I was born in the city
There's no flies on me
Life can't deliver
No surprise to me
Got a head full of trouble
The world's weight on my back
I'm a fighter
I survive like that

I'm a modern enigma
I am living proof
Cold eyes speaking volumes
Of my troubled youth
I believe in the future
>From mistakes I have grown
Leaving the shadows
Which were once my home

Need your hand to help me over
Need your shoulder
Need your light to bring me closer
To your shelter

Been so long in the bitter
City air I breath
Seen a million believers
Cry in disbelief
I won't give in to the pressure
Keep my spirit intact
'Cause I know when I need you
You will watch my back

CHORUS:
Need your hand to help me over
Need your shoulder
Need light to bring me closer
To your shelter
Need your hand to help me over
Need your shoulder
Need your light to bring me closer
To your shelter

They can't take you away from me
When they try it only makes me stronger
Through the dark it's your light I see
Helping to show me the way

Knowing I'll be safe in your shelter
Knowing I'll be safe in your shelter
Knowing I'll be safe in your shelter
Knowing I'll be safe in your shelter

Repeat Chorus Once

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to the Brand New Heavies' song "Shelter" speak to the struggles of growing up in a city environment and the need for refuge during trying times. The opening lines capture the hardened exterior of someone who has faced their fair share of challenges living in a city: "I was born in the city/ There's no flies on me/ Life can't deliver/ No surprise to me." This person has seen it all and is prepared for whatever life throws their way.

Throughout the rest of the song, the lyrics paint a picture of someone who is both strong and vulnerable. They have overcome past mistakes and the shadows of their past, but they still need the support of others to get through tough times. The chorus repeats the lines "Need your hand to help me over/ Need your shoulder/ Need your light to bring me closer/ To your shelter," emphasizing the importance of seeking help from those we trust.

Overall, "Shelter" is a song about resilience, the power of human connection, and the ability to find safety and comfort even in the darkest of times.

Line by Line Meaning

I was born in the city
I was born and raised in the bustling urban environment

There's no flies on me
I am sharp and aware, no one can con me

Life can't deliver
Nothing life throws at me can surprise me anymore

No surprise to me
It's all expected, I've seen it before

Got a head full of trouble
I carry a lot of burdens and worries in my mind

The world's weight on my back
The difficulties of life are weighing heavily on me

I'm a fighter
I am strong and resilient, always pushing through obstacles

I survive like that
This is how I make it through life

I'm a modern enigma
I am a complex and puzzling figure of the present time

I am living proof
My very existence is evidence of something profound

Cold eyes speaking volumes
My eyes reveal deep emotion, despite their facade of detachment

Of my troubled youth
The hardships of my younger years left a mark on me

I believe in the future
I have faith in what is to come

From mistakes I have grown
I have learned and developed from the errors of my past

Leaving the shadows
I am escaping the dark places of my history

Which were once my home
But which used to be my comfort zone

Need your hand to help me over
I require your assistance to overcome obstacles

Need your shoulder
I need your support when I am weak

Need your light to bring me closer
I need your guidance to help me come nearer to you

To your shelter
To the refuge and protection of your love and care

Been so long in the bitter
I have endured a long time in the harsh and unpleasant aspects of life

City air I breathe
The exhaust-filled air of the city is all I know

Seen a million believers
I have observed countless individuals who have been let down by their faith

Cry in disbelief
They lament in shock and disillusionment

I won't give in to the pressure
I will not succumb to the stress and demands of others

Keep my spirit intact
I am determined to maintain my positive outlook and inner strength

'Cause I know when I need you
Because I have trust in your reliability and availability

You will watch my back
You will protect me and support me in any situation

Knowing I'll be safe in your shelter
I am confident that I will be secure and protected in your loving care

Knowing I'll be safe in your shelter
I trust that I can find safety and comfort in your love and support

Knowing I'll be safe in your shelter
I am certain that I will not be alone or vulnerable in your loving embrace

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Comments from YouTube:

@piper-ct2vy

1y↑4

Jan Kincaid love this still groovin in 2023

@wiwilson1961

5y↑44

most under rated group of all time

@StingahL

Truth^^^

@mhsilver1000

It's a pity!

@tywilliamnash5078

… …That’s Right …. You Tell ‘Em!!

@tywilliamnash5078

I bought this CD Album soon after it came out , when a good friend turned me on to it. I don’t know where it or any of my music collection went after three apartment moves later. I’m glad I stumbled across this on YouTube browsing just now. It’ll remind me to get another copy.