Because
Black Thought / Danger Mouse Lyrics
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Because you better not stay, you better not stay
Because it's hard to find your love, I found it, though
Because this love is so non-desirable, oh
I'm from where too many lives twenty-five years or fewer
Nothing we receive is brand new, it's just newer
While brothers drop down to their knees and make dua
The next American hangman sketched in crayon
Gangland all a façade that you can spray on
Killin' birds with one stone is what we stay on
Wingspan never too wide for you to fray on
The ways never cease to amaze or inspire
Illiterate, the signatures been forged in fire
Broken spirit, some assembly required
It confirmed the door of no return at Elmina
Screamin' into the ocean for emotional support
We never won awards, we was boards of the court
Puttin' swords to umbilical cords to cut 'em short
Translation, vacation is at a last resort
Because it's hard to find your love, I found, though
Because this love is so non-desirable, oh
We took shoestrings, lemon drops and chips from the deli
Knocked 'em out the box with spinner tops and skelly
"Do it, you'll get to it," what Mr. Womack would tell me
I was locked, my celly read Niccolo Machiavelli
This inheritance was negative, beverage is the devil's piss
State's evidence, give us anything instead of this drama
In the mirror like Yayoi Kusama
Had me turn into Muhammad, to Buddha, to Dalai Lama
If I would snatch a shoulder bag from somebody mama
Am I cancerous? Can't discuss what the short answer was
Hungriest ones take the money and run
Sometimes simultaneously taking one of your lungs
What I mean is, I've seen everything that's under the sun
Niggas below the poverty line live under the gun
We all schemin', savages ain't vegan, what the fuck is love?
Don't need a reason to die, we die just because
Because it's hard to find your love, I found it, though
Because you better not stay, you better not stay
Because it's hard to find your love, I found it, though
Because this love is so non-desirable, oh (uh)
I was on thirty-four cruisin' through Medina
I was just a Neo 'fore I had the nina
I had the snapback with the t-shirt
Practicin' my ollie, I could hardly get my feet up
Had to hit the staircase just to roll the reefer, uh
Now I'm smokin' big Cohibas out in Costa Rica like Portofino
Havin' flashbacks of niggas gettin' clapped at in front the cleaners
On 34th Street, until this day it haunts me
It's why I had to move raunchy
I know killers in Marcy, so please don't taunt me
I spent some summer times in Canarsie
Me and Quan gettin' stopped and frisked by Hutch and Starsky
They was lookin' for hard drugs an' armory
Mama told me not to let that shit bother me
Poppa said to move cautiously
So the streets would never father me
But you don't know that part of me
Because it's hard to find your love, I found it, though
Because this love is so non-desirable, oh (yeah)
Yeah
My girl told me I should watch my tongue
My skin gets red too easy
She don't wanna change her name like Washington
Wonders where I got it from
My parents' marriage was a toxic one
Mmm, oh well, I'm 'bout to cop a gun
Hope I get to use it, it'll help blow up the music
I know somethin' slightly off with me, drama is therapeutic
Ego hates feeling futile, sometime I move without scruples
Like havin' Mrs. Perfect with me and still chasin' approval
From other women, I'm a glutton, I can't run from who I become
Dad's around the corner, haven't seen him in like three months
We don't speak much, I don't handle balance well, got a fragile shell
My money split the king and queen up, then the castle fell
The tension in the air is still crisp
Sometimes I wish this game was over like I'm Lil' Flip (Flip)
Sometimes I'm wishing that my brain came with a kill switch
I don't vacation, dawg, I guilt trip, real shit, yeah
Because it's hard to find your love, I found it, though
Because you better not stay, you better not stay
Because it's hard to find your love, I found it, though
Because this love is so non-desirable, oh
The lyrics to "Because" by Black Thought and Danger Mouse touch on themes of struggle, resilience, and the complexities of love. The opening lines, "Because it's hard to find your love, I found it, though/Because you better not stay, you better not stay" suggest that the singer has found love despite the challenges they face. The repetition of the phrase "Because it's hard to find your love" emphasizes the difficulty in finding genuine love in their circumstances, but also suggests a determination to persevere and find it anyway.
Black Thought then delves into the realities of his upbringing, painting a vivid picture of a community plagued by poverty and violence. He touches on issues such as limited opportunities ("Nothing we receive is brand new, it's just newer") and the cycle of crime ("Gangland all a façade that you can spray on"). The verses highlight the struggles faced by marginalized communities and the harsh realities that shape their lives.
The chorus reiterates the difficulty in finding love in such a challenging environment, emphasizing the non-desirability of this love. This could be interpreted as a reflection on the compromises and sacrifices one must make when love is found in the face of adversity.
In the second verse, Black Thought reflects on his own journey of resilience and resourcefulness. He references childhood games and experiences, such as using shoestrings, lemon drops, and chips for entertainment. The mention of Niccolo Machiavelli's book highlights his knowledge of philosophy and a desire to navigate through difficult times.
The verse also touches on the darker side of survival in a harsh environment, where individuals may resort to theft and violence to get by. Black Thought questions the meaning of love in such circumstances, asking rhetorically, "what the fuck is love?" The lyrics convey a sense of frustration and disillusionment, suggesting that the circumstances they face can lead to a lack of empathy and understanding.
The final verse explores personal struggles and insecurities. Black Thought reflects on the toxic relationships he observed in his parents' marriage and contemplates the impact it has had on him. He touches on his own desires for validation and recognition, as well as the strained relationship with his father. The lyrics reveal a sense of self-awareness and the constant battle with inner demons.
In conclusion, "Because" by Black Thought and Danger Mouse explores the challenges faced by individuals in marginalized communities, the resilience and resourcefulness they demonstrate, and the complex nature of love in such circumstances. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of their experiences, touching on themes of struggle, resilience, and the search for meaning amidst adversity.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Reservoir Media Management, Inc.
Written by: Brian Burton, Dorian Burton, Dylan Cartlidge, Herman Kelly, Jo-Vaughn Scott, Russell Vitale, Tarik Trotter
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@XanderBOnTV
This is the best album of the year hands down. Incredible.
@SwizzleStickMcGee
For real.
@devilish8130
Its in competition with like 3 other albums for me lol
@SwizzleStickMcGee
@Devilish I love Black Thought...but this album doesn't even come CLOSE to "Electric Relaxation" from A Tribe Called Quest.
I hope that's one of the albums on your list (and I agree, there's def a couple others)
@daddydidnt9700
It's definitely up there
@98q
@SwizzleStickMcGee First, Electric Relaxation is not from this year
Second, Electric Relaxation is not even an album!
@MrLykwidswordz420
This album is amazing.
⚠️ 🐁 + ⬛ 🧠 = Masterpiece
@CheeksOfButt
Caution Rat and Dark Mind equals Masterpiece?!?!!
@h.furkanerdur8287
@Andrew jahdhahag
@pherm1056
+ Joey Bada$$, MF DOOM, Raekwon, RTJ, A$AP Rocky, Kid Sister, Conway The Machine, etc. Not only did Black Thought and Danger Mouse murder this, the features were incredible.