Identical Deaths
Danger Mouse Lyrics
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For livin' many lives, dyin' identical deaths
I thought why, how could this have ever been if I'm blessed?
Then I had a talk with God, that was interview-esque
He said "Rik as near as the west and far as the east
There's a warrant for your arrest by the karma police"
The dharma was deep, our daughter was too dark with defeat
But made it here to tell the story by the chalk of my teeth
With every morning they're starvin' another saga empire mosque
Fear of God or Balenciaga
Viva to either La Resistance or La Raza
I met the monster on a rooftop of the plaza
The teleprompter said there's still an Oscar to conquer
My witch doctor asked me what's blockin' my chakra
I told him it was probably caffeine, chronic and vodka
I need a word, but a sponsor that won't be heard at a concert
I cried so many crocodile tears, my eyes hurt
As I approached the altar, another convert
If you could read my mind, you heed the signs first
Anger, keep out, danger
Keep out, danger
In Danger Mouse and Black Thought's song "Identical Deaths," the lyrics touch on themes of mortality, spirituality, and perseverance. The first few lines suggest that the singer may have lived multiple lives or have had near-death experiences. They may have been "proven effective by clinical tests" which could imply they were in some sort of experimental program. They then mention "livin' many lives, dyin' identical deaths," which could suggest that they keep repeating the same cycle of life and death. They question why this could be happening, but then have a conversation with God where they learn that there is a "warrant for your arrest by the karma police." This suggests that the singer is experiencing these identical deaths because they are paying for their past actions or karma. The dharma mentioned highlights the idea of fate or cosmic order, and the daughter's dark defeat may refer to the inner turmoil and obstacles the singer has faced.
The lyrics go on to mention the singer's survival and ability to rise above their struggles, as well as their identities as a husband and father. The line "With every morning they're starvin' another saga empire mosque" alludes to the ongoing violence and suffering in the world. The next few lines mention the fear of God or material possessions, and the dichotomy between different resistances or movements. The singer then recounts meeting a monster on a rooftop and being reminded that there is still an "Oscar to conquer," which could refer to achieving some sort of success or recognition. They also mention feeling blocked spiritually by substances like caffeine, chronic, and vodka. The last few lines suggest that the singer is seeking guidance or support, but is hesitant to ask for help in a public setting.
Line by Line Meaning
I was proven effective by clinical tests
I have lived through many different lives and died the same death each time. Science has proven that my existence has been effective, but I struggle to understand why I've been chosen for this fate.
For livin' many lives, dyin' identical deaths
My life has been a cycle of endless repetition, where each life ends in the same way, no matter what choices I make or paths I take.
I thought why, how could this have ever been if I'm blessed?
Despite my blessings, I can't help wondering why I must live through the same tragic fate time and time again.
Then I had a talk with God, that was interview-esque
I sought answers from a higher power, and our conversation resembled that of an interview.
He said "Rik as near as the west and far as the east
God spoke to me and explained that my fate crosses all borders, as far-reaching as the west and east.
There's a warrant for your arrest by the karma police"
My choices have consequences that will catch up to me, no matter how many times I am reborn.
The dharma was deep, our daughter was too dark with defeat
I have wrestled with spiritual concepts such as dharma, while also mourning the loss of a daughter whose life was filled with tragedy and loss.
But made it here to tell the story by the chalk of my teeth
Despite the challenges I have faced, I persevere, and will continue to tell my story no matter what obstacles I encounter along the way.
I'm a survivor, a thriver, a husband, and a father, arise
Despite the pain, I have thrived and continue to be a loving husband and father.
With every morning they're starvin' another saga empire mosque
With each new morning comes another opportunity for growth, but also the risk of losing everything.
Fear of God or Balenciaga
I must balance superficial desires and material wealth with a genuine sense of faith and spirituality.
Viva to either La Resistance or La Raza
I have found myself caught between two competing allegiances and must navigate my loyalties carefully.
I met the monster on a rooftop of the plaza
I have faced my inner demons and darkest fears head on.
The teleprompter said there's still an Oscar to conquer
Despite my struggles, there are still victories and accomplishments to be achieved.
My witch doctor asked me what's blockin' my chakra
I must examine my inner self and understand my own blockages in order to move forward.
I told him it was probably caffeine, chronic and vodka
I recognize my faults and addictions, and acknowledge how they may hinder my spiritual progress.
I need a word, but a sponsor that won't be heard at a concert
I am searching for a supportive community and mentor who can guide me as I pursue spiritual enlightenment, but must be careful who I trust with this part of my life.
I cried so many crocodile tears, my eyes hurt
I have shed many false tears over illusory problems that do not truly matter in the grand scheme of things.
As I approached the altar, another convert
I embrace change and remain open to new perspectives and ways of living, even as I seek spiritual growth.
If you could read my mind, you heed the signs first
If one could truly understand my inner thoughts and struggles, they would see the signs pointing towards spiritual growth and progress.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Brian Joseph Burton, Colin Catt, Phil Gunn, Tarik Trotter
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Mettis3
Identical Deaths"
I was proven effective by clinical tests
For livin' many lives, dyin' identical deaths
I thought why, how could this have ever been if I'm blessed?
Then I had a talk with God, that was interview-esque
He said, "'Riq, as near as the west and far as the east
There's a warrant for your arrest by the karma police"
The dharma was deep, our daughter was too dark with defeat
But made it here to tell the story by the chalk of my teeth
I'm a survivor, a thriver, a husband, and a father
I rise with every morning they're starvin' another saga
Empire, mosque, Fear of God or Balenciaga
Viva to either La Résistance or La Raza
I met the monster on a rooftop of the plaza
The teleprompter said there's still an Oscar to conquer
My witch doctor asked me what's blockin' my chakra
I told him it was probably caffeine, chronic and vodka
I need a word, but a sponsor that won't be heard at a concert
I cried so many crocodile tears, my eyes hurt
As I approached the altar, another convert
If you could read my mind, you heed the signs first
Anger, keep out, danger
Keep out, danger
@alantoler8266
What can you say bout black thought ...it's been a pleasure in this LIFE to have been able to witness a GREAT MC ....and Not only a MC but to me a great human being...you can't spit like he spit and Not be GREAT...people call him underated but that's for people who can't acknowledge Tru greatness We in a world of mass confusion and short attention spans ....black thought is the gem that's keep shining in the midst of chaos and WACK RAP MUSIC...peace to the ROOTS front Man for blessing the MIC for over 25 years of pure wizardry
@samn3276
Well said! He truly is One of one!
@forthebeats1
I agree with all that shit but Questlove is actually frontman for the roots, respectfully.
@swinehorde9118
The visualizer is crazy on this one
@laki.lakane
Yeah, I came for the video, but stayed for the music
@astromilitary-doctrine
2d projection of higher dimensional space. Smoke one.
@Neo-ti2rz
The shrooms said so
@thaessence9461
All of them are so dope on this album
@Graeberwave
When they had video on vinyl, but now the music plays too.
@jpk51
“as i approach the altar another convert if you can read my mind you heed the signs first” has been etched into my brain since it dropped