'Said No' and 'Champagne Coast' appeared as a ltd. 7" bonus disc for the fourth release on Rise's album of the month club. 500 copies pressed on orange-coloured vinyl. 'Sutphin Boulevard' was the first release through Domino Recording Co., the label that would release the first album offering, 'Coastal Grooves', on August 8th 2011.
Chance
Blood Orange Lyrics
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Explains the genealogy of Shem
Shem was a black man, in Africa
If you repeat this fact, they can't laugh at ya
Seem to not take it too well
When I tell you that it's not the reason I fell
Then you know just how he felt, uh
All I ever wanted was a chance for myself
Why the fuck do you even speak? Uh
It's not a choice of speech, and it sure ain't free, mm
Wear your braids to keep your edge, uh
Stay in your corner, fuck you up, we lost our chill, uh
All you ever wanted was a chance for yourself, uh
To represent a thing that we have started to build
Why refresh your soul and my spirit for them?
All I ever wanted was a chance for myself
Been chewed up but it makes you proud
You're the dark skinned nigga in a sold-out crowd
Lookin' at the girl with the thick, blonde braids
And you're tryin' to make out what her T-shirt says
No one really ever cares what "Thug Life" means
They wanna be surrounded but they hate to breathe
The air is thick as I plan my escape
All I ever wanted was a chance for myself
In "Chance" by Blood Orange, the lyrics reference a biblical verse from Genesis chapter eleven, verse ten. This verse explains the lineage of Shem, who is described as a black man in Africa. The lyrics emphasize the importance of acknowledging and repeating this fact, so that others cannot dismiss or ignore it. The singer suggests that some people may not take this information well, but it is not the reason why they fell or failed. The repetitive chorus reveals that all the singer ever wanted was a chance for themselves, indicating their desire for equity and equal opportunity regardless of their skin color.
The second half of the song delves into themes of identity, acceptance, and navigating social spaces as a person of color. The lyrics refer to the singer's frustration with others who speak without understanding or realizing the limitations they face in expressing themselves freely. The line "Wear your braids to keep your edge, stay in your corner, fuck you up, we lost our chill" critiques the double standard of cultural appropriation, where those who have not experienced discrimination or marginalization feel entitled to borrow and imitate aspects of a culture without respecting or understanding the struggles of those who originally originate those cultural norms.
The lyrics also hint at the pressure and scrutiny that accompany being a visible minority figure. The verse "Been chewed up but it makes you proud, you're the dark-skinned nigga in a sold-out crowd" suggests that the singer has faced challenges and negative attention due to their skin color but still takes pride in their identity. The final lines "The air is thick as I plan my escape, all I ever wanted was a chance for myself" imply that despite the challenges and limitations that come with being a person of color, the singer remains hopeful and determined to achieve their dreams.
Line by Line Meaning
Genesis, chapter eleven, verse ten
The beginning of the song refers to a chapter from the Bible that describes the genealogy of Shem, who was a black man in Africa.
Explains the genealogy of Shem
The Bible explains the ancestry of Shem in Chapter 11, Verse 10.
Shem was a black man, in Africa
Shem, despite common misconception, was a black man from Africa.
If you repeat this fact, they can't laugh at ya
If you speak the truth about Shem's race, no one can ridicule or belittle you.
Seem to not take it too well
Some people do not react positively when this truth is told.
When I tell you that it's not the reason I fell
The singer clarifies that Shem's race didn't have a role to play in his personal failures.
Then you know just how he felt, uh
The singer empathizes with those who are misunderstood or judged unfairly.
When you look at how you gave enough chance to sell
The artist reflects on how many opportunities were given for commercial success.
All I ever wanted was a chance for myself
The artist harbors a deep desire to succeed and be heard.
Why the fuck do you even speak? Uh
The artist questions why others speak when it is not necessarily beneficial or productive.
It's not a choice of speech, and it sure ain't free, mm
Speaking out can have consequences and isn't always easy or cost-free.
Wear your braids to keep your edge, uh
The artist encourages others to embrace their individuality and culture, like wearing braids.
Stay in your corner, fuck you up, we lost our chill, uh
The singer recognizes that people can become competitive and even dangerous when they are not in control of their emotions.
To represent a thing that we have started to build
The singer aims to represent a community or movement that is in progress.
Why refresh your soul and my spirit for them?
The singer questions why they should expend energy and effort for those who don't appreciate or value them.
Been chewed up but it makes you proud
The artist has faced challenges and experienced pain, but it has only made them stronger and more resilient.
You're the dark skinned nigga in a sold-out crowd
The artist is proud of their identity and stands out in a large group of people who may not look like them.
Lookin' at the girl with the thick, blonde braids
The singer observes someone who contrasts them in appearance or culture.
And you're tryin' to make out what her T-shirt says
The singer is curious about the other person and what they represent or stand for.
No one really ever cares what 'Thug Life' means
Sometimes people don't truly understand or care about the messages or meanings behind certain things, like 'Thug Life.'
They wanna be surrounded but they hate to breathe
People often seek out companionship and connection, but can feel suffocated or overwhelmed by it.
The air is thick as I plan my escape
The artist feels pressure or tension and is considering leaving or finding a way out.
Lyrics © DOMINO PUBLISHING COMPANY
Written by: Dev Hynes
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind