Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found

Sunshine
Mos Def Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

(Let the sun shine)
Yeah yeah its a brand new day y'all (Let the sunshine in)
Turn me up in the top a little bit dog
Little do you know, y'all gonna hear this one (The suns shinin')
Loud and clear, bright and early
Listen

I don't hate players, I don't love the game
I'm the shot clock, way above the game
To be point blank with you motherfuck the game
I got all this work on me, I ain't come for play
You can show the little shorties how you pump and fake
But dog, Not to def, I'm not impressed
I'm not amused, I'm not confused, I'm not to dude
I'm grown man business, and I am not in school
Put your hand down youngin' this is not for you
On my "J.O." with beats by Kan-ye yo
My name on the marquee, your name off the payroll
Style fresh, like I'm still a day old
And it's been like that since the day yo
On more time than a Roley, or Seiko
Step on deck, your neck do what I say so
Get up or get out, get down or lay low

(Let the sun shine)
Standing in the shadow of a fabulous man
Brooklyn nigga I am, Black Dante (Let the sunshine in)
That nigga, that dude
Black People, Lets Move (The suns shinin')
Shout out to my man Talib Kweli, yes
We on top-a top-a, shout-a shout-a
Check it out

Slim nigga that casts a big shadow
Cherokee red to shoot the long arrow
Got more skill, more aim, and more ammo
You can get it all from a big or small barrel
Like, hail Mary, full of grace
Niggas come in and shoot up the place
And make you pull up your face
The deck, I'm a pull out the ace
From the jungles of the empire state
where it ain't no escape, 247, 718
And that's like every night, every day
From the place that I settle and stay
To the states, I'm collecting my pay
Blast off then I'm back to the K
Hold it down so my family straight
Represent in a family way
Pro ball not for amateur play
Been raw since the amateur stage
Before the press had the cameras raised

(Let the sun shine)
Like a long time man of the way
You understanding me straight (Let the sunshine in)
Yes, yes, no doubt, excellence
Its what it is, what it is
And that's what it is, you see? (The suns shinin')
Ha, Fire

'Cause it is deeper, sweeter, richer, crisper
Stronger reception and sharper picture
Revolve around God, and involve with niggas
These elements I perform my scripture
And make Mos Def a classic modern figure
Brooklyn it don't matter if you holler or whisper
Your coming through clan, 'cause I'm right here with ya
Ain't gotta edit the slang, I got it, I'll get ya
Yo, brothers and sisters, fathers and mothers
The lovers, the leavers, the doubters, believers
The stayers, the quitters, the bitches, the niggas
Rebel guerrillas the ghetto civilians
y'all 'goin feel it from the first to the millionth
It's extra, ordinary and plain
I walk a thousand paces of light ahead of the game
By the time you get where I'm standing, I'll be gone
y'all make moves, but y'all just move on

(Let the sun shine)
I move in, and y'all must move on
'Cause I move to strong
And I know what my feet move for (Let the sunshine in)
Made it go without a brand new car
Made it fresh without a brand new song
And give a fuck about what brand you are (The suns shining')
I'm concerned what type of man you are
What your principles and standards are
You understand me y'all
Be good to your family y'all
No matter where your families are
'Cause everybody needs family y'all
Raise a hand, you understand me y'all
Everybody needs family y'all
Be good to your families dog
Understand, no matter where your families are
Everybody needs family dog
Raise a hand, you understand me pa
that's what it is, that's my man
Family and my family Pencil Pete
My man too, all our loved ones behind the walls
All of those who still in the struggle
Masada Malia, Son Dial la, Magic Mel
(Let the sun shine)
Life is real
To all the real soldiers, black people (Let the sunshine in)
We family y'all (The suns shining')
Let it be bright

Overall Meaning

In Mos Def's song "Sunshine," he starts off by proclaiming that it is a brand new day and requests that the volume be turned up. Mos Def goes on to claim that he doesn't love the game but instead loves playing the shot clock as he is above the game. He expresses his frustration with the game and all the trickery that goes with it, but he's not amused, nor is he confused. Mos Def says that he is a grown man and not in school anymore, telling the younger generation that this is not for them. He further explains his point by saying, "On my ‘J.O.'…your name off the payroll," which supports his belief that the game is deceitful and not truly rewarding.


Mos Def then goes on to identify himself as "Black Dante" and gives a shoutout to Talib Kweli, his longtime collaborator. He labels himself as a slim guy who casts a very long shadow, which means that his presence is more significant than his appearance. Mos Def claims that he is superior in many aspects when it comes to fighting as he has more skills and aims. He relates himself to the great mythical figure Hail Mary and says that despite the many attempts to take him down, he still comes out on top. Mos Def also emphasizes his association with his hometown of Brooklyn, its brutality, and his dedication to his family.


Line by Line Meaning

Yeah yeah its a brand new day y'all (Let the sunshine in)
It's a new day and we should welcome it with open arms, positivity, and let in the sunshine.


Little do you know, y'all gonna hear this one (The suns shinin')
This song is powerful and you're going to hear it loud and clear, just like the sun shines bright and early.


I'm the shot clock, way above the game
I'm a master of timing and strategy, and I operate on a level beyond the game.


To be point blank with you motherfuck the game
Honestly, I don't care about the game or its players.


Put your hand down youngin' this is not for you
This is for the grown-ups only, not for the little ones.


Slim nigga that casts a big shadow
I may be small in stature, but I have a big impact and leave a lasting impression.


These elements I perform my scripture
These are the things that I draw upon when I create and perform my art.


I walk a thousand paces of light ahead of the game
I'm always ahead of the curve and have a vision that's way beyond what the game can even imagine.


Be good to your family y'all
No matter what, always be good to your family members.


All our loved ones behind the walls
We haven't forgotten about those who are incarcerated, and we still love and support them.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Galt Mac Dermot, James Rado, Gerome Ragni, Dante Smith, Kanye West

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Most interesting comments from YouTube:

kwstas nteves

Intro: Mos Def + (Sample)]
(Let the sun shine)
Yeah yeah its a brand new day y'all (Let the sunshine in)
Turn me up in the top a little bit dog
Little do you know, y'all gonna hear this one (The suns shinin')
Loud and clear, bright and early
Listen..

[Verse 1: Mos Def]
I don't hate players, I don't love the game
I'm the shot clock, way above the game
To be point blank with you motherfuck the game
I got all this work on me, I ain't come for play
You can show the little shorties how you pump and fake
But dog, Not to def, I'm not impressed
I'm not amused, I'm not confused, I'm not the dude
I'm grown man business, and I am not in school
Put your hand down youngin' this is not for you
On my J.O. with beats by Kan-ye yo
My name on the marquee, your name off the payroll
Style fresh, like I'm still a day old
And it's been like that since the day yo
On more time than a Roley, or Seiko
Step on deck, your neck do what I say so
Get up or get out, get down or lay low


[Hook 1: Mos Def + (Sample)]
(Let the sun shine)
Standing in the shadow of a fabulous man
Brooklyn nigga I am, Black Dante (Let the sunshine in)
That nigga, that dude
Black People, Lets Move (The suns shinin')
Shout out to my man Talib Kweli, yes
We on top-a top-a, shout-a shout-a
Check it out..

[Verse 2: Mos Def + (Sample)]
Slim nigga that casts a big shadow
Cherokee red to shoot the long arrow
Got more skill, more aim, and more ammo
You can get it all from a big or small barrel
Like, hail Mary, full of grace
Niggas come in and shoot up the place
And make you pull up your face
The deck, I'm a pull out the ace
From the jungles of the empire state
Where it ain't no escape, 247, 718
And thats like every night, every day
From the place that I settle and stay
To the states, I'm collecting my pay
Blast off then I'm back to the K
Hold it down so my family straight
Represent in a family way
Pro ball not for amateur play
Been raw since the amateur stage
Before the press had the cameras raised


[Hook 2: Mos Def + (Sample)]
(Let the sun shine)
Like a long time man of the way
You understanding me straight (Let the sunshine in)
Yes, yes, no doubt, excellence
Its what it is, what it is
And thats what it is, you see? (The suns shinin')
Ha, Fire..

[Verse 3: Mos Def]
Cause it is deeper, sweeter, richer, crisper
Stronger reception and sharper picture
Revolve around God, and involve with niggas
These elements help evolve my scripture
And make Mos Def a classic martyr figure
Brooklyn it don't matter if you holler or whisper
Your coming through clear, cause I'm right here wit'cha
Ain't gotta edit your slang, I got it, I get ya
Yo, brothers and sisters, fathers and mothers
The lovers, the leavers, the doubters, believers
The stayers, the quitters, the bitches, the niggas
Rebel guerrillas to ghetto civilians
Y'all 'gon feel it from the first to the millionth
It's extra, ordinary and plain
I walk a thousand paces of light ahead of the game
By the time that you get where I'm standing, I'll be gone
Y'all make moves, but y'all just move wrong


[Outro: Mos Def + (Sample)]
(Let the sun shine)
I move in, and y'all must move on
Cause I'm oh too strong
And I know what my feet move for (Let the sunshine in)
Made it go without a brand new car
I was fresh without a brand new song
Don't give a fuck about what brand you are (The suns shining')
I'm concerned what type of man you are
What your principles and standards are
You understand me y'all
Be good to your family y'all
No matter where your families are
Cause everybody needs family y'all
Raise a hand, you understand me y'all
Everybody needs family y'all
Be good to your families dog
Understand, no matter where your families are
Everybody needs family dog
Raise a hand, you understand me pa
Thats what it is...thats my man
Family and my family Pencil Pete
My man too, all our loved ones behind the walls
All of those who still in the struggle
Assata, Mumia, Sundiata, my man Jamil
(Let the sun shine)
Life is real
To all the real soldiers, black people (Let the sunshine in)
We family y'all (The suns shining')
Let it be bright..



Limits98

Lyrics

[Intro: Mos Def + (Sample)]
(Let the sun shine)
Yeah yeah it's a brand new day y'all (Let the sunshine in)
Turn me up in the top a little bit dog
I want you to know, I want you to hear this one (The sun's shining)
Loud and clear, bright and early
Listen

[Verse 1: Mos Def]
I don't hate players, I don't love the game
I'm the shot clock, way above the game
To be point blank with you, motherfuck the game
I got all this work on me, I ain't come for play
You can show the little shorties how you pump and fake
But dog, not to Def, I'm not impressed
I'm not amused, I'm not confused, I'm not the dude
Grown man business, I am not in school
Put your hand down youngin, this is not for you
On my J.O. with beats by Kan-ye yo
My name on the marquee, your name off the payroll
Style fresh like I'm still a day old
And it's been like that since the day 0
On more time than a Roley or Seiko
Step on deck, your neck do what I say so
Get up or get out, get down or lay low

[Hook 1: Mos Def + (Sample)]
(Let the sun shine)
Standing in the shadow of a fabulous man
Brooklyn nigga I am, Black Dante (Let the sunshine in)
That nigga, that dude
Black People, Let's Move (The sun's shining)
Shout out to my man Talib Kweli, yes
We on top-a top-a, shout-a shout-a
Check it out

[Verse 2: Mos Def + (Sample)]
Slim nigga to cast a big shadow
Cherokee red to shoot the long arrow
Got more skill, more aim, and more ammo
You can get it all from a big or small barrel
Like, hail Mary, full of grace
Niggas come in and shoot up the place
And make you pull up your face
The deck, I'm a pull out the ace
From the jungles of the Empire State
Where it ain't no escape, 247, 718
And that's like every night, every day
From the place that I settle and stay
To the states, I'm collecting my pay
Blast off then I'm back to the K
Hold it down so my family straight
Represent in a family way
Pro-ball not for amateur play
Been raw since the amateur stage
Before the press had the cameras raised

[Hook 2: Mos Def + (Sample)]
(Let the sun shine)
Like a long time man of the way
You understanding me straight (Let the sunshine in)
Yes, yes, no doubt, excellence
It's what it is, it's what it is
And that's what it is, you see? (The sun's shining)
Ha, Fire..

[Verse 3: Mos Def]
Cause it is deeper, sweeter, richer, crisper
Stronger reception and sharper picture
Revolve around God, and involve with niggas
These elements help evolve my scripture
And make Mos Def a classic martyr figure
Brooklyn it don't matter if you holler or whisper
You're coming through clear, cause I'm right here witcha
Ain't gotta edit your slang, I got it, I get ya
Yo, brothers and sisters, fathers and mothers
The lovers, the leavers, the doubters, believers
The stayers, the quitters, the bitches, the niggas
Rebel guerrillas to ghetto civilians
Y'all gon' feel it from the first to the millionth
It's extra, ordinary and plain
I walked a thousand paces of light ahead of the game
By the time that you get where I'm standing, I'll be gone
Y'all make moves, but y'all just move wrong

[Outro: Mos Def + (Sample)]
(Let the sun shine)
I move in, and y'all must move on
Cause I'm all too strong
And I know what my feet move for (Let the sunshine in)
Make it go without a brand new car
I was fresh without a brand new song
Don't give a fuck about what brand you are (The suns shining)
I'm concerned what type of man you are
What your principles and standards are
You understand me y'all
Be good to your family y'all
No matter where your families are
Cause everybody need family y'all
Raise a hand, you understand me y'all
Everybody need family y'all
Be good to your families dog
Understand, no matter where your families are
Everybody need family, dog
Raise your hand, you understand me pa
That's what it is, that's my man
Family of my family Pencil Pete
My man too, all our loved ones behind the walls
All of those still in the struggle
Assata, Mumia, Sundiata, my man Jamil
(Let the sun shine)
Life is real
To all the real soldiers, black people (Let the sunshine in)
We family y'all (The sun's shining)
Let it be bright..



All comments from YouTube:

7Skies

"Don't give a fuck about what brand you are,
I'm concerned about what type of man you are- what your principles and standards are.
You understand me y'all?"
I don't even need to say anything, this song is a gem.

Ian Matthews

Epic line that!

Jonathan Haag

100

J Pablo

He's arguably top 10 of all time

LethalAssassin 17

One of the most positive and conscious MCs of all time! Not to mention his unique sound and flow.

tupacalypse88

Amen Mos always been the truth

2 More Replies...

Mansoor Ahli

People don't understand just how good Mos Def is. I don't hate players, I don't love the game. I'm the shot clock way above the game ! Baaaaarsss 👊🏼

Adam Paolella

that's what makes mos so good. you actually have to THINK to interpret his lyrics, unlike most mainstream rap today

Gregory Chirchir

Mad respect to Kanye West for producing this hard hitting joint

BY ANY MEANS NECESSARY

Mad respect for him not saying 1 word on it. I prefer him silent

More Comments

More Versions