All Good
De La Soul Lyrics

Ooh no-ohh, no-ohh
Expressing that things aren't going well

Chaka Khan, Chaka Khan
Calling out to Chaka Khan

It ain't all good and that's the truth
Acknowledging that things are not going well

Thangs ain't goin' like you think they should it's all on you
Taking responsibility for one's own actions

I don't care about what you think you see
Not being swayed by others' perceptions

The thangs you want to know when you look at me
Recognizing that people have questions about one's life

God knows I done been through and paid my dues
Having experienced tough times and worked hard to overcome them

Can't change how you feel, 'cause it's all on you-whoahhha-ohh-yeah
Accepting that each person is responsible for their own feelings

I wish that, you could be a little bit more upfront
Expressing a desire for honesty and directness

Weigh the situation how you want right
Encouraging others to assess situations objectively

The lovin' that you claim is just a four letter word
Questioning the sincerity of claims of love

The third letter's invitin' so visualize the verb
Hinting at the sexual nature of love

You curve thoughtways when you're handlin' the candleabra
Implying that the person is not straightforward

So you sittin' on the baby grand
Suggesting that the person is trying to project a certain image or status

Transmittin' like you're made of man
Acting with confidence and assertiveness

But you paint a funny face like a chick
Implying that the person is not authentic

When I see you I'ma tell you quick that
Expressing readiness to speak one's mind

I can't believe we built this large pizza pie together no pepperoni
Reflecting on a shared experience without bitterness or resentment

Yeah, you wanted extra cheese, sometimes I gave you extras
Acknowledging that one partner put in more effort than the other

How we divided slices like the Red Sea theory
Drawing a comparison to the biblical story of parted waters

I was Moses hopelessly scorned by your thorn zapora
Comparing oneself to a biblical figure who faced adversity

Tried to bring that fairy-tale life, you wanted horror
Describing a mismatch in desires and expectations

But my microscope couldn't see or cope with that
Admitting that one's perspective was limited

I had to bolt from that, and left you dead in the sea
Leaving a difficult situation behind

It's better for me, I'm satisfied with reppin' for D
Feeling content and fulfilled in one's current situation

We were certified hot, then dropped to lukewarm
Commenting on a change in popularity or status

Now we back up in the spot, claimin' never been gone
Asserting one's presence and relevance

Niggaz who cut us off, wanna reattach us now
Experiencing a shift in how others treat or perceive oneself

(Them girls who brushed us off, say they want some [unverified] to dial)
Commenting on women who have become interested after previously ignoring them

Yeah, I give that ass a number and some lumber to pile
Expressing confidence and assertiveness towards these women

Now catch a curve from my kick
Implying that the women will be surprised or caught off guard

(Or show me lovin' by brick)
Suggesting that the women can express their interest by being supportive or helpful

So stick to the same plan, don't come shakin' my hand
Advising others to maintain consistency and not try to befriend or manipulate oneself

Like we peeps, it ain't beef but be sure to understand
Clarifying that there is no hostility but also no desire to be close

Between us, it ain't all
Acknowledging that there are issues or differences

You see them kids be schemin' on what we done copped
Noticing that others are envious or curious about one's possessions

Always out there schemin'
Implying that one should be aware of potential threats or schemes

They steady fiendin' for the moment they can get us off the block
Describing the desire of others to remove oneself from a certain area or situation

Your people might have your back
Suggesting that one has support from certain individuals or groups

But you need to watch your front
Advising caution and attentiveness to potential threats

Indeed, ain't nothin' guaranteed
Emphasizing the uncertainty and unpredictability of life

A lot say they wanna walk in my size 10's
Observing that others may aspire to be in one's position

Aight then, here's a pair
Humorously responding to this aspiration

Lace 'em up tight then you might feel what was dealt to me
Challenging others to experience one's struggles firsthand

You see ain't no young boys up in here, keep a clear head
Asserting that one is mature and level-headed

Tryin' to keep my pockets on stuffed like deer heads
Working hard to maintain financial stability

Upon the wall, so all the gall we get from y'all don't faze
Describing a strategy to remain unaffected by criticism or negativity

So mind your biz and walk away
Encouraging others to respect one's privacy and not interfere

'Cause I'm never gonna let you up inside my maze
Stating an intention to maintain control over one's life and decisions