Make It
A Guy Called Gerald Feat. David Simpson Lyrics
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You owe it to yourself
Yeah
Where do I belong
Why do I sing this song
I'm feeling like a slave
Oh to the rhythm
You break it
Yeah
Got to know I'm...
Yeah
Got to know when to
Yeah you know that
Yes you know that
Where do I belong
Where do I belong
Where do I belong
Need a place where I can call my own
Where do I belong
Need a place where I can stand alone
Where do I belong
Where do I belong
Need a place where I can call my own
Why do I sing this song
Feeling like a slave to the rhythm
Land of hope and glory
Listen to my story
I make it you take you fake it
You break it
Got to know my place
Got to know my place
Need a place that I can call my own
Need a place where I can stand alone
Got to know my place
Got to know where to move
Where to run where to hide
Leave us all alone yeah
Leave us all alone
Need a place where I can call my own
Leave us all alone
Need a place where I can stand alone
Leave us all alone
"I Make It You Take It" by A Guy Called Gerald is a socially conscious song whose lyrics are replete with introspection, reflection, and a yearning for a sense of belonging. The song begins with a plea to the listener to take ownership of their life: "You owe it to yourself." The singer then poses a series of existential questions, "Where do I belong? Why do I sing this song?" These questions allude to the sense of alienation and the need for identity and a sense of place that is characteristic of many Black people, particularly in Western countries.
The song's chorus, "I make it you take it, you fake it, you break it," could be interpreted as a criticism of the appropriation of Black music and culture by white people. The lines "Feeling like a slave to the rhythm/Land of hope and glory/Listen to my story" could also be a reference to the historical oppression and exploitation of Black people. The singer then goes on to express the need for a place to call his own, a place where he can be himself, and the importance of knowing where he belongs. The song ends with an appeal for respect and a plea for the right to be left alone.
Overall, "I Make It You Take It" is a powerful and poignant statement on a theme that resonates with many Black people - the quest for identity, belonging, and autonomy in a society that often seeks to deny them.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh Oh
Introduction to the song
You owe it to yourself
You deserve to have your own space and identity
Yeah
Expression of agreement with the previous line
Where do I belong
Questioning one's place in the world
Why do I sing this song
Wondering about the purpose of this song
I'm feeling like a slave
Feeling trapped by expectations and obligations
Oh to the rhythm
Suggesting that the rhythm is the cause of feeling like a slave
I make it you take you fake it
Creating something original that others copy and imitate poorly
You break it
Others destroy or damage what was created
Yeah
Expression of acknowledgement
Got to know I'm...
Need to understand and accept oneself
Yeah you know that
Others should recognize that as well
Yes you know that
Reinforcing the idea that others should understand the singer
Where do I belong
Repeating the earlier question to emphasize its importance
Need a place where I can call my own
Desire for a personal space for the singer
Where do I belong
Repeating the question again to show its significance
Need a place where I can stand alone
Wanting to claim individuality and independence
Where do I belong
Once again, questioning one's place in the world
Feeling like a slave to the rhythm
Repeating the earlier idea that the rhythm is oppressing the singer
Land of hope and glory
Reference to the patriotic song, suggesting the artist's desire for a similar home and pride
Listen to my story
Asking for attention to the artist's experiences and struggles
Got to know my place
Emphasizing the importance of understanding oneself
Need a place that I can call my own
Repeating the earlier desire for personal space
Need a place where I can stand alone
Repeating the desire for independence
Got to know my place
Repeating emphasis on understanding oneself
Got to know where to move
Suggesting that finding one's place may involve a physical journey
Where to run where to hide
Asking for a safe and secure space
Leave us all alone yeah
Desire for privacy and solitude
Leave us all alone
Repeating the previous desire
Need a place where I can call my own
Final repeating of the desire for personal space
Leave us all alone
Final repeating of the desire for privacy
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: DAVID SIMPSON, GERALD SIMPSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind