The band was formed in 1993 by Tony Nwachukwu and Charlie Dark. Charlie Dark was a part time journalist and DJ and had been approached by James Lavelle to produce and engineer tracks for his Mo Wax record label.
Their first release, Vibes, Scribes and Dusty 45's Ep, contained the down tempo classic Contemplating Jazz. Featuring the vocals of third member Roba El-Essawy, Attica Blues' sound contained the trademark trip-hop aspects like heavy beats, vocals and deep dark atmospheres. They released a follow up album, Blueprint.
Attica Blues were also often solicited for remixing and producing.
After the Mo Wax album Blueprint, they released a second album, Test,Don't Test on Sony Records.
Now You Know
Attica Blues Lyrics
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Wondering which way to go
As I look around I see I'm not alone on this side of mine,
Cause this time,
I know I'm doing nothing wrong
Should I bust a basic left?
Or go on straight ahead,
Cause this time there seems to be no other way
Now you know
Now you know
That what you have is all that I can give
Standing at the crossroads, wondering which way to go
Now I know,
Know what to do in this heart of mine,
Cause in this life,
Do you get a second chance?
It seems so obvious to me
So why can't you see?
It's up to you
I know what I need to do
Cause this time there really is no turning back
Now you know, now you know
That what you have is all that I can give
The song “Now You Know” by Attica Blues is a contemplative piece that reflects the struggle of making the right decision in life. The song opens with the singer standing at the crossroads, wondering which path to take. The metaphorical crossroads can symbolize the different choices in life and the confusion that comes with trying to make the best decision. The singer is not alone in their contemplation, hinting that other people might be facing similar challenges.
The singer questions whether to take a basic left or go straight ahead and let fate decide the path. The mention of the “Roman way” in the lyrics is probably a reference to the Roman roads, built to ensure efficient and effective travel throughout the empire. These roads represented a clear path that provided direction to those traveling. The singer is looking for clarity and direction too. They question whether there is another way because they are looking for different options to choose from.
The chorus “Now you know” is repeated throughout the song, and the line “what you have is all that I can give” suggests that the singer is limited in what they can do to help others make the right decision. The lyrics are straightforward and suggest that sometimes, a choice has to be made without regrets, and with the knowledge that we cannot control everything. The song's conclusion revolves around the notion that everyone has to make the most of their one chance in life, make the right choices, and live with their decisions.
Line by Line Meaning
Standing at the crossroads,
Feeling lost and uncertain about which path to take
Wondering which way to go
Feeling conflicted and unsure about what decision to make
As I look around I see I'm not alone on this side of mine,
Realizing that others are feeling the same way and facing similar decisions
Cause this time,
Recognizing that this moment is significant and different from past experiences
I know I'm doing nothing wrong
Feeling confident in the decision being made and not regretting it
Should I bust a basic left?
Considering taking an easy route or making a simple decision
Or go on straight ahead,
Considering taking a more direct approach, even if it's more difficult
And let that roman way decide fate through this path of mine,
Considering leaving the decision up to chance or outside forces
Cause this time there seems to be no other way
Feeling like there is only one option or choice available
Now you know
Acknowledging that someone else has gained understanding or insight
That what you have is all that I can give
Admitting limitations and expressing honesty or vulnerability
Now I know,
Expressing personal growth or enlightenment
Know what to do in this heart of mine,
Feeling clarity and understanding about what decision to make
Cause in this life,
Reflecting on the importance of the present moment and the impact it has on future experiences
Do you get a second chance?
Questioning the possibility of a do-over or second opportunity
It seems so obvious to me
Feeling like the answer or decision is clear and apparent
So why can't you see?
Expressing frustration or confusion about someone else's indecisiveness
It's up to you
Placing responsibility for decision-making on someone else
I know what I need to do
Expressing confidence in personal decision-making
Cause this time there really is no turning back
Recognizing that this decision has significant consequences and cannot be undone
Now you know, now you know
Reiterating and emphasizing the gained knowledge or understanding
That what you have is all that I can give
Acknowledging limitations and expressing honesty or vulnerability
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: TOM SNOW
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind