His mother was an English literature professor from Jamaica. His father was a Ph.D. Marxist writer, active in the Zimbabwe War of Liberation and then a member of the government in Zimbabwe. In 1980, the family moved to Zimbabwe. After the death of Woods' father, they returned to the United States in 1989. Woods briefly attended Howard University before getting involved in New York City's hip-hop scene. He started making music in the late 1990s. He wrote his "first real rhyme" at a laundromat in Kennebunk, Maine in 1997.
Billy Woods released his debut solo album, Camouflage, on his record label Backwoodz Studioz in 2003. In 2012, he released History Will Absolve Me. In 2013, he released Dour Candy, which was entirely produced by Blockhead. In 2017, he released Known Unknowns. It was included on Rolling Stone's "15 Great Albums You Probably Didn't Hear in 2017" list. In 2019, he released a collaborative album with producer Kenny Segal, titled Hiding Places, and a solo album, Terror Management. 2020 brought Brass, a collaborative album with Moor Mother. Woods released Aethiopes and Church in 2022. On May 5th 2023 Woods released Maps , second collaborative album with producer Kenny Segal.
Hangman
Billy Woods Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Sharp-teethed new lovers suck me deep
Heart beat in my jugular
Snow capped peaks rugged Hindu Kush
A Sikh surrounded by thuggas
Chasing dragons on aluminum sheets
it's flying carpets out this motherfucker
I don't sleep, I hover outside myself
My shell, mechanical
People paralyzed by the lies they tell theyself
to make it manageable
I know the count right but I recount
on sleepless nights because it's tangible
Any day could be the day
they frogmarch you in manacles
Paper & Pencil
I wrote the verse like Hangman
No need to ask who sent you
It was always just a question of when
An ill wind in the trees, saplings bend
That bird in the hand, squeezed dead
Imma keep it real with you,
it's the things you can't undo
The past a black rubix cube
Time lapse, running in place like old cartoons
I'm old, I go in the booth like Cocoon
Rappers protege's get too big,
Drift out of orbit, rogue moons
I be the only one laughing in the room
Niggas unamused
I crack a smile at what you say is the truth
I be dead serious laughin in the stu
Dead ass, gas got em gaspin at the fumes
Doja pack with the tax, it's giving shrooms
Deathproof, the deathtrap goes vroom vroom
ADX Supermax, born again in a dead womb
Payback always inexact but I be squinting over measuring spoons
Before seeking revenge, dig two graves
gonna need one for you
One for them
One for you
One for them
One for you
One for them
Paper & Pencil
I wrote the verse like Hangman
No need to ask who sent you
It was always just a question of when
An ill wind in the trees, saplings bend
That bird in the hand, squeezed dead
The lyrics in Billy Woods's song "Hangman" depict a complex and introspective exploration of various themes and emotions. The opening lines, "Matisse without the colors, Sharp-teethed new lovers suck me deep, Heart beat in my jugular," convey a sense of desolation and vulnerability. The reference to Matisse without colors suggests a lack of vibrancy or vitality, possibly reflecting a sense of emptiness or detachment. The mention of sharp-teethed new lovers sucking the singer deep may allude to destructive relationships or experiences that consume and drain their energy. The heart beat in the jugular implies a constant proximity to danger or threat, symbolizing a heightened state of vulnerability and fear.
The following lines, "Snow capped peaks rugged Hindu Kush, A Sikh surrounded by thuggas, Chasing dragons on aluminum sheets, it's flying carpets out this motherfucker," evoke a juxtaposition of harsh realities and transcendent escapism. The Hindu Kush, a mountain range known for its rough terrain, and the image of a Sikh surrounded by thugs, suggest the presence of danger and hostility. Yet, the reference to chasing dragons on aluminum sheets and flying carpets introduces elements of fantasy and imagination. This combination of gritty reality and imaginative fantasy reflects a desire to escape the harshness of the world and find solace in dreams and illusions.
The rest of the lyrics further explore themes of self-awareness, the weight of past actions, and the concept of revenge. The lines, "I wrote the verse like Hangman, No need to ask who sent you, It was always just a question of when," imply a sense of inevitability and an understanding that consequences will eventually catch up with one's actions. The imagery of a black Rubik's cube and running in place like old cartoons conveys a feeling of stagnancy and being trapped in repetitive cycles. The references to revenge and the need for multiple graves underline the idea that seeking vengeance often leads to a cycle of destruction and ultimately harms both oneself and others.
Overall, "Hangman" delves into themes of existentialism, vulnerability, escapism, and the consequences of one's actions. It portrays a complex and introspective exploration of the human condition and the search for meaning amidst a chaotic world.
Line by Line Meaning
Matisse without the colors
I lack vibrancy and life, like a painting without its colors.
Sharp-teethed new lovers suck me deep
I am consumed and drained by passionate relationships with intense individuals.
Heart beat in my jugular
My emotions and vulnerability are exposed and at risk.
Snow capped peaks rugged Hindu Kush
I find myself in dangerous and challenging environments, much like the treacherous Hindu Kush mountain range.
A Sikh surrounded by thuggas
I, as a Sikh, find myself amidst a group of dangerous and violent individuals.
Chasing dragons on aluminum sheets
I am actively pursuing elusive and destructive pleasures on drug paraphernalia.
it's flying carpets out this motherfucker
I am experiencing surreal and fantastical situations, transcending reality.
I don't sleep, I hover outside myself
I am constantly in an introspective state, detached from my own existence.
watching my body survive
I observe my physical being enduring hardships and challenges.
My shell, mechanical
My external appearance and actions are robotic and devoid of true emotion.
People paralyzed by the lies they tell theyself
Individuals are immobilized by the falsehoods they convince themselves to believe.
to make it manageable
These lies are a coping mechanism to navigate through life's difficulties.
I know the count right but I recount
I am aware of the accurate tally, but I still double-check it on sleepless nights as a way to ground myself in reality.
on sleepless nights because it's tangible
During nights of insomnia, I seek reassurance in tangible facts and figures.
Any day could be the day
Every day holds the potential for significant and life-altering events.
they frogmarch you in manacles
Authorities may forcibly arrest and detain you, stripping away your freedom.
Paper & Pencil
I express myself through the medium of writing.
I wrote the verse like Hangman
I constructed the lyrics of this song in a similar fashion to the word-guessing game Hangman.
No need to ask who sent you
It is evident who influenced and guided your actions.
It was always just a question of when
It was never a matter of if, but rather a matter of when a certain event would occur.
An ill wind in the trees, saplings bend
A negative force or influence is causing instability and affecting young and fragile individuals.
That bird in the hand, squeezed dead
Opportunities and possibilities have been forcefully extinguished or destroyed.
Imma keep it real with you, it's the things you can't undo
I will be honest and straightforward with you, as there are certain actions and decisions that cannot be reversed.
The past a black rubix cube
The past is a complex and unsolvable puzzle, full of darkness and uncertainty.
Time lapse, running in place like old cartoons
Time seems to move quickly, yet it feels like no progress is being made, similar to the running in place animation commonly seen in old cartoons.
I'm old, I go in the booth like Cocoon
Despite my age and experience, I still enter the recording booth with the energy and creativity of a young artist.
Rappers protege's get too big, Drift out of orbit, rogue moons
Aspiring artists under my mentorship often become arrogant and lose their focus, drifting away from their original path like rebellious moons.
I be the only one laughing in the room
I find amusement and humor in situations where others may not.
Niggas unamused
Others are not amused or entertained.
I crack a smile at what you say is the truth
I sarcastically find humor in what others claim to be the absolute truth.
I be dead serious laughin in the stu
Despite my laughter, I am deeply serious and focused while in the recording studio.
Dead ass, gas got em gaspin at the fumes
My intense lyrics and delivery leave others in shock and awe, gasping for air.
Doja pack with the tax, it's giving shrooms
I possess a package of marijuana laced with a hallucinogenic substance, providing an unpredictable and mind-altering experience.
Deathproof, the deathtrap goes vroom vroom
I am invulnerable to death, maneuvering skillfully through dangerous situations.
ADX Supermax, born again in a dead womb
The ADX Supermax prison represents a rebirth in a lifeless and oppressive environment.
Payback always inexact but I be squinting over measuring spoons
Seeking revenge is never precise, but I cautiously evaluate and calculate the means to achieve it.
Before seeking revenge, dig two graves
It is important to consider the consequences before pursuing revenge, as both parties involved may suffer dire outcomes.
gonna need one for you
One grave will be necessary for the person I seek revenge upon.
One for them
Another grave will be required for those who oppose me or stand in my way.
One for you
Yet another grave will be necessary for the individual who initiated this cycle of revenge.
One for them
An additional grave will be needed for the people who support and enable the initial wrongdoer.
One for you
Finally, a final grave will be required for the person who becomes entangled in this web of revenge.
One for them
One more grave will be needed for any remaining individuals who contribute to this cycle of violence.
Paper & Pencil
Once again, I express myself through writing.
I wrote the verse like Hangman
Similar to the word-guessing game Hangman, I constructed this verse through a process of trial and error.
No need to ask who sent you
It is evident who influenced and guided your actions.
It was always just a question of when
It was never a matter of if, but rather a matter of when a certain event would occur.
An ill wind in the trees, saplings bend
A negative force or influence is causing instability and affecting young and fragile individuals.
That bird in the hand, squeezed dead
Opportunities and possibilities have been forcefully extinguished or destroyed.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: billy woods
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
x3i4n
Matisse without the colors
Sharp teeth, new lovers
Suck me deep, heart beat in my jugular
Snow-capped peaks, rugged
Hindu kush, hasids surrounded by thuggers
Chasing dragons on aluminum sheets
It's flying carpets out this motherfucker
I don't sleep, I hover outside myself, watching my body survive
My shell mechanical
People paralyzed by the lies they tell theyself to make it manageable
I know the count right, but I recount on sleepless nights because it's tangible
Will Rosales
That ominous trombone in the backround is haunting. Absolutely incredible
SupremeUnit
My favourite kind of beat for Woods to go over, sparse and almost apocalyptic
This and other songs like Keloid sound like they're heralding the End of Days
Albert Sain
holy shit this is amazing. how have i not heard of this guy before
KamiiiSama
Exact reaction when I heard him for the first time last yr stumbled upon him through Aesop Rock
x3i4n
Matisse without the colors
Sharp teeth, new lovers
Suck me deep, heart beat in my jugular
Snow-capped peaks, rugged
Hindu kush, hasids surrounded by thuggers
Chasing dragons on aluminum sheets
It's flying carpets out this motherfucker
I don't sleep, I hover outside myself, watching my body survive
My shell mechanical
People paralyzed by the lies they tell theyself to make it manageable
I know the count right, but I recount on sleepless nights because it's tangible
Frank Hammitt
best track on the album imo
Latrell Wilson
Year zero is insane as well
X Of X
@Latrell Wilson ironically year zero is the weakest link on the album to me
You Fall Into An Endless Sleep
@X Of X nah the weakest link is kenwood speakers
Heather Taylor
Man this is serpentine and darkly delicious. Fuckin fire. Never thought I'd like the trombone but here we are.