The first single from B.o.B's second album is Strange Clouds. It features Lil Wayne and according to the Strange Clouds Songfacts, it "is 3 minutes 47 seconds of bass heavy bragging.". The song was released on October 3, 2011.
Apple Pie
B.o.B Lyrics
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Where a fighter jet is considered a better investment than a hospital
Or a tank is than a school
But I'm equally tired of being told that our solutions lie in
Bottles, rags, and broken glass because the violence of the past
Can never be washed away in fresher blood
Because for every single building that is burned down, another conformist is born
And they will never dare to question the system that holds them down
Did you see it? Did you hear it? Did you ask what was going on?
The cops shot another kid down the road - reports said he was unarmed, so they say
And after a joke of a trial, that motherfucker walked free
And there are too many people that already know this case that don't seem alarmed
Ok, now here's the really scary part - which case am I talking about?
Bet you don't know
If you say that you want change, then don't ask for the same damn thing
I never wanted to throw rocks, I just wanted the pendulum to swing
Back to a place and a time that I never thought was quite real
But still, I'm still starting to get nauseous from the swinging
Still, I'd rather die a bitter old man and cling to impossible dreams
I'm tired of making do with inbetweens
The lyrics to B.o.B's song "Apple Pie" convey a deep frustration with the state of society and the systemic issues that plague it. The opening lines express a dissatisfaction with the world where military investments are prioritized over healthcare and education. It criticizes the notion that the past violence can be resolved by resorting to further violence, highlighting the cycle of conformity and lack of critical thinking within the system.
The lyrics then shift to a specific incident of police violence where an unarmed kid is shot and the perpetrator walks free after a controversial trial. The song questions the lack of public outcry and the normalization of such cases. It challenges the listener's awareness and asks whether they are truly paying attention to the injustices happening around them.
The chorus emphasizes the need for real change and urges people not to settle for the same old rhetoric. The artist expresses a desire for the pendulum to swing back to a better time, even if it may have never been entirely real. The repeated reference to feeling nauseous from the swinging indicates a sense of disillusionment and weariness with the lack of progress. Despite the seemingly impossible nature of achieving true change, the artist asserts a willingness to hold on to their dreams and fight for a better future.
Overall, "Apple Pie" is a powerful critique of societal issues, highlighting the need for awareness, activism, and a break from the status quo.
Line by Line Meaning
Well, I don't wanna live in a world
I refuse to accept the current state of the world
Where a fighter jet is considered a better investment than a hospital
Where priorities are misplaced, valuing warfare over healthcare
Or a tank is than a school
Where resources are allocated more towards military power rather than education
But I'm equally tired of being told that our solutions lie in
But I am also exhausted from hearing that the answers to our problems
Bottles, rags, and broken glass because the violence of the past
Are found in acts of destruction and chaos, as remnants of historical violence
Can never be washed away in fresher blood
Can never be resolved by further bloodshed and conflict
Because for every single building that is burned down, another conformist is born
Since every act of rebellion only leads to the creation of a new follower
And they will never dare to question the system that holds them down
And these individuals will never have the courage to challenge the oppressive system
No, they won't
No, they will not
Did you see it? Did you hear it? Did you ask what was going on?
Did you witness the injustice? Did you pay attention? Did you inquire about the truth?
The cops shot another kid down the road - reports said he was unarmed, so they say
Law enforcement officers fatally injured another young person nearby - according to official accounts, the victim was not carrying a weapon, as they claim
And after a joke of a trial, that motherfucker walked free
And despite a ridiculously unfair legal process, that individual responsible for the shooting was acquitted
And there are too many people that already know this case that don't seem alarmed
Moreover, numerous individuals are aware of this incident and yet display a lack of concern
Ok, now here's the really scary part - which case am I talking about?
Now, here comes the truly frightening aspect - can you identify which specific incident I am referring to?
Bet you don't know
I bet you are unaware
If you say that you want change, then don't ask for the same damn thing
If you claim to desire change, do not insist on maintaining the status quo
I never wanted to throw rocks, I just wanted the pendulum to swing
I did not seek to incite violence, I simply desired a shift in the balance of power
Back to a place and a time that I never thought was quite real
Returning to a past era that I perceived as somewhat ideal, although perhaps illusory
But still, I'm still starting to get nauseous from the swinging
Nevertheless, this constant oscillation is beginning to make me feel sick
Still, I'd rather die a bitter old man and cling to impossible dreams
Despite this, I would rather perish as a resentful elder holding onto unattainable aspirations
I'm tired of making do with inbetweens
I am weary of settling for compromises and mediocrity
Lyrics © DistroKid
Written by: Taylor Lanham
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind