Systematic
DJ Shadow Lyrics

The system will defeat itself
Nothing stays in a steady state, and eventually, the system will become unstable and collapse on its own.

It only feeds itself, the system
The system exists solely to fuel and perpetuate itself, with little regard for the people it is supposed to serve.

Yo, I think it exists just because, like a pit eats its pups
The system seems to exist only because it can, like a pitbull that instinctively feeds on its own offspring.

Eats its own litter up
The system consumes and destroys even those who are supposed to be its beneficiaries.

The system's fucked, it's corrupt
The system is deeply flawed and corrupt, and operates against the interests of the people.

It's poison, survival is genocidal
The system is toxic and deadly, and its very existence threatens the survival of entire groups of people.

No place or origin, no beginning cycle
The system seems to have no clear origin or purpose, and cycles of destruction and exploitation continue to repeat themselves without end.

Let's occupy all streets
We must take action and occupy public spaces to demand real change and accountability from those in power.

I'm like a Russian mob figure, I'm mad low
Like a member of the Russian mafia, I operate in secret and keep a low profile.

DJ Shadow arose to throw blows
DJ Shadow emerged to challenge the status quo and fight for justice and change.

Can't see me but Nas moving the fastest
I'm moving forward quickly and decisively, even though I operate under the radar and out of the spotlight.

I'm a 3D movie, no need of glasses
My perspective and vision are so clear and vivid that I can see things in three dimensions without any technological assistance.

Hold your breath for fifteen seconds
Take a moment to focus and center yourself.

Close your eyes, cover your ears, do not listen
Tune out the noise and distractions of the outside world.

Try to feel what I'm saying
Open yourself up to the deeper message that I am trying to convey.

To make you feel is my new expression
I want to use my art to elicit a visceral and emotional response from you.

I wish I was an arms dealer to sell illegal arms in the hood
I fantasize about being able to arm the people in my community who are struggling and under attack from those in power.

Mathematics is God's language, it's in my blood
Mathematics is a universal and transcendent language that is a part of my very being and identity.

Transforming global markets with all of my partners
I am working with allies and partners around the world to overhaul and reinvent our economic system.

Let it simmer 'til the cranberry pop a little
We must allow our ideas and movements to mature and fully develop before we can see their true potential and impact.

Keep stirring, sip it, it's art like Keith Haring
We must continue to actively and passionately engage with our creative and political work, like an artist painting a masterpiece.

Remember the past
We must honor and learn from the struggles and sacrifices of those who came before us.

Cherish the present and work for tomorrow
We must appreciate the moment we are in now, while also tirelessly striving to build a better future.

The time is now
There is no more waiting or hesitation - we must act decisively and urgently to address the crises facing our world.

Systematic
The systemic issues plaguing our society are deeply entrenched and interconnected.

Systematic
We must work to systematically dismantle and transform the oppressive systems that uphold inequality and injustice.