An extended list can be seen here: http://www.discogs.com/search?type=all&q=%3F%3F%3F
It is also the name that Winamp assigns to the band †‡† as it cannot handle the symbols that make up the band name.
Future Shock
??? Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Ooh, hoo
Hey, little sister
Where's your brother
See your mother
Standing on the soup line
Ain't got the strength
To be bothered
The almighty world
Hear me now
Whisper on
To weigh him down
We got to stop all men
From messing up the land
When won't we understand
This is our last and only chance
Everybody, it's a future shock
Future shock, future shock
Future shock, future shock
All worldly figures
Playing on niggers
Oh, see them passing
See how they're dancing
To the Superfly
Oh, ain't it wrong
When you don't know
Where we come from
Dancing in our youth
Dying at the truth
It ain't over
(Over, over, ain't over)
We got to stop all men
From messing up the land
When won't we understand
This is our last and only chance
Everybody, it's a future shock
Future shock, future shock
Future shock, future shock
The price of the beat
Higher than the dope in the street
Is it any wonder
For those with nothing to eat
We got to stop all men
From messing up the land
When won't we understand
This is our last and only chance
Everybody, it's a future shock
Future shock, future shock
Future shock, future shock
The song "Future Shock" by ???(Chic) is a powerful commentary on the state of the world and the urgent need to take action to prevent further destruction of our planet. The lyrics begin with a somber tone as the singer addresses a little sister, asking about her brother and mother who are standing on the soup line, highlighting the poverty and struggle that many people face. The singer then goes on to address the bigger issue of the destruction of the environment, beseeching the world to stop all men from messing up the land. The lyric "this is our last and only chance" is a bold statement that communicates the urgency of the situation and the need for immediate action.
The second verse addresses the issue of inequality, specifically the exploitation of African Americans by powerful figures. The singer highlights the wrongful actions of those who do not acknowledge the history of slavery and systemic racism. The lines "dancing in our youth, dying at the truth" powerfully sums up the injustice of the situation. The third verse brings the focus back to the environment, and the high price of the beat being more expensive than the cost of illegal drugs on the street is indicative of the misprioritization of resources that plagues us.
Overall, the lyrics of "Future Shock" communicate a sense of urgency and the need for action. They highlight the pressing issues facing our world and call for everyone to take responsibility for creating a better future.
Line by Line Meaning
Future shock
Being overwhelmed and shocked by the rapid changes and advancements of the future.
Ooh, hoo
Ad-libs with no intended meaning expressed.
Hey, little sister
Addressing a young woman as a means of grabbing attention.
Where's your brother
Inquiring about the location of another family member.
See your mother
Observing another family member present in the vicinity.
Standing on the soup line
Mother is lining up for government provided food assistance.
God bless your father
Offering a blessing of protection onto father.
Ain't got the strength
Father is physically incapable of handling a situation.
To be bothered
Father has no interest in addressing or challenging the issue at hand.
The almighty world
The powerful and dominant entity of the world at large.
Hear me now
Listen and pay attention to my words being spoken at this time.
Whisper on
The discussion or information being passed along and shared discreetly.
To weigh him down
The information being passed along has caused a burden upon another individual.
We got to stop all men
It is necessary for us to prevent all men from causing harm and devastation to the land.
From messing up the land
Ensuring that the land is not being tarnished or destroyed by manmade actions.
When won't we understand
Why are we unable to recognize and comprehend this important message?
This is our last and only chance
We need to take diligent and effective action now in order to avoid irreversible harm in the future.
Everybody, it's a future shock
Everyone is experiencing a sense of helplessness, confusion and anxiety because of the shock of the future.
All worldly figures
Individuals in the public spotlight with global influence.
Playing on niggers
Taking advantage of the vulnerability and disadvantage of minority groups.
Oh, see them passing
Watching as these figures move by and maintain their power and control.
See how they're dancing
Observe and learn from their actions and movements to maintain and expand their own influence.
To the Superfly
Referring to a popular blaxploitation film/movement with flashy and stylish visuals and themes.
Oh, ain't it wrong
Acknowledging and criticizing the injustice present in the world.
When you don't know
The lack of knowledge and awareness surrounding the situation.
Where we come from
The origin and history of certain individuals and groups of people.
Dancing in our youth
Partying and enjoying life during early adulthood.
Dying at the truth
Realizing the harsh reality and truth of the world/death as one grows older.
It ain't over
The fight and struggle is far from being finished or resolved.
(Over, over, ain't over)
Repeating the idea that the battle and pain will continue.
The price of the beat
The cost and influence of music and entertainment culture upon society.
Higher than the dope in the street
The impact of music is greater than that of addictive drugs on the streets.
Is it any wonder
Rhetorical question posed about the negative effects of society's current state.
For those with nothing to eat
People living in poverty and hunger are not in a position to improve their lives and make a change.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: CURTIS MAYFIELD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind