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.
Lambs
Billy Woods Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Secretly sip off the bottle, she slipped off
I followed
Don't look gift horses in the mouth
Check if they're hollow ain't wrote shit
Don't ask about it outside Plaza del Mercado
Fuck outta here shotgun on first
I ran the wishbone with a smirk pussy so
Gauntlet in Bensonhurst that's that thirst
'97 mentality, we was smokin' dirt
She hiked up her skirt
Pulled the panties to one side
Her moms was at church
Hit it raw, she wasn't shy
Sometimes wonder how we survived
Seems like another life, so alive, so trife
Her eyes alight, tyger burning bright
Who dares!
In Billy Woods's song "Lambs," the lyrics depict a vivid and complex narrative that explores various themes and emotions. The line "Great American novel ship in a bottle" could symbolize the singer's attempt to encapsulate a grand and meaningful narrative within a confined and limited space. This could suggest a sense of frustration or impossibility in trying to capture the essence of a vast and diverse nation within the constraints of a singular perspective.
The subsequent line "Secretly sip off the bottle, she slipped off, I followed" introduces a sense of secrecy and rebellion. It could imply the singer's desire to escape societal expectations or norms, choosing to indulge in forbidden pleasures and follow his own path instead of conforming to expectations.
The line "Don't look gift horses in the mouth, check if they're hollow ain't wrote shit" refers to the cautionary advice of not being too critical of opportunities or gifts that present themselves. The singer warns against instantly dismissing something without investigating its true nature, suggesting that there may be hidden value even in seemingly insignificant or shallow offerings. However, the singer also acknowledges their own lack of notable accomplishments, perhaps indicating a degree of self-doubt or questioning of their own creative output.
The reference to "Plaza del Mercado" and "shotgun on first" may allude to specific locations or experiences that hold personal significance to the singer. The lyrics touch on a mix of nostalgia, pride, and resilience through references to the past, such as the "97 mentality" and "smoking dirt." These moments, while potentially challenging or gritty, are presented as integral parts of the singer's existence and formative experiences.
The line "Her eyes alight, tyger burning bright, who dares!" draws upon the imagery of William Blake's poem "The Tyger." This reference suggests a sense of danger, intensity, and the presence of an unpredictable force. It conveys a powerful and enigmatic energy that ties into the overall atmosphere of the song.
Line by Line Meaning
Great American novel ship in a bottle
Trying to encapsulate the complexities of American society and history in a small, confined space.
Secretly sip off the bottle, she slipped off
Taking small, hidden sips from the bottle without anyone noticing, she quietly left the scene.
I followed
I pursued her, unwilling to let her go.
Don't look gift horses in the mouth
Don't scrutinize or question the value of something that is given to you as a gift.
Check if they're hollow ain't wrote shit
Examine if they lack substance, indicating that they haven't achieved anything noteworthy.
Don't ask about it outside Plaza del Mercado
Avoid discussing certain matters outside of a specific location, as if they should remain confidential or private.
Fuck outta here shotgun on first
Leave this place immediately, showing dominance and assertiveness from the beginning.
I ran the wishbone with a smirk pussy so (uhhh) it was worth the
I confidently controlled the situation, making a sly comment about my partner's worth, indicating that my actions were justified.
Gauntlet in Bensonhurst that's that thirst
Facing a difficult challenge or test of endurance in a specific location, emphasizing the desire and determination to overcome it.
'97 mentality, we was smokin' dirt
Adopting a mindset or attitude from the year 1997, when we were engaging in risky and potentially harmful behaviors.
She hiked up her skirt
She pulled up her skirt, revealing more of her body.
Pulled the panties to one side
Moving her underwear to the side, suggesting a willingness to engage in sexual activity.
Her moms was at church
Her mother was attending a religious service.
Hit it raw, she wasn't shy
Engaging in sexual intercourse without using protection, indicating a lack of hesitation or inhibition.
Sometimes wonder how we survived
Occasionally reflect on the fact that we managed to endure and overcome difficult or dangerous situations.
Seems like another life, so alive, so trife
Recalling the past as if it belonged to a different version of ourselves, full of vitality and yet filled with hardships.
Her eyes alight, tyger burning bright
Her eyes were radiant and intense, resembling a fiery and powerful tiger.
Who dares!
A bold challenge or questioning of who possesses the courage or audacity to confront or oppose.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind