Emanuel Lee Lambert, Jr. (born December 15 1977 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvan… Read Full Bio ↴Emanuel Lee Lambert, Jr. (born December 15 1977 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) is a Grammy nominated, Stellar award winning rapper who goes by the name "Da' T.R.U.T.H.". He has released three albums: Moment of Truth, The Faith and Open Book. All recieved rave reviews from Rapzilla.com, and 'Open Book' also recieved a Grammy nomination for best Rap Gospel Album.

He first got into music as a teenager, listening to contemporary Christian music and becoming a talented drummer. He said, "I had no interest in rap music. As a matter of fact, I was disenchanted with the whole idea of rap." However, Da' T.R.U.T.H. soon discovered his gift of free-styling, co-founded the group NIV, and gained his new nickname at the age of 19 to minister "da truth" to the urban culture. Da' T.R.U.T.H. is a graduate of Philadelphia Biblical University and the Institute of Jewish Studies.

Why I Do
Da' T.R.U.T.H. Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I don't do this for fame
I don't do this for fame
I don't do this for fame
I don't do this for the money
I don't do this for fame
I don't do this so the industry can know my name

I don't do this for the money

I don't do this for fame
I don't do this for fame
I don't do this for fame

I don't do this for the money
I don't do this for fame
I don't do this so the industry can know my name

That was much easier to say a couple dollars ago
That was much easier to say a couple albums ago
That was a piece of cake to say before I got on the road
Landing a record deal with Cross Movement was not in my goals

When I say that man I mean it - but I'm at war with myself
Due to the roars and the applause and the awards on my shelf
Plus the allure of more wealth - man I know what I store - it's gone melt
Sometimes I'm torn and so I'm drawn - back to the floors that I've knelt

But the closer I get to God - the more I know that it's nothing
All of my things and my achievements - man I wanna throw 'em in the oven
Burn 'em up - I'm hurt enough about the Jones' I covet
And I hate the fact that I want more of what I can't have like Ocean's Eleven

Though I'm known in the public - not a king when I walk in your service
I'm no better then my Lord - man I know then I'm only a servant
If you see me help with chairs don't tell me that I'm a king
I already know that but I gotta show that I ain't gotta wear diamond rings

Before I'm Truth man, I'm a Christian so I gotta grind on my knees
Basically, pick up a basin and start washin' some feet
Even if you feel the beat like some cops in the street
Please don't tell me I'm the best, I'm tryin' not to compete
All flesh is as grass
And the glory of man is at the flowers of the field
The grass withers and the flowers fade
But the word of the Lord endures forever

I'm here and I'm gone
That's why I take the time that I have

To proclaim the One who was glorious
The Lord Jesus Christ, who is indeed God

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Da' T.R.U.T.H.'s song Why I Do are an expression of the purpose behind his music. He emphasizes that he does not do it for fame or money, and that his ultimate goal is to serve God. He acknowledges that fame and success can be tempting, and that it is a constant battle for him to stay true to his values. However, he believes that the more he draws closer to God, the less significant material possessions and achievements become. Da' T.R.U.T.H. sees himself as a Christian first and a musician second, and feels compelled to use his talent to spread the message of Jesus Christ.

Throughout the song, Da' T.R.U.T.H. communicates his desire to remain humble and to serve others. He emphasizes the importance of being a servant, stating that even if someone praises him as the best, he tries not to compete. He acknowledges that all earthly achievements are fleeting, and that it is only through faith in God that we can find lasting fulfillment. Ultimately, the message is clear - Da' T.R.U.T.H.'s music is not about him, but about spreading the love and message of God to others.

Line by Line Meaning

I don't do this for fame
I am not doing this to become famous

I don't do this for the money
I am not doing this to earn money

I don't do this so the industry can know my name
I am not doing this to gain recognition from the music industry

That was much easier to say a couple dollars ago
I used to be able to say that easily before I started making money

That was much easier to say a couple albums ago
I used to be able to say that easily before I released a couple of albums

That was a piece of cake to say before I got on the road
I used to find it easy to say before I started touring

Landing a record deal with Cross Movement was not in my goals
I did not set out to sign a record deal with Cross Movement

But the closer I get to God - the more I know that it's nothing
The more I grow closer to God, the more I realize that material possessions mean nothing

All of my things and my achievements - man I wanna throw 'em in the oven
I want to throw all my possessions and accomplishments away

And I hate the fact that I want more of what I can't have like Ocean's Eleven
I hate the fact that I desire things that I cannot have, like in the movie Ocean's Eleven

Though I'm known in the public - not a king when I walk in your service
Despite being known in public, I am not more important than anyone else when I serve others

If you see me help with chairs don't tell me that I'm a king
If you see me doing some task like helping with chairs, don't flatter me by saying I am a king

Before I'm Truth man, I'm a Christian so I gotta grind on my knees
Before I am known as Truth, I am a Christian and I must spend time in prayer and submission to God

Basically, pick up a basin and start washin' some feet
In essence, I need to serve others humbly and without reservation

All flesh is as grass
Everything in life is temporary

And the glory of man is at the flowers of the field
Human accomplishments are fleeting and short-lived

The grass withers and the flowers fade
Just like grass and flowers, human achievements will eventually fade and be forgotten

But the word of the Lord endures forever
God's word stands the test of time and will never fade away

I'm here and I'm gone
I am only on this earth for a short time

That's why I take the time that I have
That's why I use my time wisely

To proclaim the One who was glorious
To share the glory of God with others

The Lord Jesus Christ, who is indeed God
Jesus is God

Contributed by Lincoln J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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