Chop Chop
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Before she's crucified
'Cause her ambitions are their suspicions
Of different culture pride
And the world is crying as we move along
And the world is trying as we move along
But they're still chopping, our tongues for a song
Yeah, yeah, yeah they're singing
Chop, chop, tongue, tongue
That's where we're from
That's what we always wore
If I retell, that's where man fell
When he put foot on floor
The cool breeze wind blows
Breaks cynic windows, time to obliviate
The radiation burns segregation
Leader evacuates
Still the world is crying as we move along
And the world is trying as we move along
But they're still chopping, our tongues for a song
Yeah, yeah, yeah they're singing
Chop, chop, tongue, tongue
That's where we're from
That's what we always wore
If I retell, that's where man fell
When he put foot on floor
Chop, chop man sin, that's where we've been
That's what we're forced to buy
We're killing lovers, sisters and brothers
Then there's that question why
Oh why
Chop, chop, tongue, tongue
That's where we're from
That's what we always wore
If I retell, that's where man fell
When he put foot on floor
Chop, chop, tongue, tongue
That's where we're from
That's what we always wore
If I retell, that's where man fell
When he put foot on floor
The first verse is a commentary on a person who is hiding their true identity because they fear judgment and persecution for embracing their heritage or roots that differ from the dominant culture. They are afraid of being criticized and ostracized for not conforming to the majority culture's expectations. The individual is described as an "awol lover," indicating that they have disconnected themselves from their former life or situation. They are now living "undercover" to avoid being crucified or punished for their choices. This is all because they are ambitious and are proud of their culture, which makes them a target of suspicion and resentment.
The chorus talks about the pain that comes with moving forward as the world reacts and pushes back against progress. The world is crying and trying, yet it is still "chopping our tongues for a song." This implies that people's voices are being silenced, preventing them from expressing themselves and being heard. In other words, when someone is attacked for their ideals, it is like having their tongue cut out, and without their true voice, they are unable to share their story. The lines "Chop, chop, tongue, tongue, that's where we're from, that's what we always wore" provide a clear message about the act of censoring oneself to avoid backlash. The line "If I retell, that's where man fell when he put foot on floor" is a reflection on the idea that history repeats itself. When people are silenced, they go underground, hiding their identity and their truth, ultimately compromising themselves.
The second verse introduces the idea that the time has come to put an end to the oppressive actions of others. There is hope that change is possible, and the cool breeze wind is symbolic of something refreshing that can overcome negative influence. The line "The radiation burns segregation" illustrates the idea that the negative environment affects people and separates them. The leader evacuates because they no longer have the power to control or dictate to others. The final lines re-emphasize the message about censoring oneself and the harm that comes from not allowing oneself to be free and honest.
Line by Line Meaning
An awol lover flies undercover
A lover who has gone missing hides away so as to avoid persecution
Before she's crucified
Before she is attacked and punished for her actions or beliefs
'Cause her ambitions are their suspicions
Because her aspirations are perceived as questionable or threatening by others
Of different culture pride
Related to showing pride in a culture that is different from the norm
And the world is crying as we move along
Others are upset as we continue to progress or make changes in the world
And the world is trying as we move along
There are efforts to make improvements and overcome challenges as we move forward
But they're still chopping, our tongues for a song
Despite progress, there are still attempts to suppress our expression and voice
Yeah, yeah, yeah they're singing
The people who are suppressing us are doing so with a sense of pleasure or satisfaction
Chop, chop, tongue, tongue
Metaphor for the suppression of our expression or culture
That's where we're from
Our culture and identity are integral to who we are and where we came from
That's what we always wore
Our culture has been a part of us for a long time and is an essential part of our identity
If I retell, that's where man fell
Our history, and the struggles we have faced, are important parts of our culture and identity
When he put foot on floor
Refers to a time, likely in the past, when our culture or identity was first threatened or challenged
The cool breeze wind blows
A metaphor for change or progress that is refreshing and cleansing
Breaks cynic windows, time to obliviate
The changes or progress we are making are breaking down barriers and negative attitudes
The radiation burns segregation
The progress we are making is also removing divisions and segregation in society
Leader evacuates
Those who have been trying to suppress us are making an effort to leave or abandon their actions
Chop, chop man sin, that's where we've been
Our identity and culture have been seen as sinful or wrong by the world around us
That's what we're forced to buy
We have been forced to accept and conform to ways of thinking or living that are not true to our identity
We're killing lovers, sisters and brothers
Our suppression and forced conformity is causing harm and damage to those close to us
Then there's that question why
We are left wondering why we are being suppressed and forced to conform
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JAMISON ERNEST, JOHNNY PHILIPPIDIS, STEVEN SOCRATES DELOPOULOS
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