2) 108 was a short lived jazzy hip-hop project from California, built around rappers Encore and Grand The Visitor (of Homeliss Derelix) and composer Sedric Edwards. They released one LP entitled "Mission Infinite" in 1996.
Mission Infinite Lp has been reissued on NBN Records, released December 6, 2019
Serve And Defy
108 Lyrics
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The song "Serve And Defy" by 108 is a reflective and introspective piece about the reasons behind the choices the singer has made in their life. Through these lyrics, the singer attempts to express themselves and clarify their motives for serving and defying. The lyrics begin with the phrase "Serve and defy" as if it were a mission statement, a personal motto that the singer has followed throughout their life. They try to give themselves in these words, hoping that the listener will open up their heart to understand their reasoning.
The singer acknowledges that external factors, such as societal pressures and expectations, have the power to suffocate them. They reject those external costumes and instead reach deep inside themselves to truly understand what they stand for. They believe that they are not simply their physical body, but something much greater. The lyrics suggest that the singer's motivation for serving and defying comes from a desire to let a higher power shine through them. By choosing to serve and defy, they are fulfilling their true purpose and allowing their spiritual beliefs to guide their actions.
Overall, "Serve and Defy" is a song about seeking understanding and clarity in one's own motivations and beliefs, and following that path even when it goes against societal norms or expectations.
Line by Line Meaning
Serve and defy...
Attempting to express oneself through music and lyrics, clarifying the reasons for one's actions and beliefs.
Try to give myself in these words, try to express self in song, try to clarify all the reasons why.
Making an effort to convey oneself authentically through music and attempting to explain the underlying reasons and motivations for one's thoughts and actions.
Try to clarify why... what I said, why I said, why. Because I know that I know I, am not body.
Delving deep into the root of one's beliefs, motivations and actions, emphasizing that one's sense of self extends beyond physical presence and appearance.
Will you open up your heart to these words, try to clarify, try to amplify, I got to clarify why... what costume.
Inviting the listener to be receptive and open-minded towards the message being conveyed through the music, while emphasizing the need to explain and expand upon underlying reasons and motivations.
Externals will suffocate me. Don't give me your costume. I'll try to reach inside.
Rejecting the importance of external appearances and material possessions, and instead seeking to connect with the essence of oneself beyond these superficial aspects.
I got to clarify, I got to amplify all the reasons why I choose to serve and defy, I got to clarify, I got to amplify, why... what I said, why I said, why. Because I know that I know I, am not body.
Reiterating the need to further explain and elaborate on one's beliefs and motivations for choosing to serve and defy, while also emphasizing the importance of recognizing one's sense of self beyond physicality.
May He Shine through these words
Concluding the song with a hopeful prayer that the message being conveyed through the lyrics will inspire positive change and lead to greater enlightenment for both the artist and the listener.
Contributed by Dylan D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.