Ready or Not
030 - Fugees Lyrics

Ready or not, here I come, you can't hide
I am coming for you, and there is no escaping me

Gonna find you and take it slowly
Once I find you, I will take things slow and deliberate

Now that I escape, sleepwalker awake
I have managed to escape from my past, and am now wide awake

Those who could relate know the world ain't cake
Those who truly understand how things work know that life is not easy

Jail bars ain't golden gates
Being imprisoned is not glamorous or desirable

Those who fake, they break
People who pretend to be something they are not will eventually fail

If I could rule the world (if I ruled the world)
In an ideal world, I would be in charge

Everyone would have a gun in the ghetto of course
In areas of poverty and crime, everyone would be allowed to have a gun for self defense

When giddyuping on their horse (giddyup)
When riding their horses, they would be energetic and enthusiastic

I kick a rhyme drinking moonshine
I am a skilled rapper, and enjoy drinking moonshine while I do it

I pour a sip on the concrete, for the deceased
I pour out a drink to honor those who have passed away

But no don't weep, Wyclef's in a state of sleep
Don't feel sad, as Wyclef is currently asleep and at peace

Thinking 'bout the robbery that I did last week
Reflecting on a recent criminal act I committed

Money in the bag, banker looked like a drag
I successfully robbed a bank, and the banker looked unimpressive

I wanna play with pelicans from here to Baghdad
I desire an adventurous and exciting life, from small pleasures to grand experiences

Gun blast, think fast, I think I'm hit
A sudden, intense moment of violence has occurred, and I am unsure if I am injured

My girl pinched my hips to see if I still exist
My girlfriend seeks reassurance that I am still alive and present

I think not, I'll send a letter to my friends
I realize I am dying, and plan to say goodbye to my loved ones by sending them a message

A Born Again hooligan only to be king again
I am a reformed criminal, but still seek power and influence

Yo, I play my enemies like a game of chess, where I rest
I strategically manipulate my opponents, even when I am taking a break

No stress, if you don't smoke sess, lest
I have no worries, but if you don't smoke marijuana, beware

I must confess, my destiny's manifest
I admit that my fate is predetermined

In some Goretex and sweats I make treks like I'm homeless
In comfortable clothing, I travel long distances as if I were homeless

Rap orgies with Porgy and Bess
I engage in wild and uninhibited rap contests

Capture your bounty like Elliot Ness, yes
I am skillful at catching people and reaping rewards, like famous lawman Elliot Ness

Bless you if you represent the Fu
I admire and respect those who represent the Fugees (the musical group)

But I'll hex you with some witch's brew
I will curse and harm those who oppose me, using mystical means

If you're doo-doo, voodoo
If you are terrible, I will punish you with magic

I can do what you do, easy, believe me
I am confident in my abilities and can easily match or surpass those of my opponents

Fronting niggas give me hee-bee-gee-bees
Fake and insincere people make me uncomfortable and nervous

So while you're imitating Al Capone, I'll be Nina Simone
While you strive to be a feared gangster, I will be a talented musician and artist

And defecating on your microphone
I am so superior to my opponents that I metaphorically defecate on their microphones (their means of expression)

You can't run away
No matter how hard you try, you cannot escape

From these styles I got, oh baby, hey baby
My musical abilities and talents are too strong for you

Cause I got a lot, oh yeah
I have a wealth of talent and creativity

And anywhere you go (ooh)
No matter where you try to go to get away from me

My whole crew's gonna know baby, hey baby
My entire team will always be aware of your every move

You can't hide from the block, oh no
There is no hiding from the neighborhood or community I come from

Refugees taking over (ready or not)
We, the refugees, are taking control and making our presence known

The Buffalo Soldier, dreadlock Rasta
I am a strong, capable and proud person of color and culture

On the twelfth hour, fly by in my bomber
At midnight, I will speed by in my powerful, intimidating vehicle

Crews run for cover, now they're under pushing up flowers
My opponents are now running scared or have fallen to their deaths

Superfly true lies, do or die (he's super fly)
I am confidently crafty and capable, even in the face of danger and threat

Toss me high, only puff lye
I am only interested in the most enjoyable and potent forms of entertainment and intoxication

With my crew from lakay
Along with my friends and colleagues from my hometown

I refugee from Guantanamo Bay
I am a survivor and escapee from the infamous detention center

Dance around the border like I'm Cassius Clay (yessir, yo)
I navigate around boundaries and limitations with the skill and finesse of a legendary boxer

Whoa, yeah, c'mon
Encouraging participation and excitement