Box
Asian Dub Foundation Lyrics


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See me, hear me
But still you try to box me in
You think you know my mind by the colour of my skin
See me, hear me
But still you try to box me in
You think you know my mind by the colour of my skin

ADF back with a lyrical death threat
With you ignorant attitudes what the fuck did you expect?
We'll mash up your stereo with a typical body blow
Asian distortion
Better tread it with caution
Better treat it with caution ...
Eyes permanently closed
You tell me everything's alright
Chemical escape
You're desensitised
Sitting cross-legged with your joss sticks and your flutes
Just taking and faking what's easy:
No respect for our roots

See me , hear me
But still you try to box me in
You think you know my mind be the colour of my skin

ADF back with a lyrical death threat
With you ignorant attitudes what the fuck did you expect?
We'll mash up your stereo with a typical body blow
Asian distortion
Better tread it with caution
Better treat it with caution ...

Many noises and voices
And messages in the blender
Yes I speak out to many
'Cos it's a bigger agenda
But preach to the converted is what you say we do
Show them to me man
I don't see them, do you ? ....

Everbody talking man
they're now talking about
say it's the junglistic sound
that is coming around
And if you choosa di sound
And a fuse a it down
From top to bottom create your own obsession
Master Deeder- that is my name
And I'm kicking all the way
all the way for the fame
We four brothers- one of a kind
Like no other you will find

Millitant scientists
Yes, that's what we are
No we're never gonna be laid back
Too busy dodging your attack
ADF here to kick your arse again
We'll give you bass in your face
And we're gonna offend
Peace !

See me, hear me
But still you try to box me in
You think you know my mind by the colour of my skin
See me, hear me
But still you try to box me in
You think you know my mind by the colour of my skin

ADF back with a lyrical death threat
With you ignorant attitudes what the fuck did you expect?
We'll mash up your stereo with a typical body blow
Asian distortion
Better tread it with caution
Better treat it with caution ...

See me, hear me
But still you try to box me in
You think you know my mind by the colour of my skin
See me, hear me




But still you try to box me in
You think you know my mind by the colour of my skin ....

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Asian Dub Foundation's song "Box" address issues of stereotyping, racism, and cultural appropriation. The repeated phrase "See me, hear me, but still you try to box me in" highlights the frustrating experience of being misunderstood and reduced to one's race or ethnicity. The lyrics call out those who make assumptions about others based solely on the color of their skin, condemning them as ignorant and warning them to tread with caution. By using the phrase "Asian distortion," the song also plays with the idea of cultural appropriation, emphasizing the importance of respecting the roots of musical movements.


The lyrics also touch on themes of escapism and desensitization, suggesting that some people use music and other forms of entertainment to detach from the struggles and issues of others. The line "sitting cross-legged with your joss sticks and your flutes, just taking and faking what's easy, no respect for our roots" calls out those who superficially engage with other cultures without truly understanding or valuing their traditions.


Overall, the lyrics of "Box" empower those who have been marginalized and stereotyped, calling for respect, understanding, and authentic engagement between cultural groups.


Line by Line Meaning

See me, hear me
Acknowledging the singer's presence and importance.


But still you try to box me in
Despite acknowledging their importance, the listener tries to pigeonhole the singer.


You think you know my mind by the colour of my skin
The listener assumes they know everything about the singer based solely on their skin color.


ADF back with a lyrical death threat
The band is warning their critics that their music is powerful and can provoke strong reactions.


With you ignorant attitudes what the fuck did you expect?
The band is frustrated that their critics are close-minded and surprised that their music elicits a strong response.


We'll mash up your stereo with a typical body blow
The band's music is powerful and can shake up the listener's world.


Asian distortion
The band's music uses distortion and other unconventional sounds to create a unique Asian sound.


Better tread it with caution
The band is warning their listeners to approach their music with an open mind and to be prepared for something new.


Eyes permanently closed
The listener is in denial and refuses to acknowledge the issues that the band is bringing to light.


You tell me everything's alright
The listener has a superficial understanding of the world and ignores the problems around them.


Chemical escape
The listener uses drugs or other vices to avoid facing reality.


You're desensitised
The listener has become numb to the problems of the world and no longer cares about making a difference.


Sitting cross-legged with your joss sticks and your flutes
The listener is engaging in cultural appropriation by using Asian symbols and instruments without understanding their significance.


Just taking and faking what's easy: No respect for our roots
The listener is not taking the time to understand and respect Asian culture, but rather appropriating their symbols and traditions for aesthetic purposes.


Many noises and voices and messages in the blender
There are many different ideas and perspectives being expressed in the band's music.


Yes I speak out to many 'Cos it's a bigger agenda
The band's music is part of a larger movement to promote social justice and equality.


But preach to the converted is what you say we do
Some people think that the band is only preaching to those who already agree with them, rather than reaching out to new audiences.


Show them to me man I don't see them, do you ?
The band challenges their critics to name specific examples of how they are only preaching to their own converted audience.


Everbody talking man they're now talking about
The band's music is becoming more widely recognized and talked about.


say it's the junglistic sound that is coming around
The band's music is seen as part of the jungle genre, which is gaining popularity.


And if you choosa di sound And a fuse a it down
The band challenges their audience to select their music and embrace it.


From top to bottom create your own obsession
The band encourages their listeners to make their music a central part of their identity and belief system.


Master Deeder- that is my name And I'm kicking all the way all the way for the fame
The band and its members are proud of their music and are willing to do what it takes to succeed and gain recognition.


We four brothers- one of a kind Like no other you will find
The band's members are all unique and have different perspectives, but they come together to create something truly special.


Millitant scientists Yes, that's what we are
The band sees themselves as a group of science-driven activists, working hard to promote equality and social justice.


No we're never gonna be laid back Too busy dodging your attack
The band is always on the offensive, fighting against those who seek to undermine their work and message.


ADF here to kick your arse again We'll give you bass in your face And we're gonna offend
The band is confident that their music can make a difference and push back against the status quo, even if it means offending some people along the way.


Peace !
The band wishes for peace and equality for all people.




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: RAYMOND STEPHEN CRAWFORD, ANIRUDDHA DAS, JOHN PANDIT, STEVEN SAVALE, SANJAY TAILOR, SAIDULLAH ZAMAN

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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