Lost Desire
Dice Raw/Malik B./Mercedes Martinez/Porn/The Roots Lyrics

It's the lump in your heart
Referring to the emotional burden one carries, potentially caused by the chaos and destruction around them.

Or the pain in your mind
Acknowledging that this anguish weighs on the mind as well, potentially as a result of constant exposure to violence and corruption.

No one cares what the truth is
Suggesting that despite the pain experienced by individuals, the truth is obscured by lies in a larger sense.

Cause a fortress built on lies
This line serves to reinforce the idea that the larger systems and structures in place are built on a foundation of deceit.

I'm exhausted but I never ever forfeit
The artist acknowledges their fatigue and weariness but emphasizes their dedication to fight for what they believe is right.

Y'all just bullshit while I knock a nigga off quick
Drawing a contrast between the singer's own active efforts and those around them who only speak without taking action.

Y'all start speaking in tongues and start reaching for guns
Describing the attitude shift that happens when disagreement or challenge arises, and suggesting a willingness to resort to violence.

A militant will put this heat in your lungs
Using violent language to emphasize the potential consequences of conflict.

The street and the slums, the weekend is done
Describing the ongoing turmoil and violence in these areas, drawing attention to the fact that it is a daily experience.

The local class always show you what [?] is become
Implying that the communities described here are stuck in cycles of violence and poverty.

The seasons are done, and reasons are none
Emphasizing the directionlessness of these communities, and the lack of purpose that can result from exposure to constant violence.

People dyin' bullets flyin' cause they schemin'[?] for fun
Describing the motives of some individuals as being simply to cause death and destruction for entertainment purposes.

It's all of a nightmare, that's right there
Emphasizing that the violence and turmoil being described is a constant, inescapable reality.

They hopin' that somebody in the hood just might care
Suggesting a sense of desperation, and a need for some kind of intervention.

With all this protestin' and rallyin'
Acknowledging that some people are trying to create change through peaceful means like protesting and rallying.

Death toll tallyin'
Drawing attention to the amount of death and destruction that is constantly occurring in these communities.

Foul smells around them [?] in the alley and
Describing the physical environment of these places as being permeated with decay.

Corner filled with teddy bears, cause they killed a child again,
Describing a surprisingly common occurrence in these violent communities - the death of children.

They sing about murder, so it ain't a song it's [?
Commenting on the glorification of violence in popular culture, and suggesting that such material has real-world consequences.

Get off the choir with your soft attire,
Dismissing those who speak about change but take no action.

Niggas out here don't give a fuck, cause they lost desire
Drawing attention to the fact that many individuals in these communities have given up on the idea of change - they see no path to a better future.

My city's full of heartbreakers and stargazers
Describing the emotional and aspirational landscape of the city.

Who puff kush
Referencing a common drug used in the communities being described.

Vegas, So they gone with the wind, like Clark Gable,
Drawing a comparison to the classic film character who faced tragedy and uncertainty.

Breathin' like Darth Vader, believin' in dark angel
Describing individuals as being consumed by negative attitudes and behaviors.

Yeah, we got flags, but they not star-spangled
Suggesting a sense of disillusionment with traditional symbols of patriotism.

We not patriotic, the heroes are not them,
Rejecting a simplistic understanding of heroism and patriotism, and acknowledging that these concepts are complicated in the community being described.

Ghetto griots like rims, you stop, they still spin,
Describing the culture in these communities, and how certain elements persist no matter what.

Tall tales at the bar, witnessed after dark,
Describing the storytelling culture of these places.

And we still stop in and chicken and [?]
Acknowledging that despite the violence and destruction, life goes on - people still eat, socialize, and go about their daily lives.

And listen to Rakim
Referencing a well-known hip-hop artist.

With the [?] that y'all been
Unclear what this line is saying, possibly referring to the music being played continuing despite the chaos around.

For realla, I hadn't been schemin' to [?]ply in
Describing the artist's own attitude that they have not been actively trying to cause harm or start conflict.

You fear us? Fear is self, personified
Pushing back against the idea that outsiders should be fearful of people from these communities.

Payin' homage to homicide
This line seems to suggest that these communities have an unhealthy reverence for violence and death.

Prayin' to the dollar sign
Drawing attention to the corrupting influence of money and greed.

It's idol worship
Expanding on the idea of idolizing destructive behaviors, linking it to religious idol worship.

The rebel forces
This line suggests a sense of militancy and rebellion in these communities.

Bodies lie at the foundation of the fortress
Returning to the earlier theme of violence being a foundation for society in these areas.

This is war, we expect some losses
Acknowledging that there will be casualties and difficulties in the struggle for change.

And we comin' for the heads of the bosses
Promising that those in charge will be held accountable.

We on some casualties of war shit,
This line brings back the theme of being in a war-like situation.

What you stand for, kid?
Asking the listener what they are willing to fight for.

We in the city where they definitely lost it
Describing a sense of chaos and confusion within the community.

You open your eyelids and get capped in the ribs
Suggesting that violence is seemingly random and can strike at any moment.

Your funeral they have your 12th grade portrait
Highlighting the loss of potential and youth when people are killed.

Pretty corpse in casket, bell-shaped orchids
Describing the visual aspects of a funeral.

Said he 19 and left a self-made fortune
Referencing the idea that some individuals turn to illegal or dangerous choices in order to make money.

And left trey orphans
Drawing attention to the families left behind when someone is killed.

Now he in a box with the same chain and watch
Describing the finality of death and how material possessions become meaningless.

That never came off him
Highlighting the importance of material possessions in some communities.

It's a shame what it cost him
Acknowledging that the cost of these violent lifestyles is high.

Where he come from it ain't nuthin'
Suggesting that there are few opportunities and few other options for those growing up in these communities.

It's a everyday thing, that's a problem
Describing the constant violence as a significant issue.

It's chambers revolving
This line is difficult to interpret.

Bustin' like Russian roulette
Suggesting that violence is a game of chance with high stakes.

With a full set, then change what the odds is,
Unclear what this line is saying.

Flames in the mosque, and
Referencing the idea that even places of worship are not immune to violence and destruction.

People held hostage
Drawing attention to the idea of people being held against their will.

Everyday I struggle, try to get up out the mosh-pit
Describing the daily effort required to try and escape from violence and chaos.

Homicide for profit, tell me how we not sick?
Referencing the idea that some individuals profit from death and destruction, highlighting the twisted priorities of some people.

This shit is out of control, they can't stop it
Describing a sense of hopelessness about the situation, the feeling that there is no way to truly stop the cycle of violence.