Back in One Piece
DMX Lyrics

There we go, okay, okay, don't do me greazy, okay
Acknowledging the start of the song and requesting respect.

Uh, ay, you know what a oneeds?
Asking the listener if they know what a dog needs.

Do you really know what a dog needs?
Rhetorical question asking if the listener actually knows what a dog needs.

A dog needs a- (what? What?)
Prompting the listener to guess what a dog needs.

A dog needs a- (come on)
Encouraging the listener to continue guessing what a dog needs.

Not just any, uh, but a real, uh That's gon' hold that dog down
Stating that a dog needs a real and reliable partner who will always have their back.

Baby, I am what I am, I'm gon' be who I be (uh)
Affirming self-identity and personal choices.

Everything from chasing a cat, to- on a tree (uh-huh)
Describing the typical experiences of a dog.

Let me see what I gotta to see Do what I gotta to do, dog for life, but keep it true
Asserting independence and loyalty as a dog.

Every once in a while I'll break out the backyard to roam (uh) And get reckless, but I still know that home is home (a'ight)
Admitting to occasionally acting out, but recognizing the importance of home and safety.

And when I get there I'ma sit there Take a, uh, there, put my, uh, there
Describing a dog's actions upon returning home.

Do I handle my business? (What?) yeah I'ma run 'til I bust my gun and empty the clip
Confirming the ability to take care of oneself and the willingness to fiercely protect one's safety.

And if I come home, and gotta go, just give me the whip I ain't got time for the lip, just open the fence (uh-huh)
Requesting a quick and efficient transition from home to outside activities.

Let me go, I'll come back, I ain't got time to convince (uh)
Asserting the independence and self-determination of a dog.

Ever since I was a pup I've been stuck with the street- (come on) Keep the heat (uh, uh, uh), gotta eat- I pass on a weak-, if it's out there I want it All at one time, so when it's my time I've done it (a'ight)
Describing the survival instincts and resourcefulness of a dog.

I know you'd kill for me, you'd die for me I know you like to rip and run the streets
Acknowledging the loyalty and protective nature of the listener.

But I get nervous sometimes, hey baby, I can't help to think You might not make it home to eat, I barely sleep (come on)
Expressing concern for the safety and well-being of the listener.

Could you pick up a phone and call me at home And let me know you ain't in some heat?
Requesting open communication to ensure the safety of the listener.

And don't come crying, you're grown You know I'm looking out for you 'Cause you be looking out for me, me, me
Reassuring the listener that assistance and protection are mutual and expected in their relationship.

Yo, you can go with your dogs If you make this promise to me You make it back in one piece (uh)
Granting permission for the listener to go out with their friends, but setting the condition that they come back home safe.

Said, you can go with your dogs You make it back in one piece 'Fore you go bending the law (come on) You make it back in one piece (uh, uh)
Reiterating the condition that the listener must come back home safe, and emphasizing that they should not engage in illegal activities while they are out.

I know you up in it all Could you make this promise to me You make it back in one piece, piece, piece?
Insisting upon the importance of the condition for the listener's safety and well-being.

And, oh boy, I know you got to do what you do (uh, uh, uh) You're making moves I'm making moves, yo, we cool (what? What? What?)
Acknowledging and respecting the independence and autonomy of the listener while maintaining a relationship.

Stay on your paws, I got your back if you fall Nothing's too big Nothing's too small, just go ball (uh, come on)
Offering support and assurance to the listener, saying that they will have their back through both big and small situations as they enjoy themselves.

Dog tags around my neck (uh), the streets are mine I might leave the heat behind 'Cause in the streets, I'm fine (what?)
Emphasizing the familiarity and control over the streets, so much so that weapons are not required.

That's why a (what?) A sleep 'til nine, out by ten (uh) Back by ten (uh), sleep 'til nine, do it again
Describing the comfortable and carefree lifestyle that comes with being in control of the streets.

If you love something, let it go (uh huh) If it comes back to you, it yours If it doesn't (uh), you never know
Quoting a commonly known adage about relationships.

You got me, I got you (uh), dog with a dog Ride 'til we die (what?), If it's on, then it's on
Asserting a mutual relationship and loyalty between dogs.

Said, you can go with your dogs (come on) 'Fore you go bending the law (what? What? What?) Yo, you can go with your dogs (piece) 'Fore you go bending the law
Reiterating the main theme of the song and enforcing the condition that the listener must come back home safe without engaging in illegal activities.