Black Monday
Buckshot LeFonque Lyrics


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[Chorus]
Black Monday
That's what this joint is all about
Black Monday
A million men strong without a doubt
Black Monday
It's not just a role that one plays
Black Monday
So we can have justice one day
Black Monday
Black, Black Monday

Hey Yo, be, I thougt we conquered the world
When a million men came and shined like a
Black pearl
This time there was no black on black crime
'Cause everybody was thinkin' of ways that pays for
The black mind
One & equal
Not thinkin' of wealth
But knowledge of self
So the past won't repeat like a sequel
Visions of unity
Strong in the community
The same song sung for diplomatic immunity
Is soon to be reality
Not just a formality, an actuality
Built strong by our morality
Can you see what I can see
One force that be lettin' me be what I be
Without costing me members of my family tree
One man can stand for all
But who got his back when he fall
Yo, I had a dream that one day
One million men stood strong and we called it
Black Monday
Black Monday
Black Monday
Black, Black Monday
By now we all know that some wrongs have
Been committed
So be wise, organize my man
Yo, you with it?
Let's have the courage to stand up and speak out
Reach out and help out
No doubt
See we can actually make a difference
The politicians got game, but I say who are
They kiddin'
Seriously, we gotta get our own thing tight
'Cause we ain't even learned
To treat our own peeps right
You don't have to be a scholar to acknowledge
You shouldn't harm your own just 'cause your
Fiendin' for dollars
That's messed up, so fess up
It's good for the soul
Repent
Change your ways
Exhibit more self control
We must be willin' to stop the killin'
'Cause if not
We'll destroy what our forefathers were building
Step up
Do something
It's your duty and purpose
All the material pleasures ultimately are worthless
Curses
They are not needed to explain that
You will wreck your brain
If you do not maintain
Reconciliation, restoration and resolution
Atonement
Completion of perfect union
Black Monday





[Chorus]

Overall Meaning

The song "Black Monday" by Buckshot LeFonque is an ode to the Million Man March that took place in Washington D.C. on October 16, 1995. The chorus refers to the march as "Black Monday," which was a play on the stock market crash of 1987 that was also known as "Black Monday." The march was organized by Louis Farrakhan and the Nation of Islam, with the goal of bringing together black men from all over the country to promote unity and change. The song reflects the positive energy and sense of hope that surrounded the march, as well as the need for continued action to achieve justice and equality.


The verse lyrics focus on the themes of unity, knowledge of self, and community empowerment. The songwriter encourages black people to work together towards a common goal of improving their own lives and the lives of those around them. He acknowledges the mistakes that have been made in the past, but also emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation. The verses also touch on the issue of violence within the black community, urging individuals to take responsibility for their actions and work towards a more peaceful society.


Line by Line Meaning

Black Monday
Referring to a day of unity and protest for justice.


That's what this joint is all about
Highlighting the significance and purpose of Black Monday.


A million men strong without a doubt
Acknowledging the tremendous strength and solidarity of the protesters.


It's not just a role that one plays
Emphasizing that Black Monday is not just an act, but a genuine movement for change.


So we can have justice one day
Stating the ultimate goal of Black Monday, which is to achieve justice and equality.


Black, Black Monday
Repeating the title to reinforce its significance.


Hey Yo, be, I thougt we conquered the world
Recalling a previous success and recognizing the potential impact of the current movement.


When a million men came and shined like a
Describing how the protesters stood out and made an impact.


Black pearl
Comparing the protesters to something rare and valuable.


This time there was no black on black crime
Highlighting the lack of violence among the protesters.


'Cause everybody was thinkin' of ways that pays for
Explaining how the protesters were focused on supporting each other rather than competing.


The black mind
Referring to the collective goals and interests of the black community.


One & equal
Stating that everyone on Black Monday was considered equal and united.


Not thinkin' of wealth
Showing how money was not the priority, but rather self-improvement and empowerment.


But knowledge of self
Emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and identity in the movement.


So the past won't repeat like a sequel
Ensuring that the mistakes of the past will not be repeated in the future.


Visions of unity
Highlighting the shared vision of the protesters to work together towards change.


Strong in the community
Reinforcing the idea of community strength and support.


The same song sung for diplomatic immunity
Drawing parallels to diplomatic immunity, where similar rights and protection should be granted to the black community.


Is soon to be reality
Expressing hope and confidence that change is coming.


Not just a formality, an actuality
Making it clear that Black Monday is not just for show, but a real movement with significant impact.


Built strong by our morality
Highlighting the importance of ethical values and principles in the movement.


Can you see what I can see
Inviting others to share the vision and join the movement.


One force that be lettin' me be what I be
Describing how the collective strength of the movement allows for individual empowerment and self-expression.


Without costing me members of my family tree
Stating that the movement should not come at the expense of personal relationships or family ties.


One man can stand for all
Recognizing the potential impact of individual actions in the movement.


But who got his back when he fall
Questioning the support and protection of powerful individuals when things get difficult.


Yo, I had a dream that one day
Referencing a famous speech and hoping for a similar impact and success in Black Monday.


We called it Black Monday
Naming the day of protest and unification.


By now we all know that some wrongs have
Recognizing the prevalence of injustice and discrimination in society.


Been committed
Stating that these wrongs have occurred and need to be addressed.


So be wise, organize my man
Encouraging people to make deliberate and intelligent decisions and to plan for the movement.


Yo, you with it?
Asking for a commitment and participation in the movement.


Let's have the courage to stand up and speak out
Encouraging bravery and conviction in the face of injustice.


Reach out and help out
Suggesting that people should support and assist each other in the movement.


No doubt
Expressing certainty and conviction in the movement's goals and aspirations.


See we can actually make a difference
Emphasizing the power of the movement and its potential impact.


The politicians got game, but I say who are
Questioning the true intentions and interests of politicians.


They kiddin'
Suggesting that politicians are not being entirely truthful or transparent.


Seriously, we gotta get our own thing tight
Stressing the importance of unity and organization within the black community.


'Cause we ain't even learned
Admitting that there is still much to be done and learned.


To treat our own peeps right
Recognizing the importance of respecting and supporting fellow members of the black community.


You don't have to be a scholar to acknowledge
Stating that social awareness and understanding do not require a high level of education.


You shouldn't harm your own just 'cause your
Showing how personal gain should not come at the expense of harming others in the community.


Fiendin' for dollars
Describing the temptation to prioritize wealth over community wellbeing.


That's messed up, so fess up
Acknowledging and admitting wrongdoing and negative behavior.


It's good for the soul
Suggesting that admitting and correcting mistakes can have a positive impact on personal character and wellbeing.


Repent
Stressing the importance of regret and a desire to change for the better.


Change your ways
Encouraging transformative and positive behavior.


Exhibit more self control
Emphasizing the importance of self-regulation and discipline.


We must be willin' to stop the killin'
Stating the urgency and necessity of ending violence and conflict.


'Cause if not
Showing the negative consequences that can come from not stopping the violence.


We'll destroy what our forefathers were building
Highlighting the potential loss and destruction of progress made by previous generations.


Step up
Reinforcing the need for action and leadership.


Do something
Encouraging proactive behavior and contribution to the movement.


It's your duty and purpose
Stating that participation in the movement is a responsibility and calling.


All the material pleasures ultimately are worthless
Stating that material possessions do not have true value or lasting impact.


Curses
Using a strong word to emphasize how materialism can be negative and harmful.


They are not needed to explain that
Stating that material possessions are not necessary to understand or participate in the movement.


You will wreck your brain
Explaining how materialism can lead to negative mental health and stress.


If you do not maintain
Stating that avoiding materialism requires consistent effort and mindfulness.


Reconciliation, restoration and resolution
Listing important values and goals of the movement beyond just protesting and resistance.


Atonement
Highlighting the importance of making amends and seeking forgiveness.


Completion of perfect union
Describing the ultimate goal of the movement, which is to achieve unity and equality for all.




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, THE ROYALTY NETWORK INC., Royalty Network, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: RICKY DACOSTA, KEITH ELAM, BRANFORD MARSALIS, Katrina Ruth Elam

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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