A few years later, Aloe would “stow away” on a Lootpack European tour and become fast friends with Oh No – a relationship which led to many fruitful collaborations as a solo artist.
These days, Aloe Blacc has evolved into a true Renaissance man – dubbed “the indie R. Kelly” by online retailer Turntable Lab. Recordings like his Latin cover of John Legend’s “Ordinary People” prove that – not only can this multi-instrumentalist produce, rap and sing – but he can flip it in Spanish, too. With an amazingly broad set of influences ranging widely from the acoustic guitar stylings of folk artist Cat Stevens, to the soul-stirring sounds of the Negro Spirituals, Aloe prides himself on the spectrum of his musical roots. His sound often forays into the digital R&B realm, but always grooves with a tinge of Latin and the pulse of hip-hop.
Politician
Aloe Blacc Lyrics
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Hungry wolves, dressed like sheep
They shake our hands, slap our backs
I don't know why, they do us like that
Now what I'm saying, is things ain't right
These conditions, ain't no good for life
Who's decision is it anyway, yours or mine
Pushing poison, to our children
Still promoting, class division
We are starving, but you grow fat
I don't know why, they do us like that
Now what I'm saying, is things ain't right
These conditions, ain't no good for life
Who's decision is it anyway, yours or mine
One day, we're gonna open up
And do what we got to do, yeah
But the revolution will not be televised
And we put the script on you
This free country, is not so free
Ain't no hope, for you and me
From the power hungry, money fiends
Putting the world, behind the scene
Now what I'm saying, is things ain't right
These conditions, ain't no good for life
Who's decision is it anyway, yours or mine
The lyrics of Aloe Blacc's song "Politician" reflect the artist's frustrations with corrupt politicians who make false promises and appear to serve their own interests rather than those of the public. Blacc compares these politicians to "hungry wolves, dressed like sheep," insinuating that they pretend to be something they are not in order to deceive people. Additionally, he notes that they push poison onto children and promote class division, while they themselves continue to grow richer and fatter.
Blacc highlights the fact that the people are suffering under these conditions, but it is unclear whose decision it is to allow it to continue. He implies that both the politicians and the people are to blame for tolerating the corruption, but that things need to change. He asserts that "the revolution will not be televised," meaning that meaningful change will only come through direct action, rather than through mainstream media outlets.
The song's message is one of frustration and a call to action, urging people to take responsibility for changing their circumstances. It highlights the reality of corruption and the ways in which politicians exploit the public for their own purposes, using their power to maintain the status quo. By drawing attention to these issues, Blacc encourages his audience to take a stand and fight for their rights.
Line by Line Meaning
Making promises, you can't keep
Politicians make promises they know they can't fulfill.
Hungry wolves, dressed like sheep
Politicians disguise their true intentions and prey on the vulnerable.
They shake our hands, slap our backs
Politicians are disingenuous and pretend to be friendly while working against our best interests.
I don't know why, they do us like that
The singer is frustrated and confused about why politicians act the way they do.
Now what I'm saying, is things ain't right
The singer is expressing his dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs.
These conditions, ain't no good for life
The singer believes that the current situation is unsustainable and harmful to society.
Who's decision is it anyway, yours or mine
The singer questions who is really in control of the government and policy decisions.
Pushing poison, to our children
Politicians allow harmful substances to be marketed and sold to children.
Still promoting, class division
Politicians perpetuate and benefit from societal inequalities.
We are starving, but you grow fat
Politicians enrich themselves while their constituents suffer.
One day, we're gonna open up
The singer is hopeful for change and revolution.
And do what we got to do, yeah
People must take action to demand change.
But the revolution will not be televised
The media will not cover or support radical action.
And we put the script on you
People will take control and write their own story, rather than following the narrative set by politicians and the media.
This free country, is not so free
The singer critiques the illusion of freedom in the country.
Ain't no hope, for you and me
The singer feels hopeless and helpless in the current system.
From the power hungry, money fiends
Politicians are motivated by greed and a desire for power.
Putting the world, behind the scene
Politicians operate behind the scenes, making decisions that affect the world without consulting or considering the public's opinion.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: LEON MICHELS, LUKE O'MALLEY, JEFF SILVERMAN, ALOE BLACC, NICHOLAS MOVSHON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
marcomediaman
Fantastic track, Inspires me to try and write such incredible, powerful and emotive music, what an antidote to the pop idol nonsense, thank you Aloe Blacc, wow!!!
aramdosuzman
I don't know who you could possibly collaborate with to sound better than you already do. Like I want you to do a collaboration but you'll outshine anyone. You're great
JvdWautomotive
Why would you dislike this, even if this is not your taste, it still is good music made by people with a passion for what they do, isn't that what's most important in music?
PoetGerri
Soulful, magical like music is meant to be.
HunteronX
Brilliant. True music, straight from the vocal chords.
haropan
wow!! Quetzal and Aloe Blacc, two of the finest LA has to offer together, doesn't get better than that!!
TonySpontani
just put on the headphones and get goosebumps. after the fifteenth replay, you can consider whether you want to hear something else by Aloe Blacc
MrTheStoink
you got all my respect dude :) taking something old and putting a new generation:)
MusicalPassion
I need this song in my life at all times. Is there a single version of this, or was this done solely for the session? I notice there are single versions of the original, but I would really like a copy of this version in the studio session.
Aicha Baakili
wonderful... caressing the mind and the soul... thank you...