His mom asks him why doesn’t he keep “the family” together, she compares her relationship with Ian’s father, to what Ian reflects on the many times he has dissed his mom on previous tracks such as Junky and many others.
The track title “RZA” is a reference to the American rapper and producer RZA, the de facto leader of the Wu-Tang Clan. RZA produced most Wu-Tang Clan projects and solo efforts from band members, thus keeping the group together since 1992.
RZA
BROCKHAMPTON Lyrics
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I was talkin' to my mom the other day
And she was tryna give me advice about everything that's goin' on, some shit
And I get so lost in my motherfuckin' head, and I be thinkin'
I try to turn to some- try to turn to somethin' like
Few bars, let's hear me out, hear me out, hear me out, hear me out
It's like, yo, yo (yeah), yo, yo
More like RZA, B (come on, come on)
My mama asking me (woo)
"Ian why don't you keep the band together? (Woo)
I know it's hard, but keep the band together (come on)
Me and your dad were fighting, we stayed together (come on, come on)
Even once we split, we stayed together (woo, woo)
Be like your mom and keep the fam together"
All of the songs where I dissed my mom
Helped me help her stay in her home
Now I'm finna lose my home
So never diss where you come from
I've gotta keep the American flag
Texas where I'm from, got the drums in my bag
Bum-biti-bum-biti-bum-biti-bum
Bum-biti-bum-biti-bum-biti-bum
Mom, I'm feelin' new, my hate for you is through
The things that we went through, I wish that I could do
It all over again, be real all by myself
'Cause now I lost my friends, but I fuck with myself
This is what I do whenever I feel excited
This is for my people outside who ain't invited
This is what I do whenever I feel excited
I love it, I love it, I love it (yeah) (ooh, ooh, ooh)
I know I got to be
More like RZA, B
My mama asking me (woo)
"Ian why don't you keep the band together?" (Woo)
You know what's so funny, y'all on RCA right?
Yeah
As a, as a, I mean, as a major?
Yeah
That's what Wu was on
(Referring to the relationships we've encountered)
(I thought we agreed not to talk about those)
The lyrics of "RZA" by BROCKHAMPTON delve into a deeply personal conversation between the artist (Ian, who is also known as Kevin Abstract) and his mother. The song begins with Ian reflecting on a conversation he had with his mother, where she imparts wisdom and advice to him. He confesses that he often gets lost in his thoughts and struggles with various internal conflicts. In the midst of this introspection, he acknowledges the need to embody qualities akin to RZA, drawing inspiration from the influential figure in the music industry.
The lyrics also touch upon the theme of family dynamics and the importance of keeping the family together despite challenges and disagreements. Ian's mother urges him to maintain unity within his band, emphasizing the significance of staying united as a family unit. As Ian grapples with past conflicts and regrets, he realizes the value of familial bonds and reminisces about the sacrifices made by his parents to stay together despite hardships.
The song takes a poignant turn as Ian reflects on the impact of his music on his relationship with his mother. He acknowledges the role his art played in supporting his mother and helping her stay in her home. Despite facing the possibility of losing his own home, Ian recognizes the importance of respecting his roots and not forgetting where he comes from. Through introspective verses, he expresses a newfound sense of maturity and growth, letting go of past animosities and embracing self-reliance and self-acceptance.
In the concluding verses, Ian shifts focus to his artistry and the cathartic release he finds in creating music. He acknowledges his need for self-expression and validation, reaching out to those who might feel excluded or overlooked. With a sense of newfound clarity and self-assurance, Ian declares his love for the creative process and the community that supports him. The song encapsulates themes of introspection, familial ties, artistic evolution, and the resilience found in staying true to oneself amidst life's challenges.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Bruce G. Belland, Ciaran Mcdonald, Glen Larson, Ian Simpson, Romil Hemnani
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Natty
Thank you Ian, for everything you've done for the fans, BROCKHAMPTON forever.
Natty
@switches well I mean before TM came out it seemed like Kevin was bearing this alone and did this shit alone, so I thanked him for doing the TF album that's all. Without Ian there would be no BROCKHAMPTON.
innormal99
Natty da goat❤️
switches
thank brockhampton as a whole it wouldn’t be nothing without the rest of the band
swag
holy fuck natty!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Syd Ros3
Hey natty
CHOPS
I love this metaphor of us fans wanting the band together but them needing to separate and do their solo stuff, similar to when two parents get divorced despite them having a child together. I also think this works on the level of, they can and will achieve great things alone and it's not worth all of the hurt, even if its what the fans want. Finally, it all ties into the theme of THE FAMILY.
BH FOREVER, thank you Ian.
R
Thats great if they wrote a few songs about it, but the problem I have is they spent all this time UP TO THIS ALBUM saying all was well. They outright lied, and now im supposed to listen to an album to get the honest truth? Sounds like some "Be Sure To Drink More Ovaltine" bullshit to me. They could have put out this album explaining it all but given us at least a half truth, tell us yall had a falling out, it happens, thats life. But don't lie all this time and then ask me to go listen to your new album to get the truth, thats a disgusting tactic and I simply can't go alone with it. Maybe a better way of putting it is I'm too old to fall for such a trick anymore.
a r
@R did you listen to the album?, the album contains basically the answer to this,
It's a reflection of BH from the beginning to the end.
It's due to conflicts, kevin basically says that they don't even talk anymore,
There were arguments with Jabari and Dom,
The fallout of the Ameer the situation,
Greed, egoism, a lot of stuff,
Basically, listen to The Family
R
@CHOPS Yeah I'm not as fast to forgive when theyre still telling us everything is fine, when you dont break up a tour people have waited for years to see just to go release some solo albums. If they would just be open about what caused the end I'd give em a break, but I just can't knowing the only reason they quit was so some of them could attempt solo careers. I'm not even pretending I'd want to accept their answer, but "oh there was a dispute that couldnt be reconciled" and leaving it at that alone would be enough, as opposed to "nothing happened yall we swear"