Crown
Diane Coffee/Run the Jewels Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Down with the shame
Down with the shame
Used to walk traps in the rain with cocaine
Used to write raps in the traps as I sat in the rain
And I prayed that god give me a lane
Give me a lane
Give me the fame
Give me the fame and I promise to change

Won't be the same
Won't be the same kind of man that puts cocaine in this lady's hand
Heard she was pregnant, i'm guilty I reckon cause
I hear that good shit can hurt baby's brain
Heard he was normal 'til three and then he stopped talkin'
Since then, ain't nothin been the same
Seen her some years later out in decatur told her
That i'm sorry for causin' her pain
Causin' me pain?
Causin' me pain?
She asked again and she grabbed my right hand
Asked am I crazy, said look here, baby
I release you from all of your sins and your shame
Cause i've been redeemed
I found in christ
Whatever it take I hope you find it, mike
The look on her face shown that glory replaced
All the shame and the hate and that she wears a crown
My late grandma bettie had prayed with her
Heavy and told her to tell me lay my burdens down

Can't pick up no crown, holding
What's holding you down
Can't pick up no crown, holding
What's holding you down
Can't pick up no crown, can't pick up no crown

(down with the shame
Down with the shame)
Carried the flag in some other men's name
Loaded my weapon and swore to them vengeance and
Stepped with aggression right into the fray
Into the haze
Into the murk
Told me to prove to them what I was worth
We'll teach you to move without mercy and give you
The tools to go after the causers of hurt
You'll become death
You will take breath
This is for everything you've ever loved
Use all the pain that you've felt in your life as
The currency go out and trade it for blood
You are not you
You are now us
We are the only ones that you can trust
You'll become fear
They'll become dust
Before this moment you didn't mean much
You are the smoldering vessel of punishment
Born to do nothing but justify us
Give us your empathy we'll give you lust
Let yourself go my son time to grow up
Give up your childish obsession with questioning
Anything we don't tell you is irrelevant
Everything you've ever been is replaced by the
Metal and fire of the weapon you clutch

Can't pick up no crown, holding
What's holding you down
Can't pick up no crown, holding

What's holding you down
Can't pick up no crown, can't pick up no crown

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Crown" have a powerful message that revolves around struggles, guilt, and redemption. The song talks about two different experiences from different walks of life. The first part of the song tells the story of a person who's ashamed of his past. He used to be a drug dealer and addict, and at some point, he caused harm to an innocent woman and her unborn child. He's looking for a way out of this dark corner he finds himself in and prays for God to give him a chance. He expresses that he wants to change his ways and to turn his life around for the better. He talks about meeting the woman he harmed again, and how he apologized to her, and she forgave him. She helped him realize that he'd been redeemed and could lay "his burdens down."

The second part of the song is different in tone and theme, and it talks about a man who's recruited to be trained to become a weapon of vengeance. He's promised that he'll be avenging the people he loves and trusts, but he's slowly transformed into a weapon of destruction. He's being brainwashed and manipulated until he reaches a point where he becomes someone else, and the only thing that matters to him is his mission. The song's message is clear, and it's telling people that they don't need to carry the shame and burden of their past, but instead, they can find redemption and let go of their pain.

Line by Line Meaning

Down with the shame
Rejecting the feeling of shame

Used to walk traps in the rain with cocaine
Used to sell drugs in dangerous areas

Used to write raps in the traps as I sat in the rain
Used to find inspiration in the dark times

And I prayed that god give me a lane
Hoping for a chance to succeed

Give me a lane
Asking for a path to success

Give me the fame
Wanting recognition for talent

Give me the fame and I promise to change
Willing to change for the better with success

Won't be the same
Promise to change bad habits

Won't be the same kind of man that puts cocaine in this lady's hand
Refusing to continue hurting others

Heard she was pregnant, i'm guilty I reckon cause
Realizing the harm caused years later

I hear that good shit can hurt baby's brain
Knowing the danger of drug use

Heard he was normal 'til three and then he stopped talkin'
Witnessing the negative impact of drug use

Since then, ain't nothin been the same
The damage is irreversible

Seen her some years later out in decatur told her
Meeting the victim years later

That i'm sorry for causin' her pain
Apologizing for past mistakes

Causin' me pain?
The victim's reaction to the apology

Causin' me pain?
Asking for clarification

She asked again and she grabbed my right hand
The victim wants to know the truth

Asked am I crazy, said look here, baby
Questioning the reality of forgiveness

I release you from all of your sins and your shame
Forgiveness and moving on

Cause i've been redeemed
Finding redemption in one's faith

I found in christ
Finding salvation in religion

Whatever it take I hope you find it, mike
Wishing well for others

The look on her face shown that glory replaced
The victim experiencing a change of emotion

All the shame and the hate and that she wears a crown
Feeling liberated and worthy

My late grandma bettie had prayed with her
The victim receiving support from others

Heavy and told her to tell me lay my burdens down
Encouraging the singer to let go of the past

Carried the flag in some other men's name
Fighting for someone else's cause

Loaded my weapon and swore to them vengeance and
Promising to seek revenge for others

Stepped with aggression right into the fray
Approaching conflict with determination

Into the haze
Entering a confusing and dangerous situation

Into the murk
Entering a complex and uncertain situation

Told me to prove to them what I was worth
Being pressured to prove oneself

We'll teach you to move without mercy and give you
Being trained to be ruthless

The tools to go after the causers of hurt
Equipping to seek revenge on those who caused harm

You'll become death
Becoming a deadly force

You will take breath
Taking people's lives

This is for everything you've ever loved
Revenge for lost loved ones

Use all the pain that you've felt in your life as
Turning personal pain into motivation

The currency go out and trade it for blood
Channeling pain into aggression

You are not you
Losing oneself during the training

You are now us
Becoming a part of a group

We are the only ones that you can trust
Being indoctrinated into the group's beliefs

You'll become fear
Being seen as a threatening force

They'll become dust
Destroying enemies

Before this moment you didn't mean much
Feeling insignificant before joining the group

You are the smoldering vessel of punishment
Being the instrument of revenge

Born to do nothing but justify us
Being conditioned to carry out the group's agenda

Give us your empathy we'll give you lust
Manipulating by offering something desirable in exchange for loyalty

Let yourself go my son time to grow up
Being encouraged to let go of morality and become ruthless

Give up your childish obsession with questioning
Being discouraged from critical thinking

Anything we don't tell you is irrelevant
Being convinced to ignore anything outside the group's narrative

Everything you've ever been is replaced by the
Being redefined by the group's ideology

Metal and fire of the weapon you clutch
The only identity left is that of a weapon

Can't pick up no crown, holding
Unable to achieve success while being held back

What's holding you down
Identifying the obstacles to success

Can't pick up no crown, can't pick up no crown
Unable to achieve success despite efforts

(down with the shame
Continuing to reject shame

Down with the shame)
Repeating the rejection of shame

Lyrics © CYPMP, Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: JAIME MELINE, JORDY ASHER, MICHAEL SANTIGO RENDER, TORBITT SCHWARTZ

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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Most interesting comments from YouTube:

@somethingsomethingusername802

Is the Military (in times of peace) the same way?

I enlisted just about a year and half ago. Shipped to Ft. Benning for 19D OSUT, got injured in week 8 (happened a bit earlier but I didn't know until going to sick call for an unrelated injury...go f-in' figure) and was sent home on con. leave for 30 days. Came back rippin and ready to go, did physical therapy for about 3-4 months, whack-ass civie Physical Therapist at the TMC wouldn't grant a Return To Duty. CoC figured it best I be separated, get better treatment outside of TRADOC, and come back.

Since returning home I've been working with a Physician and Physical Therapist - as well as a couple trips to a good Chiropractor. Ended up getting certified as an EMT-B at the community college, been doing that for a minute now.

But I have thought about reenlisting, and have spoken with a recruiter - if only out of curiosity. ASVAB score wasn't stellar, a 77. But all my line scores are above a 105, easily (GT of 110 for example).

I'm still only making +/-$19 an hour, with like a $2+ night/weekend differential. After taxes and living expenses I got enough for gas and maybe another month of Netflix lol. My time spent at Benning...man...never had so much just sittin in my Checking Account. Lower enlisted pay isn't great...but the benefits, the housing, etc., kinda makes up for it in my eyes.

I guess what I'm asking is if it is worth it? I thoroughly enjoyed training, even in a TRADOC environment. I thrived there. I knew what to do, how to do it, and when. Kinda miss that at times.

@klep2ma297

5y↑21

[Verse 1: Killer Mike]
Down with the shame
Down with the shame
Used to walk traps in the rain with cocaine
Used to write raps in the traps as I sat in the rain and I prayed that God give me a lane
Give me a lane
Give me the fame
Give me the fame and I promise to change
Won’t be the same
Won’t be the same type of man that puts cocaine in this lady’s hand
Heard she was pregnant, I’m guilty I reckon 'cause I hear that good shit can hurt baby’s brain
Heard he was normal 'til three and then he stopped talkin'
Since then, ain’t nothin been the same
Seen her some years later out in Decatur, told her I’m sorry for causin' her pain
"Causin' me pain?"
"Causin' me pain?"
She asked again and she grabbed my right hand
Asked am I crazy, said "Look here, baby, I release you from all of your sins and your shame
Cause I’ve been redeemed
I found in Christ
Whatever it take I hope you find it, Mike."
The look on her face shown that glory replaced all the shame and the hate and that she wears a crown
My late Grandma Bettie had prayed with her heavy and told her to tell me lay my burdens down

[Hook: Killer Mike]
Can't pick up no crown
Holding what's holding you down
Can't pick up no crown
Holding what's holding you down
Can't pick up no crown, can't pick up no crown

[Verse 2: El-P, Killer Mike]
(Down with the shame
Down with the shame)
Carried the flag in some other men's name
Loaded my weapon and swore to them vengeance and stepped with aggression right into the fray
Into the haze
Into the murk
Told me to prove to them what I was worth
We’ll teach you to move without mercy and give you the tools to go after the causers of hurt
You'll become death
You will take breath
This is for everything you’ve ever loved
Use all the pain that you’ve felt in your life as the currency go out and trade it for blood
You are not you
You are now us
We are the only ones that you can trust
You’ll become fear
They’ll become dust
Before this moment, you didn't mean much
You are the smoldering vessel of punishment born to do nothing but justify us
Give us your empathy, we’ll give you lust
Let yourself go, my son, time to grow up
Give up your childish obsession with questioning
Anything we don't tell you is irrelevant
Everything you've ever been is replaced by the metal and fire of the weapon you clutch

[Hook: Killer Mike]
Can't pick up no crown
Holding what's holding you down
Can't pick up no crown
Holding what's holding you down
Can't pick up no crown, can't pick up no crown

[Outro: Killer Mike]
Can't pick up no crown
Holding what's holding you down
Can't pick up no crown
Holding what's holding you down
Can't pick up no crown
Holding what's holding you down
Can't pick up no crown
Holding what's holding you down
Can't pick up no crown
Holding what's holding you down

@danielchang1013

4y↑2

[Killer Mike:]
Down with the shame
Down with the shame
Used to walk traps in the rain with cocaine
Used to write raps in the traps as I sat in the rain and I prayed that God give me a lane
Give me a lane
Give me the fame
Give me the fame and I promise to change
Won’t be the same
Won’t be the same type of man that puts cocaine in this lady’s hand
Heard she was pregnant, I’m guilty I reckon cause I hear that good shit can hurt baby’s brain
Heard he was normal 'til three and then he stopped talkin'
Since then, ain’t nothin been the same
Seen her some years later out in decatur told her that I’m sorry for causin' her pain
Causin' me pain?
Causin' me pain?
She asked again and she grabbed my right hand
Asked am I crazy, said look here, baby, I release you from all of your sins and your shame
Cause I’ve been redeemed
I found in Christ
Whatever it take I hope you find it, Mike
The look on her face shown that glory replaced all the shame and the hate and that she wears a crown
My late grandma Bettie had prayed with her heavy and told her to tell me lay my burdens down

[Hook:]
Can't pick up no crown, holding
What's holding you down
Can't pick up no crown, holding
What's holding you down
Can't pick up no crown, can't pick up no crown

[El-P:]
(Down with the shame
Down with the shame)
Carried the flag in some other men's name
Loaded my weapon and swore to them vengeance and stepped with aggression right into the fray
Into the haze
Into the murk
Told me to prove to them what I was worth
We’ll teach you to move without mercy and give you the tools to go after the causers of hurt
You'll become death
You will take breath
This is for everything you’ve ever loved
Use all the pain that you’ve felt in your life as the currency go out and trade it for blood
You are not you
You are now us
We are the only ones that you can trust
You’ll become fear
They’ll become dust
Before this moment you didn't mean much
You are the smoldering vessel of punishment born to do nothing but justify us
Give us your empathy we’ll give you lust
Let yourself go my son time to grow up
Give up your childish obsession with questioning
Anything we don't tell you is irrelevant
Everything you've ever been is replaced by the metal and fire of the weapon you clutch

[Hook]

@mason_mason

6y↑1

Killer Mike:]
Down with the shame
Down with the shame
Used to walk traps in the rain with cocaine
Used to write raps in the traps as I sat in the rain and I prayed that God give me a lane
Give me a lane
Give me the fame
Give me the fame and I promise to change
Won’t be the same
Won’t be the same type of man that puts cocaine in this lady’s hand
Heard she was pregnant, I’m guilty I reckon cause I hear that good shit can hurt baby’s brain
Heard he was normal 'til three and then he stopped talkin'
Since then, ain’t nothin been the same
Seen her some years later out in decatur told her that I’m sorry for causin' her pain
Causin' me pain?
Causin' me pain?
She asked again and she grabbed my right hand
Asked am I crazy, said look here, baby, I release you from all of your sins and your shame
Cause I’ve been redeemed
I found in Christ
Whatever it take I hope you find it, Mike
The look on her face shown that glory replaced all the shame and the hate and that she wears a crown
My late grandma Bettie had prayed with her heavy and told her to tell me lay my burdens down

[Hook:]
Can't pick up no crown, holding
What's holding you down
Can't pick up no crown, holding
What's holding you down
Can't pick up no crown, can't pick up no crown

[El-P:]
(Down with the shame
Down with the shame)
Carried the flag in some other men's name
Loaded my weapon and swore to them vengeance and stepped with aggression right into the fray
Into the haze
Into the murk
Told me to prove to them what I was worth
We’ll teach you to move without mercy and give you the tools to go after the causers of hurt
You'll become death
You will take breath
This is for everything you’ve ever loved
Use all the pain that you’ve felt in your life as the currency go out and trade it for blood
You are not you
You are now us
We are the only ones that you can trust
You’ll become fear
They’ll become dust
Before this moment you didn't mean much
You are the smoldering vessel of punishment born to do nothing but justify us
Give us your empathy we’ll give you lust
Let yourself go my son time to grow up
Give up your childish obsession with questioning
Anything we don't tell you is irrelevant
Everything you've ever been is replaced by the metal and fire of the weapon you clutch

All comments from YouTube:

@mrlowkey4187

6y↑82

You’ll become fear
They’ll become dust

@brittwade3127

7y↑226

damn 1:55-2:45 was savage. combat vet turned hippy can confirm truth in those bars.

@superdave11bodybag13

4y↑1

Britt Wade hooah

@omnitravis

4y↑2

I only tried to join the USMC and that verse makes me tear up often, it's beautiful.

@ManicTheManic

4y↑4

@@omnitravis lolwut

@apexnext

3y↑2

Seen lots of Vets say that verse is legit.
Over the years now.

@somethingsomethingusername802

@Rafe758

5y↑80

Everybody loves el-p’s verse, but I find the wisdom in mikes profound

@100dead

5y↑7

Both are amazing, but the targeted attack of El-P's verse is insane

@odstjackson

3y↑4

Only dealers and ex dealers can relate to his verse really.

@soloastrothemilnative2482

Agree

@patrickduncan1626

2y↑2

As a vet I can relate to el-p's verse. But mike is definitely awesome in this one

@kollatt

mike’s is good but el’s is a masterpiece.

2 More Replies...

@PeppercornBingBong

8y↑41

Never stop making music, please

@drumgold23

9y↑79

The flow on this is so good. Some of the best I've ever heard.

@timeslowingdown

8y↑2

+drumgold23 It is the dopest

@isisnoreija

Absolutely! I am not into this kind of music at all, but this song got me after like a few seconds- and the lyrics are so deep!

@smegmalasagna

5y↑8

I got goosebumps from that "We are the only ones that you can trust".

@WeAreN1nja

8y↑123

El-P's verse... I've thought about the exact same thing he's talking about so many times. Especially in this day and age.

@trikkinikki970

4y↑10

I wonder how many people have been saved from service from that verse.

@heavyharris5580

3y↑4

@@trikkinikki970 Hopefully more than many of the commenters here who seem to think his lyrics are pro-military.

@porterburkett819

7y↑10

I love how they go from a song like Love Again straight back to some seriously socially aware shit like this. RTJ are amazing.

@kingofbel6499

Just noticed how underappreciated this song is. Listened to it a hundred times and the lyrics still hits me harder than most rap songs with millions of views out there.

@aschemusicreations

4y↑7

This is their best track in my mind...

@bhongonkumanda7630

I agree

@slothbro2740

4y↑4

the riff right after mikes first verse just comes into my head so often. just the sound of the guitar is so fantastic and thats what i get in my head

@coryeller

2y↑1

Loving the Chugging bass for train tracks and the vocal harmonies with the train horn. Born and raised in SugarHill/Gwinnett in a cul-de-sac across from the railway. I'm Resonating with your music brothers.

@edgar96rc

8y↑14

This is a very good letter, this is Rap carajo!!

Cheers from Mexico

@jakeneko

9y↑7

You guys are amazing. I love the dark train horn-like noises.

@montgomerypowers7205

3y↑2

The background vocals make me think of a train and the whole flow gives me a sense of moving down the tracks with no stops.

@evil1knight

8y↑51

2:36 is the best flow i've ever heard

@evil1knight

7y↑1

ILL SMIFF i heard your mom moaning

@dumpsta-divrr365

lit

@evil1knight

7y↑2

ILL SMIFF your my child ohhhhh!

@dumpsta-divrr365

Nick Here LIT

@charleydavidson3500

7y↑4

I heard TheLegend27 can rap better than a catapult.

@Psztyk236

9y↑87

Best on the album IMO

@stanleyguzman694

8y↑2

I kinda preferred early

@Psztyk236

8y↑3

Stanley Guzman Now I prefer Angel Duster but listening to Crown and AD in one listen is one of best music experience I've ever had

@stanleyguzman694

8y↑1

Wiencon yeah.i love how this album really grew on me overtime

@MeoauASMR

also my favorite

@Benkaization

7y↑1

the next track is pretty tight too. but i agree. if anything, most of the songs on this album are 8/10. i think there's only one song on this album i'm not super stoked to hear. but yarp. great album in general. best song prolly.

2 More Replies...

@BlackenedNL

9y↑17

Listened to this last week while taking a walk, there is so much cool stuff in this song. Run the Jewels keep it up! Legends

@RoidRageRhinos

9y↑3

Morris Kramer Hip-hop while going out for a walk is my dream job.

@guadalupecordova2430

Joseph Hotter you'd be paid 50 cents an hour lol

@jacksonbrooks688

+Guadalupe Cordova what if you're running?

@guadalupecordova2430

Jackson Brooks then you'd be running the jewels for 50 cents lol idk

@jacksonbrooks688

Guadalupe Cordova Run the Change ft. Barack O'ganja and 50 cent.

@edgyzero6305

9y↑14

Godlike lyrics.

@lzi9452

Slither is this the real slither omg I'm your biggest fan

@istoev123

8y↑17

The guitar sample that starts at 1:29 sounds a lot like the guitar in "Corey Taylor - From can to can't (Soundcity)"
Great choice either way, awesome results.

@klep2ma297

5y↑21

@theruraljurorful

4y↑2

Still such a great song

@billsherwood7407

8y↑47

El p underrated producer

@inkedProdigy

8y↑15

seriously! This fucking beat is otherworldly levels of creativity. Idk how someone could produce this it's so unique

@MrOplef

8y↑2

Diane Coffee helped I think. You can hear his vocals in the backround.

@hectorthealchemist

9y↑42

Even though these guys can be sometimes nasty and graphic a bit, they're way better than most rappers I hear on the radio, and thy're a breath of fresh air. Love their style, its like punk hip hop ish sometimes. :)

@SYMShutYoMouth

8y↑7

Oh boy. Listen to more music.

@hectorthealchemist

8y↑4

Oh haha, I realized I sound like THOSE people... haha yeah. You're right xD

@SYMShutYoMouth

TheSchwaWasntHere (Dog Days Are Over-- PLEASE SUBSCRIBE :D) Lol no problem man.

@alexagaba284

Really love this song..
Both verses hit hard in different ways..

@sexytomato100

8y↑12

probably the best rap song I've ever heard

@albionpatterns3986

Agreed

@bhongonkumanda7630

4y↑4

Still think this is the best song by Run the Jewels

@alexagaba284

It's a contender..
What I know is I've probably listened to it more than any other of theirs..

@TheRandyPan

8y↑3

Sick track!!

@floppypoppygifts

9y↑4

Featuring Diane Coffee? Awesome! #everybodysagooddog

@wayz6602

7y↑2

In love with the sound (X)

@thatswhatithoughtman3706

8y↑6

dat flow.

@levelman8985

This on repeat for a while.

@brennaj2214

Awesome song!

@lumbeats7159

5y↑1

The Best Rap Duo Ever!

@Peter_Kropotkin

4y↑8

Workers of the world unite. Enough is enough. We have a planet on fire, and fascism destroying more and more of a society, we've barely been able to be blessed with. RTJ will be the anthem of the revolution in saying no more. Power to the people, I wish you all strength and love.

@dmitritelvanni4068

You know that means you're gonna end up in the firing line right? Bougie poser.

@dmitritelvanni4068

But yeah... no worries. We did. Against you ..

@adizmal

8y↑179

Boilerplate: Not trying to be pretentious with this analysis, but I've got to get this off my chest...

I have listened to this song for a long time now, since RTJ2 dropped. Critically. As in, a wannabe quasi-academic manner. In particular, El-P's verse. And not because I like it or think it's better than Mikes - I don't. No... it's because my interpretation of the context of his lyrics has grown much wider and deeper than the first time I heard the song. Sorry, this is kind of hard to explain but I'll try and explain it as simply as possible.

Basically, when I first heard the song, I initially considered the context to be that of an American soldier. You know, provinciality and whatnot, led me to consider it from an American viewpoint if only because that's what I know, all I know; being American. So then after hearing it several times, I began to just consider it in a broader context of basically any soldier anywhere throughout history. Finally, it started to click on a meta level. I started to think about it from the perspective of, say... ISIS. This bothers me a lot because of the universality, the commonality, of the lyrics is easily seen as mirrored in the mindset and attitude of [some] soldiers, good or bad, right and wrong, neighbors across the street or across the planet. There is a capacity for violence within us, humanity, and at times it disturbs me a bit... how easily we/they can be manipulated into violent tools of war... of hate... and for what..? For other people, invisible borders, spaghetti monsters in the sky, whatever. None of those justifies killing, or war, or genocide, or even innocuous bullshit like 'protecting our foreign investments'. One of the saddest realities (and in my opinion, failures) of our journey though history up until now is how easily we are, at times, swayed into becoming something that is, at its core, very ugly and very bad. We make so much progress together, and a lot of destruction too. Have we really come very far? At the end of my day, I lay my head down on a nice soft pillow and dream of nice things so I can get up in the morning and just get by, through another day, and hope it was at least slightly enjoyable. Meanwhile, as I sleep, each night, there are people out there pointing guns, filling children's heads with lies and propaganda, people selling out themselves and their beliefs for anything from a quick buck while robbing a liquor store, to training to invade another fucking country, kids with no hope brainwashed and ... and everything in between. Motherfuckers need to chill, smoke a joint, and listen to some RTJ2 before we have all collectively pushed too many red buttons to fix the messes we've made. Lot of people who El-P talks about have walked this planet, fought for you or fought against you... many have died doing so... sadly it looks like it will continue for at least a while longer... but I'm not scared or anything... I just simply wonder if the people he's talking about know that they can't pick up a crown while holding whats holding-them-down. And for what it's worth, he's not talking about every soldier. He's talking about those who do not, or cannot, think for themselves. So on one hand I feel judgmental towards people who would willingly kill another human being and try to justify it. On the other hand I sympathize with those who are simply hopeless, helpless, swept into something with much greater power than they can possibly fight against or escape. I could go on, but I'll stop for any potential reader's sake.

TLDR: Listen to the song an imagine it as I dunno, a US soldier. Then listen to it and imagine it as a Taliban soldier. A nazi soldier. A Roman centurion. A suicide bomber. A child soldier in an African paramilitary deathsquad A mercenary on the payroll of a SA druglord. Etc etc and so on. El-P's verse on this is as meta as I've ever heard him. I can't quite put into words how wise I think that verse is, but hey, I tried.

@someguywithapineapp

8y↑7

+adizmal Too high bruh

@adizmal

8y↑2

Hotrocklson "So high you're a hobbit..!" ;D

@joshleahy7980

8y↑5

+adizmal That's fucking amazing! I listen to this song 4-5 times a day and never made the connection that you have, adds so much more meaning to an already incredible song.

@breadthatismoist

8y↑8

"Not trying to be pretentious..." Goes on to write some of the most pseudo-intellectual bs I've ever heard

@adizmal

8y↑7

Dan Guo Deep insight into your opinion or thoughts about the song. I'm really moved.

20 More Replies...

@tuncer1234

7y↑2

god damn it made me cry

@SpoonsForks

8y↑6

dankkkk

@Tony.Miyamoto

5y↑2

Can't pick up no crown
holding what's holding you down

@holyskiba2537

7y↑1

this song makes me feel like im thinking hard on a subway at night after a hangover

@heavyharris5580

3y↑4

I'm not sure how people are taking El-P's verse as an endorsement of serving in the armed forces...

@scarface382

Amen 💯💯💯💯

@21MWTF

GOOOSEBUMPS

@evolutiontail5697

Can't pick up what's holding you down. That runs deep alone

@user-oh4yz6lj9n

9w↑1

Killer Jewels - Crown (Feat. Robby Robbins) (Explicit) | (From The Run The Jewels 1 (Deluxe Edition) (Explicit) (Album))

@pietromoko

wow

@megaisgod1

Still relevant

@AlbertTMcKee-vj6iy

Yeah; it's way easier to just pick up the Round Table and a pen. This song is powerful and I love it. Thanks dudes.

@squadwipesyt3639

4y↑1

RTJ4 NOW!!!!

@user-kh4je3cm1u

12w

My girl loves this song! This is Socorro by the way

@learrus

4y↑1

Hail the Goddesses

@yasinlago5587

Too, too heavy. RTJ, I thank you.

@i2Shea

8y↑43

As much as I hate Jimmy Kimmel, he had them on his show and I wouldn't have known about this album if I had not been flipping through the channels and saw Killer Mike. Respect to Kimmel ... for now.

@adhhxgxhhg

6y↑1

i2Shea
I didn't like him before either and I still don't watch anything but clips of his show,
but Kimmel grew some balls this year, respect where respect is due.

@williamsparrow9160

Man you guys are the shit love guys your real.

@jacksonhammonds6212

I do like the latest 2 albums but rtj 1 and 2 or insanely good.

@dakotasmith9878

7y↑1

Crazy how the best song on the album is one of the least viewed on their channel from RTJ2

@C_OD_A

"Ask if i'm crazy she said look here baby I release you from all of your sins and your shame."

@zetzo27

this fucking song

@Lord_Beego

7y↑2

Only after I read that dudes long comment did I consider this to be about military. I always pictured it as a new initiate to a gang.

@imurdaddy694

3y↑2

Similar concept for both, my friend.

@odstjackson

3y↑2

We're recruited the same way. The way into the trap is with honeyed words and gifts.

@soloastrothemilnative2482

Shit is deep...hurts listening to this

@FlyBoyKhi

So after listening to RTJ4, I’ve been thinking about this song and now I kinda feel like Killer Mike is talking about his mom in his verse. I could be very wrong tho

@DapperDoktor

4y↑1

Fly killer mike used to be a cocaine dealer and one of his bigger regrets was selling to a pregnant woman and after hearing how it affected the child he had a ton of regret but years later he met the lady and she forgave him for what he did.

@danielchang1013

4y↑2

@tom-du2tq

@ZeludeRose

3y↑1

CYBERKIDZ REPRESENT

@mason_mason

6y↑1

@Mr.Dayahk

While it's ok to compare n contrast versus what's being slept on is both verses mirror each other. How so? Here's an experiment. Listen to el-p's verse 1st n Mike's 2nd and it tells a full story. Alot of of what our military fights for is resources from other countries hince the coke that Mike sells to the pregnant woman more than likely came from Bolivia or Latin country we trade or occupy. Long story short one is a street soldier the other a military soldier one is being trained to not feel anything while the other has remorse n guilt

@milesleblanc164

6y↑2

I listened to this album when I was high on some strong weed. This song came on. That first verse fucked me up

@dylanpettit657

Anyone going to Bumbershoot in September to see them? http://bumbershoot.com/

@evolutiontail5697

Before this moment you didn't mean much.

@reesewhitman5958

I wish I never spray painted anything about Keith. I hope God accepts my Burger King crown

@chaseburt4992

4y↑2

AS A VET I FEEL LIKE IM ONE THAT QUESTIONS GOVERNMENT MORE THAN MOST HAVING DEALT WITH THEM DIRECTLY.... WHILE ENLISTED AND AFTER....

@user-dj9qs6kp9k

Strange cuzz every track is better than the one before it

@FlyBoyKhi

7y↑1

El-P's verse is sooo fucking good.

@sparker0420

[Verse 1: Killer Mike] Down with the shame Down with the shame Used to walk traps in the rain with cocaine Used to write raps in the traps as I sat in the rain and I prayed that God give me a lane Give me a lane Give me the fame Give me the fame and I promise to change Won’t be the same Won’t be the same type of man that puts cocaine in this lady’s hand Heard she was pregnant, I’m guilty I reckon 'cause I hear that good shit can hurt baby’s brain Heard he was normal 'til three and then he stopped talkin' Since then, ain’t nothin been the same Seen her some years later out in Decatur, told her I’m sorry for causin' her pain "Causin' me pain?" "Causin' me pain?" She asked again and she grabbed my right hand Asked am I crazy, said "Look here, baby, I release you from all of your sins and your shame Cause I’ve been redeemed I found in Christ Whatever it take I hope you find it, Mike." The look on her face shown that glory replaced all the shame and the hate and that she wears a crown My late Grandma Bettie had prayed with her heavy and told her to tell me lay my burdens down  [Hook: Killer Mike] Can't pick up no crown Holding what's holding you down Can't pick up no crown Holding what's holding you down Can't pick up no crown, can't pick up no crown  [Verse 2: El-P, Killer Mike] (Down with the shame Down with the shame) Carried the flag in some other men's name Loaded my weapon and swore to them vengeance and stepped with aggression right into the fray Into the haze Into the murk Told me to prove to them what I was worth We’ll teach you to move without mercy and give you the tools to go after the causers of hurt You'll become death You will take breath This is for everything you’ve ever loved Use all the pain that you’ve felt in your life as the currency go out and trade it for blood You are not you You are now us We are the only ones that you can trust You’ll become fear They’ll become dust Before this moment, you didn't mean much You are the smoldering vessel of punishment born to do nothing but justify us Give us your empathy, we’ll give you lust Let yourself go, my son, time to grow up Give up your childish obsession with questioning Anything we don't tell you is irrelevant Everything you've ever been is replaced by the metal and fire of the weapon you clutch  [Hook: Killer Mike] Can't pick up no crown Holding what's holding you down Can't pick up no crown Holding what's holding you down Can't pick up no crown, can't pick up no crown  [Outro: Killer Mike] Can't pick up no crown Holding what's holding you down Can't pick up no crown Holding what's holding you down Can't pick up no crown Holding what's holding you down Can't pick up no crown Holding what's holding you down Can't pick up no crown Holding what's holding you down

@oddzylinderfudgrub1951

Wow. Heavy as fuck. 45+ year old white fella with a narrow perspective. Metal head. Power knows no genre.

@greenpigking6974

7y↑2

So is this about a guy feeling like shit and struggling to change his life to become a good person?

@airzingis1169

7y↑13

The first verse is a real story about when Killer Mike used to deal cocaine. He dealt to a pregnant woman and the child had birth defects. He meets her again years later, and apologizes for the pain he has caused her. She forgives him, having found salvation in God, and wishes him the best in his life. As he still feels guilty, his wife reminds him of a song his late grandmother enjoyed called "Lay My Burdens Down", about doing away with your guilt and responsibilities to others and focusing on yourself. The second verse by El-P is about a soldier and the army in general. It focuses on how soldiers are forced to kill for the interests of those above them. The chorus is about the necessity to let go of your guilt in order to become a better person. You must put down your guilt and everything holding you down, in order to pick up your crown.

@chriswidener5554

3.6k likes has to be fake

@caseystevenson5111

My fiance passed from heroine. Glory unto the truth.

@chrisdickey4641

El is regressing. Don't say ish cause I was bumping Monster when it came out. Aesop is evolving people. Slug is dealing with the natural aging process. You always wandered how white hip hop would age didn't you?