole media started to holler
but I don't give a fuck who they screwin' in private
I wanna know who they screwin' in public
robbin', cheatin', stealin'
white collar criminal
McDonald eatin', you deserve a beatin'
send you home a weepin', with a fat bill for your
Caribbean weekend
for just about anything they can bust us
false advertising sayin' "halls of Justice''
you tellin' the youth don't be so violent
then you drop bombs on every single continent
mandatory minimum sentencin'
'cause he got caught with a pocket fulla medicine
do that again another ten up in the pen
I feel so mad I wanna bomb an institution
singin'
(chorus)
Gramma this one's for you (stay strong)
(Chorus)
He's strong!
Mama Mama Mama Mama I couldn't say "No"
So strong!
Got sick and tired of seein' brothers being treated ill
He's strong!
They say to chill, they say my homey's not available
Stay strong!
I hear Mama they got him working on tha Payroll
She's strong!
Mama Mama Mama Mama I couldn't say "No"
So strong!
Got sick and tired of seein' sistas being created ill
She's Strong!
They say to chill, they say my homegirl's not available
Stay strong!
I hear Mama they got her workin' on tha Payroll
At 21 the brother "Smooth" he got a record deal
been working hard been writin' songs about the things he feels
he says it's real, 'cause I got skills, but I got bills
my deck is stacked, if I could only get my shit on wax
when it was ripe he took his tape up to the rec execs
they smoked cigars and rolled their eye's at him behind their specs
your Shit is phat but I don't hear it in the format Jack
what's all this black crap check page twenty one of your contract
(Chorus)
A friend of mine Roberta she got a job at the post office
she was college edjamacated but got fired up at the law office
I'm all alone two kids at home, I need a job just any job
so I can get back on my feet like Tina "T"(urner)
the boss came up to her said, "why don't you come home with me"
I'd like to see you take off your clothes for me
she said "No way man!"
he said "You don't understand"
"You lose your life, you lose your job if you don't do this shift!"
(Chorus)
I met a black man who became a police officer
officer, officer, officer, officer, officer, overseer
he tried to tell me it was the only job available
either rob or join the mob 'cause I'm not salable
one night he went out on an undercover sting-ing
bought some smack tried to break the heroin ring-ring
Two cops white cops saw juggling goin' down
they spilled his brain like homey the fuckin' clown
He's gone!
Mama Mama Mama Mama I couldn't say no
got sick and tired of seein' people bein' treated ill
picked up my nines, walked up from behind
tapped two of them on the neck so I could meet their eyes direct
Pom! Pom!
I didn't do it for tha payroll
(Chorus)
I am not a muslim but I read the final call
because within it's pages there is something for us all
and I am not a professional, but I love basketball
the squeakin of the sneakers they echo in the hall
But if I don't have enemies I'm not doin' my job
I might throw out a curve ball but I never throw a lob
people criticize me but I know it's not the end
I try to kick the truth not just to make friends
(chorus)
but hey diddle diddle
to the people in the middle
we got hot wax
and it's cookin' on the griddle
Got the guitar strummin
the drummer drummin
the people all hummin
and the vibe was lovin
on and on and on
'till the breakadawn
I am not a jerk although sometimes I act like one
and I am deadly serious about us havin' fun
well I go many places but I know I'm not with you
and I am not a sucka even though I'm stuck on you
each one-should teach one and share with one anotha
so many is out there-that's livin' undercover
your motha your fatha your sista your brotha
your friends and their enemies all have their lovers. Yeah!
(chorus)
So tell me -the definition- of a "sell out"
cast your first stone-but then get the hell out
people say they know me I can tell you that they don't
people say they own me I can tell you that they won' t
The left and the right they all try to use me
but I' ll be in they faces before they can abuse me
So roll down your window and listen what I'm sayin'
relax ya mind let the band keep playin'
on and on and on 'till the breakadawn
(chorus)
Every million mile ya haffe tek a first step
Every million mile ya haffe tek a first step
I was sick of flippin channels/ and sick of flippin quarters
I called my man Zulu/ said, "Meet me on the corner"
Maybe we can check out the clubs in the city
'cause waitin at the crib/ can make you feel shitty
so he hopped into my ride/ on the squeaky door side
and we hit the Upper Room/ where they keep the funk alive
The man at the door/ invited us inside
He said there isn't any cover/ if your keepin' up the vibe
We took it up stairs to big up the area
the people in the house was shakin' up their derrier
Rsisin up their hands and raisin up their voices
Tokes was the D.J. I was happy with his choiches
maxin' and mixin' the beats they was fixin'
my brain like a smoke that was doubly, triply, dope
the decadence is gone and life may never be the same
'cause when the beat hits
you feel no pain!"
(chorus)
so a piece of peace for you, a piece of peace for me
a piece of peace for every peaceful person that you see
a piece of peace for you and a piece of peace for me
but I don't act peaceful if you're not that way to me
Every million mile ya haffe tek a first step
Every million mile ya haffe tek a first step
Five-0 was outside waitin' with their vans
hopin' that shit would get outta hand
so dat they could test their weapons
on innocent civilians.
the high tech shit costin' millions and millions
money should've spent on somethin' for community
but that's 0.K. 'cause we got the unity.
so fuck the police! we can keep the peace!
we can make love and conquer that disease
'cause nuttin in the world is impossible to me
I can swim on dry land and run upon the sea
and nuttin in the world is impossible to me
you can chop off my legs and I'll land upon my feet
I turn it over to the spirit and 1 leave her in charge
my favorite record sounds like an African Head Charge
She'll beat up the heats with an eggbeater
pour em in the batter
she'll make'em sound fatter and fatter
'cause food for the soul is the falvor of the music
spice for the brain is the essence of the lyrics
songs can be delicious and also be nutritious
"You can't pay for culture", it can only be experienced
BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
"WELL HAVE YOU EVER BEEN EXPERIENCED!"
"WELL"
Every million mile ye haffe tek a first step
Every million mile ye haffe tek a first step
(chorus)
If the funk is on time
then we call it punctual
we're matchin up the footsteps
spiritual and functional.
like carnivale in Rio
the Charlie Hunter trio
Had the groovers groovin'
and all the movers movin'
Cuba, Twist, Reminisce, and NME
Graffiti on the street for everyone to see
even the elders in the house was havin' fun
because we livin' life at the top of our lungs
It was truly a life celebration that night
had the world's greatest time
but we'd never sell the movie rights
to Morrie Povich, or anyone like that
and anyone who does as really, really whack!
We fish or cut bait and we're not takin' prisoners and
If you comin' late then you might've missed some a this
funky good turne we had here in fronta you
so long, farewell, alveedersain, adieau to you
(chorus)
Every million mile ya haffe tek a first step
Every million mile ya haffe tek a first step
Make me, make me sweat
till I'm wet, till I'm dry
but then wipe this tear from my eye
haven't felt this warm in a long time
even out in the bright sunshine
in a lifetime of springtime
I fall into your arms
with my heart pumpin' on
like a bubblin' dub treck
like a garlicy hot tongue and lip smack
I did some contemplation
before we got down to this consecration
maybe baby somethin in your kiss said
it was an impetous,
for me to re-think this.
If I love you,
then I better get tested
make sure we're protected
I walk through the park
dressed like a question mark
Hark!
I hear my memory bak
in the back of my brain,
makin' me insane ...
...like cocaine.
(chorus)
But how'm I gonna live my life if I'm positive?
Is it gonna be a negative?
How'm I gonna live my life if I'm positive?
Is it gonna be a negative?
but how'm I gonna live my life If I'm positive?
It dawned on me, it seemed to me
this is unusual scenery,
this red light greenery
make me feel kinda dreamery,
thinkin'how I used to be
Arrive at the clinic
walk through the front door
take a nervous number
then I think some more
about all the time
that I neglected
makin sure that
I was protected.
They took my blood
With an anonymous number
two weeks waitin' wonderin'
I shoulda done this a long time ago
alot of excuses why I couldn't go
I know these things and these things I must know
'Cause it's better to know than to not know!
(chorus)
I go home to kick it
in my apartment
I try to give myself
a risk assessment
the wait is what can really annoy ya
everyday's more paranoya
I'm readin' about how it's transmitted
some behavior I must admit it.
who I slept with, who they slept with,
who they, who they, who they slept with.
I think about life and immortality
what's the first thing I do if I'm H.I.V.
have a cry and tell my mother
get on the phone and call my past lovers
I never thought about infectin' anotha
all the times that I said "Hmm? Don't bother."
Was it really all that magic?
the times I didn't use a prophalactic
Would my whole life have to change?
or would my whole life remain the same?
sometimes it makes me wanna shout!
all these things too hard to think about
a day to laugh, a day to cry
a day to live and a day to die
'till I find out, I may wonder
but I'm not gonna live my life six feet under
(chorus)
I don't eat red meat but I'm not a vegetarian
I like ice cream/ but not much dairy
'cause it gets in my nose
it makes me gotta blows
snot like a farmer and it gets on my clothes
it's rather unsightly/ can even be frightening
but cold medication/ should not be taken nightly
because everything dat I put in/ it comes out again
and if I eat lean/ it helps me stay thin
check out my hair, I keep it dreaded
about my corn? I like it breaded
hot from the oven? MMMM! you said it!
straight to the stomach my fuel is unleaded
But not fossil fuels/ I like olive oil
I like my eggs scrambled/ I never eat 'em boiled
The way to my heart/ is with a garlic clove
it smells hella sexy/ when it's on the kitchen stove
(chorus)
Red beans and rice, red beans and rice, red beans and rice,
make everything nice
red beans and rice, red beans and rice, red beans and rice
I could eat a plate twice. So nice. So nice. So nice.
Most people on the planet/ eat beans and rice
some can't afford beef or they think cows are nice
If you talk table manners don't believe all they
told ya I eat with my fingers like an African soldier
I don't know which fork is for meat or for salad
I haven't got a clue when they say "whet your palate"
eat a lot a prunes it'll keep you loose
skin'll turn orange if you drink carrot juice
I think beef jerky tastes like a boot
when I'm on the street I chew a licorice root
and if I have a soar throat /then I eat ginger
and I will break bread /with those who are strangers
so come into my cave / tonight I will show you
food is for life / and life I will show you.
If you're havin' problems/ I invite you here
step into my kitchen /we will cook away your fears
(chorus)
Amazing grace how sweet the sound that
saved a wretch like me
Dammit let's eat!
Mi casa es su casa. Mi cocina es su cocina.
you know what I meana!
(bridge)
get some boilin' water! Yeah!
get a pound aof beans! Yeah!
get some spice and make it nice! Yeah!
you know what I mean!
But if a friend has gas /then he's passin'
it gives me a headache end I gotta take aspirin
it makes me dizzy/ I fix him fizzies
to calm his stomach/ when it's feelin kinda
busy some like it white/but I like it brown
I like spicy chicken/ and I can throw it down
chilis come red /and chilis come green
when it's on the table/ I lick my plate clean
Then I drink a toast to the host and hostess
But first we give thanks/ to God the Mostest
'cause if I am a guest/ I always wash my plate
sip a sip a soda while I sing Amazing Grace
rings on my fingers /left round the tub
bass fulla bubbles/ bumpin like a wash tub
think about my troubles/ goin down the drain
dryin' up the puddles in the back of my brain
But...
(chorus)
(bridge)
We livin' in a mean time and an aggressive time
a painful time, a time where cynicism rots to the vine
in a time where violence blocks the summer shine
lifetimes, go by in a flash
in search for love, in search for cash
everybody wanna be some fat tycoon
everybode wanna be on a tropic honeymoon
nobody wanna sing a little bit out of tune
or be the backbone of a rebel platoon
it's too soon to step out of line
you might get laughed at you might get fined
but do you feel me when I say I feel pain everyday
when I see the way my friends gotta slave
and never get ahead of bills they gotta pay
no way no way!
some make a living doing killilng Colombian penicillin
some are willing to play the villain they just chillin'
to pass the time, pass the information
or pass the wine
pass the buck or pass the baton
but you can't pass the police or the pentagon
the I.R.S. or the upper echelon
I think it's time to make a move on the contradiction
(chorus)
Bom-Bom, rock the nation
take over television and radio station
Bom-Bom the truth shall come
give the corporation some complication!
This is the dawning of our time I say it one more time
to emphasize the meaning of my rhyme
to rise above all the dirt and grime
add the right spice at the right time
fuck the constitution
are we part of the solution or are we part of the pollution
sittin' by and wonderin' why,
things ain't the way we like to find them to be, to be
for you and for me the people over there and the ones in between
check our habitation are we a peace lovin' nation
peace lovin' nation
I have a reasonable doubt I think I'll just spell it out
there's no need to scream or to shout
the N.R.A. just bought a man's soul
then he jumps up and shouts gun control
the government says that killin's a sin
unless you kill a murderer with a lethal syringe
so I ask again "are we peace lover's then"
some of them slang guns when they six years old
some of them end up in some six foot hole
this whole damn place seems to, lost control
so I raise my voice before I lose my soul
(chorus)
This is the way I'll express my feelings
vibe revealed and revolved spinnin on a record y'all
try to confiscate take what I communicate with
it's aincient gift of the lip steady creating
activating passin vocal vibrations to the blind plus the seeing
human doesn't mean just being
be coming don't believe it just belife it
belongings or beloved rehearse it or recite it
while shining drop your guns and move your tongues
battle motivation in no time lyrics come
sometimes fun others run their mouth or away
my mind co beaming like an early sunray
one day we'll get the picture and all combine
less the talking bout mines is mine and become one mind
every piece of the puzzle has its place
to build the piece of the puzzle called the human race
taking it long enough we crush the formal journalistic
dyslexic critters talk backwards to rap words
I'm sure raising my hands with questions and demands
statements and a plan with a map of the land
(chorus)
Every woman every man wanna move dem feet
every woman every man love a Spearhead beat!
Police in the city
is shuttin all the clubs down
it's lookin like a ghost town
ya know Mary- what we gotta do?
Hell Yeah!
we gotta go underground"
To da place -from which we all came from
house parties-they was always fun
remember tryin to rig a sound system
everybody- would bring a donation
when we needed- to get a turn table
my man Zulu
would borrow one from aunt Mable
set it up in the corner-
turn the lights down until the mornin'
(chorus)
But the party ain't started till the speaker's blown
NO! NO! NO!
Run fa ya life!
The party ain't started 'till the speaker's blown
While he was settin up camp
someone else would bring a home stereo amp
with a note from they mama-
"don't turn it up loud or it's a goner"
sorry mama- there's no chance
cause if the shit ain't bumpin'
people ain't gonna dance
"know what I'm sayin'" ("Turn that shit up")
everybody in the place would bring a few speakers
string em all togetha like they was sneakers
and say a prayer- before we turn it on
hopin that the amp- wouldn't get blown.
I asked Mary watcha think of it
"now we need a D.J. to work this shit"
so everybody- would bring a few singles- get
the beat bumpin
and then start to mingle
(chorus)
Every woman every man wanna move dem feet
every woman every man love a Spearhead beat!
Every brother and every sister
would pay respect up to the ancestors
we would dance and we would celebrate
even though we live in a police state
then the pigs- would try to make a statement
with a ticket- for noise abatement
but we kept it pumpin' -till the braekadawn
then we told the cops
they gotta break the door down
and today -across the nation- don't ya know
it's the same situation
alotta cities lookin like a ghost town
but the house party will never be shut down
no no no!
(chorus)
Every woman every man wanna move dem feet
every woman every man love a Spearhead beat!
(repeat)
This one's dedicated to all the DJ's, rappers,
Promoters, producers who continue to throw
jams in the face of adversity. Peace
Peace to the informal nation. Word Up!
(chorus)
Sometimes, I feel like I can do anything and
sometimes, I'm so alive
sometimes, I feel like I can zoom cross the sky and,
sometimes, I wanna cry
Most people try to aim to please
but a lot a them are kinda weak in the knees
learnin' late about the birds and the bees
falllin' in love and wanna bee set free
playin' ball at the age of thirteen
everybody's growin up with a dream
I never noticed what could happen to me
time flies when you're walkin' the streets
one minute gotcha holdin' an ace
the next minute gotcha fall on yer face
a mean city is a nasty place
only a rat can win a rat race!
peace to the people who be fallin' away
to make it home today
and peace to the people who be tryin' to find
som kinda life
(chorus)
Sound body and sound of mind
sound of the rhythm and sound of the rhyme
somebody marchin' all out of time
biggest mistakes are the humanest kind
judge not, lest you be judged
the court room or the billy club
blood bubblin' thicker than mud
the heart beat rub-a-dub-dub
show love and love who you know
family wherever you go
Tokyo to Acapulco
bravissimo, magnifico
peace to the people who be losing their head
peace to the people who be needin' a bed
love to the people who be feelin' alone
spreadin' love upon the microphone
hope to the people who be feelin' down
smile to the people who be wearin' a frown
faith to the people who be seekin' the thruth y'all
all of the time, and I say
(chorus)
The world around
gotcha down
you got high blood pressure people pushin' you around
and some wanna tell you how you should behave
cut your hair the right way, tell you what to say, hang
out with the right folks
become a fashion slave
But do you wanna feel free
but do you wanna feel freaky and free
but do you wanna feel free
do you wanna feel free, free, free, freaky and free
(chorus)
Take ya time
unwind ya mind
we all need a little soulshine
take ya time
unwind ya mind
we could use a little soulshine
9 to 5, people tryin'a stay alive
hard livin' in the city
find a diamond in the sewer but the gas bills rise
but I got to say to them what's in all mean
ya got a take a loan
to pay the bill on the phone
educated, graduated but you can't get a job
But do you wanna feel free
but do you wanna feel freaky and free
but do you wanna feel free
do you wanna feel free, free, free, freaky and free
(chorus)
:: Stay Human (All The Freaky People)
Starvation is a creation of the devil
a rebel
I'm bringin' food to the people like a widow
brinin' flowers to a grave in the middle
of the city isolation is a riddle
to be surrounded by a million other people
but feel alone like a tree in the desert
dried up like the skin of a lizard
but full of color like the spots of a leopard
drum and bass pull me in like a sheperd
scratch my itch like a needle on a record
full of life like a man gone to Mecca
sky high like an eagle up soaring
I speak low but I'm like a lion roaring
baritone like a Robeson recordin'
I'm giving thanks for bein' human every morning...
(chorus)
Because the streets are alive with the sound of Boom Bap
can I hear it once again!
Boom Bap tell your neighbor tell a friend
every box gotta right to be boomin'
because the streets are alive with the sound of Boom Bap
can I hear it once again!
Boom Bap tell your neighbor tell a friend
every flower got a right to be bloomin'!
Stay Human!
Be resistant
the negativity we keep it at a distance
call for backup and I'll give you some assistance
like a lifesaver deep in the ocean
stay afloat here upon the funky motion
rock and roll upon the waves of the season
hold your breath and your underwater breathin'
To be rhymin' without a real reason
is to claim but not to practice a religion
is television is the drug of the nation
satelite is immaculate reception
beaming in they can look and they can listen
so you see don't believe in the system
to legalize you or give you your freedom
you want rights ask'em, they'll read 'em
but every flower gotta right to be bloomin'
stay human...
(chorus)
All the freaky people make the beauty of the world
You see Y2K ya know is a moment
in time we find that we can open
up a heart that's locked or been broken
by the pain of the words not spoken
or shot by guns a still smokin'
Cartwrights out on the Ponderosa
or drive by bang in Testarossa
we need to heed the words of Dalai Lama
or at least the words of ya mama
take a mental trip to the Bahamas
steam your body in a stereo sauna, sauna, comma....
(chorus)
Do you remember
all those days
the way that you loved me
in all those subtle ways
I can remember
before you were gone
how when we heard our favorite song on the radio
you'd smile at me and sing along
(Chorus)
but you can't sing our song
for no other lover
but you can't sing our song
for no other love
You hand me would go dancin' after dark
long hot kisses and summer wishes in the park
New York
detail the car I never show up dirty
an colored people's time
I'd pick you up 11:30
late night
we'd roll my hooptie down the boulevard
bumpin' bass and rolling low like we was superstars
killing me softly with the way you whisper in my ear
come here my dear
they're playing songs from back in yesteryear
the slow jammer
the night prongrammer
the time to get undressed and where pajama slammer
the car antenna...
picks up songs that belongs to us like birds of feather
like heatwave on scratchy forty five
always forever
(Chorus)
I was blind to blind to see
I took for granted the dope shit that you did for me
I mistook all your lovin' for captivity
like Ghetto boys I think my mind was playing tricks on me
I always wanted to let you know
like Aretha Franklin you sing just tike the queen of soul
too many secrets in my heart I couldn't let it show know
I still want you and I'm sad we had to let it go...
(Chorus)
::Water Pistol Man (Chocolate Mix)
When girls dressed in black they all look so lonely
and contraceptives don't get used by the horny
you can't find the key to the door in your building
but are you still willing
the responsibility becomes an afterthought
when one remembers the things that they should've bought
there's no pretending that you forgot
must everything in life have political ramifications
even taking kids on vacation or having a simple operation
but my friend Billy told me that sometimes it takes a grown man
a long time to learn just what it takes a child a night to learn
and my son proved his words
(Chorus)
Water pistol man full of ammunition
squirtin' at fires on a worldwide mission
but did you ever think to stop to squirt the flowers
in your own backyard
for all my faux pa's I never said excuse me
was the simplest things that always confused me
I never stopped I never looked both ways
must it always a tug of love between friends and work
hope to learn the meaning of the word jerk
before it happens to a rope 'round my neck
let's build a bigger telescope
so that we can see things more up close
farther away from where we really are
I was up the whole night before
reading books about places I'll probably never go
and those aren't good things to know about
(Chorus)
when I feel with my heart, I know in my mind
I should say with my lips, but don't
does that make you feel upset? I should know that
the power of one man seems like a small squirt
when he aims at the flames of the whole earth
but the fire starts at home...
(Chorus)
(chorus)
We don't mind
see we been doin' it all the time
but if you want us to sacrifice
you will not get it without a price
we don't mind
see we been doin' it all the time
but if you want us to sacrifice
you gotta give something back to life
You think I'm vulnerable to your pressure tactics
because I shed a tear, 'cause I shed a tear
you think I'm vulnerable to your violence
just 'cause I'm sittin' here
but my babies came into this world
without a single fear, say they had no fear
'cause the seven generations before me
they all fought to get us here
(chorus)
You can't just come in here like that no more
and snatch up your childhood
you can't just walk on up
and replace it yo, with your Hollywood
but I see now
how all of the words I say you'll take and misconstrue
and I'm prepared now
to suffer the penalties for speakin' the truth
and I speak the truth when I say
(chorus)
People if you hear me now I wantcha to say
naa, na-naa, na-naa, naah
people if you hear me now I wantcha to say
naa, na-naa, na-naa, naah
I say my prayers every morning just like orange juice
I crack the crinkles out my body till I'm feeling loose
I strap my sneakers on my feet like they was combat boots
they fit my feet like Cinderella when I'm shooting hoops
Why oh why do memories keep chasing me
sometimes it makes me wanna grab my shit and flee
sometimes I wanna blow my brains to put my life at ease
but I ain't clocking out I gotta see the seven seas
please seven's a very lucky number for me
that was the age when I discovered how good balling could be
up every morning with the birdies doing little drills go to my
left go
to my right developing mad skills
how could a love for this game bring so much sadness
I played with brothas with so much badness
but now they gone I sing a song
pop a three from the top of the key in they memory
(Chorus)
Why oh Why do memories be chasing me
sometimes it makes me wanna grab my shit and flee
even in seasons when it's another color sport
I still be memorizing lines out on the basketball court
singing Why oh Why do memories be chasing me
sometimes it makes me wanna grab my shit and flee
even in seasons when it's another color sport
I be remembering my partners on the basketball court
Do you remember runnin' the court in September
me and my homies be down for whoever
would come along and try to send us to the showers
from the game that we'd been dominating' there for hours
all day to be more specific
east to west from Atlantic to Pacific
fools would come round to get down
and try to take our crown
but we would hold our ground and we would never back down
old timers new timers would get in line there
and take a seat there and try to prepare
but oh no! there was no chance when we was in the zone
we was alone at the top we had hops we got props
and when we needed to we busted chops
wipe the court with your game like we was using mops
whatever happened to the super hoopers
in the park I reminisce while shootin' solitary after dark
(Chorus)
Brother C came fresh from out of town and
he had handles and like McDonald's he could clown ya
dribbling baby bounces between drinking forty ounces
knock ya on your heels and do circles like he was Curly Neal
but oh no, the liquor got quicker to his head and he said
"I think I musta placed some stupid bets"
he hit me up for some cash there was a car crash
a splash and then the brother made a mad dash
Rob oh Rob his whole life was like a roller coaster
but on the court he looked like a Dr. J poster
flying high with an Afro blowing in the wind
wiping Windex, index finger rolls
off the glass then swish through the net
jump a Corvette with a triple pirouette
but off the court he had a few temptations
copulations no moderations by 24 he had 3 pregnations
last check crack intoxications
so many other brothers gone from this dimension
and none of those who got hurt receive a pension
give a Bup! Bup! to those locked up in detention
memories too many dimension
and we say, one more time...one more time
(Chorus)