Marathon
Alchemist feat. Dilated Peoples Lyrics

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Make-Make-Make-em-Make-em clap to this
To show our appreciation for your support
Make-Make-Make-em-Make-em clap to this
Thank you DJs

Dilated!
Clap your hands!
Clap your hands!

Clap your hands!
Clap your hands!
Clap your hands!
Clap your hands!

Yo, first up, I stay updated
Stay in the zone, and no question, stay "Dilated"
Understand, I exercise patience (right, right)
Respect my path, 'cause the road, these cats paved it (set it off)
Now that we've got that straight, it's time to move on
I don't train for sprints, I train for marathons
A long haul, we're built for this
It's proven, every year, more people cop our shit
The point I'm getting at, we're building an army
Couldn't thank 'em enough, for real, I feel strongly
Right now, we're parked in a comfortable spot
By 2004, we're out to own the whole lot (Out for the top!)
To settle for less, the short change
So we keep our heads with us, as there's more to gain
And with, war is pain, so we roll the dice
It's all for the love, but some pay the ultimate price (check it out y'all)

Yo, they go off when they go on
On and on, on and on (Evidence: Marathon)
Pace yourself so you can face yourself
Run hard, you really only race yourself
Yo, they go off when they go on
On and on, on and on (Evidence: Marathon)
But we don't run from shit, we run to it
Might run over your shit or run through it

I crack my own tooth, man, rap's a tool
Just to spit, crowns will leave your head wrapped with jewels
Respect that, even if you don't respect that
Label politics are just a minor setback
As long as we're willing and the heart is still in it
In the marathon, the artists will win it
Even though they want me to bite my tongue
Where I'm comin' from it's like "Fuck that, I'll still win it"
The long run separates the weak and strong one
Never underestimate how deep the songs run

Pace yourself so you can face yourself
Run hard, you really only race yourself, yo

Clap your hands, your hands you clap
Expansion Team rap then expand the map
With endurance, intellect, cardiovascular
Stamina, Rakaa's a party flow master like this!

Yo, they go off when they go on
On and on, on and on (Evidence: Marathon)
Pace yourself so you can face yourself
Run hard, you really only race yourself
Yo, they go off when they go on
On and on, on and on (Evidence: Marathon)
But we don't run from shit, we run to it
Might run over your shit or run through it

I'm like Axel when they kill Mike for the bearer bonds
Driven to fight, livin' in the marathon
Some can't carry on, they're tired or feel ill
But in the end, real soldiers are still will
Sometimes, it's just spectators and gladiators
Same party, next year, haters congratulate us
To Buddy Princess and Jalen, congratulations
This year, there's less funerals than graduations

Yo, pace myself, 'cause sagas continue
Standing ovations, Dilated blows up every venue
A new era, placed first, style pursuing
The shoe fits? (Wear it), it's based on you and
Your off beat DJ
Anything he play
Sounds like Babu pulled the plug with no delay
This homestretch
I've saved my last breath (breathing noise)
I push full throttle, no rest till nothing's left
It's the marathon

Yo, they go off when they go on
On and on, on and on (Evidence: Marathon)
Pace yourself so you can face yourself
Run hard, you really only race yourself
Yo, they go off when they go on
On and on, on and on (Evidence: Marathon)
But we don't run from shit, we run to it
Might run over your shit or run through it

Clap your hands
Clap your hands
Clap your hands
Clap your hands
Clap your hands
Clap your hands

Check it

Expansion Team forever
And the, Alchemist

Overall Meaning

The song "Marathon" by Alchemist featuring Dilated Peoples is an ode to their fans and supporters. The lyrics are about staying committed and focused on their music career, no matter the obstacles. Dilated Peoples start off the song with a call for applause and appreciation for their fans, specifically DJs who play their music in clubs. They then discuss their dedication to their craft, staying patient, and training for "marathons," or long-term successes rather than quick hits. The chorus emphasizes the importance of pacing one's self and focusing on individual progress, rather than racing against others. The final verse speaks of persevering through hardship and congratulations to those who succeed.

One interpretation of the song's title and theme is that music careers are like a marathon, rather than a sprint, and require consistent effort over a long period of time. The call for applause and support throughout the song reminds listeners of the importance of community and recognition in music.

Line by Line Meaning

Make-Make-Make-em-Make-em clap to this
To show our appreciation for your support

Make-Make-Make-em-Make-em clap to this
Thank you DJs

Clap your hands!

Yo, first up, I stay updated
I keep myself informed

Stay in the zone, and no question, stay "Dilated"
Stay focused on my craft and true to my identity

Understand, I exercise patience (right, right)
I am patient and persistent in pursuing my goals

Respect my path, 'cause the road, these cats paved it (set it off)
I value the efforts of those who came before me and helped pave the way

Now that we've got that straight, it's time to move on
Now that I've acknowledged the past, I'm ready to focus on the present and future

I don't train for sprints, I train for marathons
I focus on endurance and the long-term rather than short-term gains

A long haul, we're built for this
We are prepared and capable of handling the challenges that come with the long journey

It's proven, every year, more people cop our shit
Our music is gaining more and more popularity each year

The point I'm getting at, we're building an army
Our fan base is growing stronger and more dedicated

Couldn't thank 'em enough, for real, I feel strongly
I am grateful for our supporters and their impact on our success

Right now, we're parked in a comfortable spot
We are currently in a good and stable position

By 2004, we're out to own the whole lot (Out for the top!)
We have ambitious goals to become the best in the game

To settle for less, the short change
We refuse to accept anything less than our full potential

So we keep our heads with us, as there's more to gain
We maintain our focus and determination as there is still more we can achieve

And with, war is pain, so we roll the dice
We understand that the music industry can be a challenging and competitive field, but we are willing to take risks

It's all for the love, but some pay the ultimate price (check it out y'all)
We are motivated by our passion for music, but we are aware that pursuing a career in the industry can come at a cost

Yo, they go off when they go on
Our music gets the crowd going

On and on, on and on (Evidence: Marathon)
We keep going and going like a marathon

Pace yourself so you can face yourself
Take your time and focus on improving yourself

Run hard, you really only race yourself
The only competition is yourself, so push yourself to be the best you can be

But we don't run from shit, we run to it
We confront challenges directly and head-on

Might run over your shit or run through it
We are determined to succeed no matter what obstacles come our way

I crack my own tooth, man, rap's a tool
I am willing to make sacrifices and face challenges in pursuit of my passion for music

Just to spit, crowns will leave your head wrapped with jewels
Through music, I am able to accumulate wealth and success

Respect that, even if you don't respect that
Even if others do not understand or appreciate my music, I still value and respect my own work

Label politics are just a minor setback
I acknowledge the challenges that come with the music industry but do not let them discourage me from pursuing my goals

As long as we're willing and the heart is still in it
As long as we remain passionate and dedicated, we can overcome any obstacle

In the marathon, the artists will win it
Success in the music industry comes with dedication and perseverance

Even though they want me to bite my tongue
There may be pressure from others to stay silent or change my message, but I will not compromise my beliefs

Where I'm comin' from it's like "Fuck that, I'll still win it"
I am determined to succeed despite any challenges or obstacles that come my way

The long run separates the weak and strong one
Success in the industry comes with endurance and perseverance

Never underestimate how deep the songs run
Music has the power to resonate with people on a deep emotional level

Expansion Team rap then expand the map
Through our music and success, we are expanding our reach and impact

With endurance, intellect, cardiovascular
Success requires both physical and mental resilience

Stamina, Rakaa's a party flow master like this!
Rakaa has both the stamina and talent to succeed in the industry

But in the end, real soldiers are still will
The true survivors in the industry are those who remain dedicated no matter what

Sometimes, it's just spectators and gladiators
The industry can sometimes feel like a competition between fans and artists

Same party, next year, haters congratulate us
Critics and haters may eventually come around to appreciating our music and success

To Buddy Princess and Jalen, congratulations
Acknowledging and congratulating others for their achievements

This year, there's less funerals than graduations
Celebrating life and success rather than mourning death

Yo, pace myself, 'cause sagas continue
Being prepared and pacing oneself for the long journey ahead

Standing ovations, Dilated blows up every venue
Our music is well-received and celebrated by fans

A new era, placed first, style pursuing
We are setting a new standard for success in the industry

The shoe fits? (Wear it), it's based on you and
Success and style in the industry are a reflection of one's own talent and hard work

Your off beat DJ
Acknowledging the importance of DJs in the industry

Anything he play
Recognizing and respecting the DJ's role in shaping the music

Sounds like Babu pulled the plug with no delay
Acknowledging the skill and talent of DJ Babu

This homestretch
The final leg of the journey

I've saved my last breath (breathing noise)
Giving it your all and leaving nothing behind

I push full throttle, no rest till nothing's left
Giving it everything you've got until you can no longer go on

Clap your hands

Expansion Team forever
Acknowledging and celebrating the team and its success

And the, Alchemist
An acknowledgement of the producer Alchemist

Lyrics © Royalty Network
Written by: ALAN MAMAN, CHRISTOPHER OROC, MICHAEL PERRETTA, RAKAA TAYLOR, Fahd Azam, JEFFREY FORTSON

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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