What's Golden
Dave Matthews Band; Jurassic 5 Lyrics


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Check it out now
I work the pen to make the ink transform
On any particular surface the pen lands on
The camera stands on, what's the beef?
The Cooley High cold chief high post techniques
I drape off poetic landscapes and shapes
Illustrate the paper space off the pens that paint
Then design what have a National Geographic a magic
With Tailormade status and plus favored is automatic, uh!

We're not balling
We take it back to the days of "yes y'all-in'"
We holding onto what's golden
On a stage I rage and I'm rollin'

We're not balling or shot callin'
We take it back to the days of "yes y'all-in'"
We holding onto what's golden
On a stage I rage and I'm rollin'

Melancholy, mundane so I tame the hot flame
Big rings, fat chains, and y'all quest for the same
No name, use fame, strictly new to the thang
We stay true to the game and never bring it to shame
We tight like dreadlocks or Redd Foxx and Ripple
We pass participles, and smash the artist in you
The saga continues, this I won't get into
'Cause there ain't enough bars to hold the drama that we been through

Yo
We still the same with a little fame
A little change in the household name but ain't too much changed
We in the game but, yo not to be vain
I refrain from salt grains to season up my name
We entertain for a mutual gain from close range
Steady aim, drum at your head to hit the brain
I'm labor ready, Rhode Scholar for the dollar
Work for mines pay me by the hour

We're not balling
We take it back to the days of "yes y'all-in'"
We holding onto what's golden
On a stage I rage and I'm rollin'

We're not balling or shot callin'
We take it back to the days of "yes y'all-in'"
We holding onto what's golden
On a stage I rage and I'm rollin'

Music, that music (hip hop music)
Music, that music (hip hop music)
Music, that music (hip hop music)
Music, that music (hip hop music)
Music, that music (hip hop music) (turn it up, turn it up without a doubt)
Music, that music (hip hop music) (turn it up, turn it up without a doubt)
Music, that music (hip hop music) (turn it up, turn it up without a doubt)
Music, that music (hip hop music) (turn it up, turn it up without a doubt)

Yo
Well, it's the verbal Herman Munster
The word enhancer, sick of phony mobsters controllin' the dance floor
I been in dark places, catch you when you stark naked
Your heart races as we pump you for your chart spaces
The taut traces be bringing these hot styles through
Some of you bum a few chairs from shock value
Word power can plow through acres of cornfields
Paragraphs cut like warm steel, perform ill

We're not balling
We take it back to the days of "yes y'all-in'"
We holding onto what's golden
On a stage I rage and I'm rollin'

We're not balling or shot callin'
We take it back to the days of "yes y'all-in'"




We holding onto what's golden
On a stage I rage and I'm rollin'

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to "What's Golden" by Jurassic 5 delve into the art and craft of music creation, particularly in the realm of hip-hop. The song opens with a declaration of the power of the pen to transform words into impactful messages. The artists express their ability to paint vivid pictures with their lyrics, comparing it to a camera capturing moments. The references to "Cooley High cold chief high post techniques" and "Tailormade status" suggest a confidence and mastery in their skill, as they navigate through the creative process.


The chorus emphasizes a return to the roots of hip-hop, celebrating authenticity and staying true to oneself in an industry that often prioritizes materialism and superficial success. The repetition of "We're not balling" conveys a rejection of the flashy lifestyle commonly associated with music success, instead focusing on the essence of their artistry and the pure joy of performing live on stage.


As the verse unfolds, the lyrics touch on themes of staying grounded amidst fame and material temptations. The artists reject the superficiality of fame and material success, affirming their commitment to the integrity of their craft. References to avoiding bringing shame to the game and the struggles they've faced along the way highlight their resilience and dedication to their art.


The final section of the song shifts focus to the power of music itself and its ability to uplift and inspire. The artists assert their role in delivering impactful and meaningful music, challenging the status quo and bringing a fresh perspective to the genre. The repeated refrain of "turn it up without a doubt" encourages listeners to fully engage with the music and embrace its transformative potential.


In essence, "What's Golden" is a testament to the enduring spirit of hip-hop and the importance of staying true to oneself and the art form amidst external pressures. Jurassic 5 celebrates the beauty of their craft, the power of music to connect and uplift, and the timeless essence of genuine self-expression in their lyrical exploration.


Line by Line Meaning

Check it out now
Pay attention to this now


I work the pen to make the ink transform
I use my creativity to bring my ideas to life


On any particular surface the pen lands on
No matter where I write, my words have an impact


The camera stands on, what's the beef?
Why is there conflict or animosity?


The Cooley High cold chief high post techniques
Utilizing advanced skills learned from experience


I drape off poetic landscapes and shapes
I create vivid imagery through my writing


Illustrate the paper space off the pens that paint
Using words to paint a picture on the page


Then design what have a National Geographic a magic
Crafting something extraordinary like a National Geographic feature


With Tailormade status and plus favored is automatic, uh!
Having a unique and special gift that comes naturally


We're not balling
We're not focused on material wealth


We take it back to the days of 'yes y'all-in'
Returning to the roots of true hip hop


We holding onto what's golden
We value and preserve what is truly valuable


On a stage I rage and I'm rollin'
Expressing myself passionately and confidently


Melancholy, mundane so I tame the hot flame
Dealing with sadness and routine by controlling my emotions


Big rings, fat chains, and y'all quest for the same
Material possessions don't define our worth


No name, use fame, strictly new to the thang
Staying true to ourselves despite newfound recognition


We tight like dreadlocks or Redd Foxx and Ripple
We have a strong bond and connection like close friends


We pass participles, and smash the artist in you
Inspiring others to unleash their creativity


The saga continues, this I won't get into
Our journey goes on, but I won't dwell on it now


'Cause there ain't enough bars to hold the drama that we been through
There's too much history and experiences to explain in a song


Yo
Hey


Well, it's the verbal Herman Munster
I'm a unique and memorable presence in the music scene


The word enhancer, sick of phony mobsters controllin' the dance floor
I elevate the art form and reject inauthenticity in music


I been in dark places, catch you when you stark naked
I've faced challenges and vulnerabilities like everyone else


Your heart races as we pump you for your chart spaces
Exciting and inspiring you to reach the top of the charts


The taut traces be bringing these hot styles through
My refined techniques and skills are evident in my music


Some of you bum a few chairs from shock value
Some artists rely on shock value for attention


Word power can plow through acres of cornfields
My lyrical abilities are strong and can make an impact


Paragraphs cut like warm steel, perform ill
My writing is sharp and powerful, delivering a remarkable performance


Music, that music (hip hop music)
The power and influence of hip hop music


Turn it up, turn it up without a doubt
Listen closely and enjoy the music with confidence




Lyrics Β© Universal Music Publishing Group, REACH MUSIC PUBLISHING, Missing Link Music, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Eric T. Sadler, James Henry Boxley Iii, Carlton Ridenhour, Carlton Douglas Ridenhour, Charles L. Stewart, Courtenay D. Henderson, Dante Lamar Givens, Lucas Christian Macfadden, Marc F. Stuart, Mark Ali Potsic

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@semicleanlaundry

1-2-1-2

[Dave Matthews]
A don't stop stop your dreamin'
Let yourself float upon the notion
We can work it out, we gon' work it out baby
Go ahead lose yourself inside this opportunity
That we gonna make it right now, make it right now

[Marc 7even]
Hey
We live and we learn, we crash and we burn
Right now my only rhyme is this lesson I learned
You talk about trust, I talk about lust
It's not appealin' as you truly speak your feelings
I'll be lookin' at the ceiling, so concealing
I shoulda put my heart on the table
Knowin' I was good and able but instead I fed your fables
If I could have you back best believe it'd be forever
Cause each and every day you would hear those four letters

[Chorus]

[Chali 2na]
Hey
These are different times but we feel the same pains
The blood of mankind runnin' through the same veins
We'd like to make it right some which it remain tame
Same crimes even though the names changed
And we like different minds workin' off the same brain
Passengers on different cars steppin' off the same train
In the end, makin' it right's the main aim
Different parts of the picture highlight the same frame

[Chorus]

[Akil]
Yo
Now if you know what I know you need to work it out
If you ain't happy with yourself you need to work it out
You havin' problems with your family then work it out
The things we go through just to work it out
I work it out when the situation seems unworkable
unreversible but God is most merciful
Many works, Many men converse
With soul searches sweat it out
when they tryin' to work it out

[Soup]
With the constant complaint, we either gonna make it fly
Or we ain't, I already know what some of ya think
I'ma talk a hip hop and how bad its got
Then tryin' pull a brother, I'm not
lookin' for nobody to judge, you said you ain't I never thought you was
I'm just tryin' get with ya and pose in the same picture
So this mic thing can move the right thing and do the right thing
Made for your life gain, plus my man might sing

[Chorus - 2X]



All comments from YouTube:

@lordkiwi355

this song is damn underrated

@eglsfanphilly

They are free artists so they don't have to push the mainstream agenda.

@joshc7997

no..no it's not..

@dylaningram6896

Charlie 2na boi

@GrogMindwhip

Criminally so.

@ReviloWedj

Chali 2nas voice is like liquid gold

@richeharrison

Liquid Gold is a brand of poppers in the UK, and yes, I agree in that context

@theo7491

@@richeharrison so chali tunas voice dilates your stink hole?

@jonathanjennings3777

Agree

@TheAlmightyClipse

Dude was straight up cool ASF, in the All Pro Football 2K8 ads back in the day!!!

More Comments