Strawman
Billy Woods Lyrics


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Show was a Bar & Lounge
Root canal, false crown
Roll through dust bowl town, windows down
True Grit, water for ground
So woke, still got a chew stick
Good Hair Party was True Whig
Didn't see any faces, darkies was too quick
Susan Smith swimming out the whip
Endless pools, Australian Rules
Genghis Wept, summer so cruel
Secrets kept, carried like drug mules
Gave everything, needle still ain't move
Pray to your gods or curse them
Buildings with grand, chipped, facades
Lefty so the grip was odd
Came up on the car feeling like Ahmadinejad

The walls talk, don't make it last
All's lost, won't make it back
You're fading fast into darkness
Responses, darkness, locked and ready
Responses are heartless
But ya locked and ready
But ya locked and ready
The walls talk, don't make it last
All's lost, won't make it back
You're fading fast into darkness
Responses, darkness, locked and ready
Responses are heartless
But ya locked and ready
But ya locked and ready

I'm a strawman argument
I'm a posthumous pardon
A dusty box of video game cartridges
Sitting in an empty apartment
Sparking like the wiring in a black church
Arson sky darken with black birds

Skies black as the iris you can divide it
Information or silence
None the wiser, come to find
That'll be ya pitfall
Better pull that ripcord it's all gusto
There's only few people I could trust
And trust you're all gusto
Trust, it's all gusto like I'm supposed to
I'm supposed to be well I suppose
Supposedly i'm not supposed to
I'm not supposed to be
Yet never let it take control i'm told

Ponder the lobster in a pot of warming water
Silver Elantra, marijuana sauna
Telling the woman about how there's
No dogs in Rwanda
Stingers to Unita, coca paste to Contras
Gravediggin' fittin' to build me a monster
Lean sippin' slipping in and out of vision
Still steer the Oldsmobile game like Brazil
He wouldn't be proud but I'm being real
Live at the BBQ, Pernil on the grill
Sore losers detailing how they feel
Winners quick to run off the
Field like count it
Violate airspace, I'm a down it
Street teams of 90's heads
Running around frowning
Do a DVD talking wise outside
Your former public housing

I'm supposed to i'm supposed to be
Well I suppose supposedly
I'm not supposed to i'm not supposed to be
Yet never let it take control i'm told that
I'm supposed to i'm supposed to be
Well I suppose supposedly
I'm not supposed to i'm not supposed to be
Yet never let it take control i'm told

The walls talk, don't make it last
All's lost, won't make it back
You're fading fast into darkness
Responses, darkness, locked and ready
(it's all gusto) responses are heartless




But ya locked and ready (it's all gusto)
But ya locked and ready (it's all gusto)

Overall Meaning

In the song "Strawman," Billy Woods reflects on various aspects of society and personal experiences through his vivid and often unconventional lyrics. The opening lines reference a bar and lounge called Show, where he juxtaposes the mundane experience of a root canal with the imagery of a false crown. This imagery extends to the next lines, as he talks about driving through a dust bowl town with windows down, evoking a sense of desolation and isolation. The line "True Grit, water for ground" could be seen as a play on words, referencing the novel and film True Grit, while also implying a lack of resources or support in the environment.


The lyrics further delve into complex themes, touching on racial issues and historical references. The line "Didn't see any faces, darkies was too quick" suggests a lack of visibility or understanding of the experiences of Black people. The mention of Susan Smith swimming out of the whip alludes to a notorious case where a white woman falsely claimed her children were kidnapped by a Black man. This highlights how racial biases can shape societal perceptions and narratives.


The chorus delves into a sense of desperation and darkness, with the walls talking and the feeling of being locked and ready for something unknown. The lyrics explore themes of loss, fading, and the heartlessness of responses in a harsh and unforgiving world.


Overall, "Strawman" is a lyrically dense song that touches on a range of social and personal reflections, using vivid imagery and cultural references to convey a sense of alienation, racial tension, and personal struggle.


Line by Line Meaning

Show was a Bar & Lounge
The atmosphere at the show was like a dimly lit bar and lounge.


Root canal, false crown
Feeling a sense of pain and deceit, like a botched dental procedure.


Roll through dust bowl town, windows down
Driving through a rundown town filled with poverty and despair.


True Grit, water for ground
Facing challenges head-on, even when there's little support or resources available.


So woke, still got a chew stick
Despite being aware of social injustices, there's a lingering sense of powerlessness.


Good Hair Party was True Whig
A gathering where people with certain appearances were favored, reminiscent of discriminatory ideologies.


Didn't see any faces, darkies was too quick
Unable to recognize or acknowledge the diverse faces and experiences of marginalized individuals.


Susan Smith swimming out the whip
Referencing a notorious criminal case, symbolizing the escape from responsibility or consequence.


Endless pools, Australian Rules
Unending cycles of conformity and control, reflecting a system that devalues uniqueness and favors traditional norms.


Genghis Wept, summer so cruel
The harsh realities of life and history, leaving a trail of pain and suffering.


Secrets kept, carried like drug mules
Holding onto hidden truths and burdens, likened to the secrecy surrounding illicit activities.


Gave everything, needle still ain't move
Putting in great effort and sacrifice, yet seeing little progress or change.


Pray to your gods or curse them
Questioning one's faith or beliefs, whether seeking solace or expressing frustration.


Buildings with grand, chipped, facades
Appearances can be deceiving, as even impressive structures may have flaws or hidden problems.


Lefty so the grip was odd
Approaching situations unconventionally or with a different perspective, leading to a sense of unfamiliarity or discomfort.


Came up on the car feeling like Ahmadinejad
Ascending in success or influence, experiencing a newfound sense of power or authority.


I'm a strawman argument
Treated as a weak or exaggerated representation of an argument or viewpoint.


I'm a posthumous pardon
Like a forgiveness or absolution given after one's death, feeling a lack of recognition or validation.


A dusty box of video game cartridges
Holding onto forgotten or obsolete forms of entertainment, symbolizing a sense of nostalgia or longing for the past.


Sitting in an empty apartment
Feeling alone and isolated in a space devoid of life or warmth.


Sparking like the wiring in a black church
Igniting emotions or controversy in a place of worship, highlighting the tension between religious institutions and social issues.


Arson sky darken with black birds
A sky engulfed in flames and chaos, with ominous signs of impending destruction.


Skies black as the iris you can divide it
The darkness and division in society can be seen clearly, like the distinct coloration of an eye's iris.


Information or silence
Choosing between being knowledgeable about worldly affairs or keeping quiet and ignorant.


None the wiser, come to find
Remaining unaware or clueless, even when seeking understanding.


That'll be ya pitfall
It will be the downfall or failure of one's actions or decisions.


Better pull that ripcord it's all gusto
Might as well retreat or escape from a situation, as courage and bravado may not lead to success.


There's only few people I could trust
Having limited trust in others, given the untrustworthiness or unreliability observed.


And trust you're all gusto
Putting faith in others, hoping they possess genuine determination and sincerity.


Trust, it's all gusto like I'm supposed to
Believing that trust is solely based on outward appearance and societal expectations, as one should.


I'm supposed to be well I suppose
Society expects certain behavior or attributes from me, even though I may not fully understand why.


Supposedly i'm not supposed to
Allegedly, I am not meant to act or think in a certain way, according to societal norms or assumptions.


Yet never let it take control i'm told
However, I must resist allowing these expectations to dominate or dictate my actions and thoughts.


Ponder the lobster in a pot of warming water
Contemplating the potential dangers or consequences of a situation, likened to a lobster slowly boiling without realizing it.


Silver Elantra, marijuana sauna
Driving in a modest car, creating a hotbox atmosphere with cannabis smoke.


Telling the woman about how there's
Sharing with a woman, discussing the existence or lack thereof of certain things.


No dogs in Rwanda
Using a real-life example to highlight the absence of certain aspects or phenomena in a specific place.


Stingers to Unita, coca paste to Contras
Referring to covert operations involving supplying weapons and drugs to various groups in political conflicts.


Gravediggin' fittin' to build me a monster
Engaging in dangerous or controversial actions, potentially leading to the creation of a destructive force.


Lean sippin' slipping in and out of vision
Drinking a potent concoction, causing blurred perception and fleeting moments of clarity.


Still steer the Oldsmobile game like Brazil
Maintaining control and influence in a challenging and chaotic situation, akin to Brazil's unpredictable soccer style.


He wouldn't be proud but I'm being real
Acknowledging that someone important may disapprove, but choosing to be honest and authentic anyway.


Live at the BBQ, Pernil on the grill
Participating in a lively and vibrant social gathering, with delicious food being prepared.


Sore losers detailing how they feel
Bitter individuals expressing their discontent and grievances after a loss or failure.


Winners quick to run off the
Those who succeed are eager to distance themselves from the


Field like count it
scene of competition or struggle, dismissing the importance or impact of their victory.


Violate airspace, I'm a down it
Invading personal or restricted territory, claiming ownership or control over it.


Street teams of 90's heads
Groups of urban youth from the 90s, often involved in various activities or movements.


Running around frowning
Moving about with a demeanor of discontent or disapproval.


Do a DVD talking wise outside
Recording a DVD or video sharing insightful or knowledgeable perspectives on external matters.


Your former public housing
Referring to a place where one previously resided, highlighting a shift in circumstances or status.


The walls talk, don't make it last
The environment can reveal hidden truths, but these revelations may not endure.


All's lost, won't make it back
Everything seems irretrievably gone, with little hope for recovery.


You're fading fast into darkness
Losing one's sense of self or significance, gradually disappearing into obscurity or despair.


Responses, darkness, locked and ready
Reactions to adversity become callous, fueled by a sense of hostility and readiness for conflict.


Responses are heartless
The replies or actions given in difficult situations lack empathy or compassion.


But ya locked and ready
Despite this emotional detachment, one remains vigilant and prepared for whatever comes.


I'm a strawman argument
I am being presented as a weak or false representation of an argument or position.


I'm a posthumous pardon
I am seeking forgiveness or absolution after my time has passed, hoping to rectify past actions.


A dusty box of video game cartridges
I am a forgotten collection of outdated forms of entertainment, representing a sense of longing and nostalgia.


Sitting in an empty apartment
Alone and isolated, residing in a space devoid of life and companionship.


Sparking like the wiring in a black church
Igniting controversy or intense emotions, resembling the faulty wiring of a church and the resulting chaos.


Arson sky darken with black birds
The sky becomes filled with fire and darkness, accompanied by ominous black birds.


Skies black as the iris you can divide it
The sky is so dark that it mirrors the divided nature of society, as evident in the coloration of an eye.


Information or silence
One can either possess knowledge about the world or choose to remain ignorant and silent.


None the wiser, come to find
Despite seeking understanding, one remains unaware or uninformed about certain matters.


That'll be ya pitfall
This lack of knowledge or insight will lead to one's downfall or failure.


Better pull that ripcord it's all gusto
It is wise to retreat or escape from a situation, as mere bravado and courage will not ensure success.


There's only few people I could trust
Having limited faith in others, given their perceived lack of reliability or sincerity.


And trust you're all gusto
However, placing confidence in others, hoping they possess true determination and authenticity.


Trust, it's all gusto like I'm supposed to
Believing that trust should rely solely on appearances and societal expectations, as it is expected.


I'm supposed to be well I suppose
Society dictates how I should be or behave, even though I may not fully understand the reasoning behind it.


Supposedly i'm not supposed to
According to societal norms or assumptions, I am allegedly not meant to act or think in a certain way.


Yet never let it take control i'm told
However, I am constantly reminded not to allow these expectations to dominate or dictate my actions and thoughts.


The walls talk, don't make it last
The environment reveals truths, but these revelations are temporary and fleeting.


All's lost, won't make it back
Everything seems lost and cannot be regained.


You're fading fast into darkness
Losing one's identity or value, gradually disappearing into a state of obscurity or despair.


Responses, darkness, locked and ready
Reacting to challenges with callousness, fueled by a sense of hostility and preparedness for conflict.


Responses are heartless
The reactions or actions given in difficult situations lack empathy or compassion.


But ya locked and ready
Despite this emotional detachment, one remains vigilant and prepared for whatever comes.




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS

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