Doomtree is a hip hop collective based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Members o… Read Full Bio ↴Doomtree is a hip hop collective based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Members of Doomtree bring various bases of knowledge and musical backgrounds together to create honest and original music. Their main influence is punk and their lyrics are frequently introspective and self-deprecating. They often do shows with fellow Minnesota hip-hop label Rhymesayers Entertainment. Emcees perform solo or with one another, each contributing a different approach to their music.

Emcees
* P.O.S. has released four albums under the Rhymesayers record label in conjunction with the Doomtree label. His first album, Ipecac Neat, made its Rhymesayers debut in 2004. His next album Audition released in 2006. His third release, Never Better was released in February 2009. We Don't Even Live Here, his fourth album, came out October 2012.
P.O.S is the de facto leader of the group. He also performs with the punk rock group Building Better Bombs.
* Sims released his first full length album in July 2005, Lights Out Paris. He also released False Hopes 14 in 2009. In 2011, he released Bad Time Zoo to critical acclaim.
* Dessa released one of Doomtree's several False Hopes albums and often performs live with violinist Jessy Greene (who is featured on P.O.S's Audition). She is an accomplished spoken word poet. In January 2010, she released her first solo LP, A Badly Broken Code. 2011 brought Castor, The Twin, which was a re-imagining of many of the tracks from A Badly Broken Code, utilizing a live band.
* Mictlan has released Doomtree False Hopes albums Deity for hire and Deity for Re-hire. In 2008, Mike Mictlan and Lazerbeak released their album Hand Over Fist
* Cecil Otter released Hung Over-seas, a Doomtree False Hopes album in 2003. He was also a finalist in a national spoken word competition inspired by the 2004 presidential election. He released another album, simply titled Cecil Otter's False Hopes, in 2005. In 2006 Cecil Otter released his new full length album Rebel Yellow. He is also signed to Strange Famous Records.

Producers/DJs
* Paper Tiger has produced for Doomtree emcees and often spins records for Doomtree performances. He also provides graphic design for various flyers and other Doomtree visuals. He has released a solo album Made Like Us.
* MK Larada has produced many tracks for Doomtree emcees and is also Doomtree's resident artist. He has released an album Break In Two (Music For B People).
* Lazerbeak has produced many tracks for Doomtree emcees as well as several other Minneapolis hip-hop artists, including Toki Wright. He is also the guitarist of Minnesota indie band The Plastic Constellations. He has released his solo album Legend Recognize Legend
* Turbo Nemesis is the most common Doomtree DJ to spin at performances

http://www.doomtree.net

Gander Back
Doomtree Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

[Mictlan]
Hard-liner (streak), crack the felt tip
Clock-winder (tweak), patch the velvet
Cap gun Air-Soft electric
Eat the face off a centipede
I'll Metroid your section
A bitter cold heart from a bit of a slow start
Pivot on a shitter shitting out a Wonka Gold Card

Inka-drinka bottle of Aquanet
Hock a loogie at lookie-lous
And you? Jockin' it

[P.O.S.]
Promise of stressin' out
Them long days could snap
Then split wrists with style like slap bracelets
Stack cases not murder raps but cases
Fulla' MPCs, guitars, basses
Drum machines, pedals, and crap to murder rap
Yeah, I don't take a sec to breathe I ain't heard of that
I'm just here to press through
Continue to rep Doom
And splinter mess from blow up the spot to wreck rooms

[Sims]
Sims hoppin' in
Mid-continent occupant
Cold spot non-stoppin' it
From the stock locked old cops cocking it
Who works for who is so obvious
So bend the barrel back
Send the Herald that
Nothing but news for the numb with the thumb on snooze for the young
Booze for the rest just to keep on pressing
You're looking fresh but who you impressing?

[Hook]
Relax, ease back, breathe fast, read maps, breeze past speed traps
We don't want that
We don't take that
We don't need that
Save that act
You play the part, we play the blade
We scrape your heart
We came to take the mark

[Sims]
And it seems that the heart is the heart of the problem
You want the view from the roof
Don't want to build from the bottom
Truth is we got 'em
Brick by brick over fist with or without 'em
The road is slick but I steer through
Push the pedal with the red-and-blues spinning in the rearview
Top Ramen jar-sipper, bar-ripper
I dig to build, they dig to fill the sifter

[P.O.S.]
Yeah, we'll prolly never grow up into a Cosby sweater
Hobby better
Yet ever quit
Well probably never
This is not a switch
This is in my blood simple as spit
Never rich, never stressed, never poor, never sick
(So when's that?)
Prolly never
I'll stick to simple shit
Like the beat never left I'ma walk with a little bit of rhythm in my step

[Mictlan]
We pocket the Polly, sully, then ollie the ox
Rocket the broccoli probably obvi', we didn't poli' the cost
Poppin' off the collar?
Chilled heat
Call me Sake Bomb
Holla' for hobby, all for the offer now talk to me calm
The Boom-Diggi-Doom
The groove's in me so move
If you with me then prove
Break bread fam
Who emptied the room?
We brought plenty to move
We were too heavy for wombs and cracked diaphragms

[Hook]
Relax, ease back, breathe fast, read maps, breeze past speed traps
We don't want that
We don't take that
We don't need that
Save that act
You play the part, we play the blade
We scrape your heart
We came to take the mark

[P.O.S.]
From the frost-bit center of America's map
A couple cats try'na get a couple hands to clap
Try'na eat, try'na live a little
Gander back
From the frost-bit center of America's map
A couple cats try'na shake a little stress with rap
But hold up

We don't breathe enough
Try'na beat these days but they're creeping up

Overall Meaning

The song "Gander Back" by Doomtree is a fast-paced rap about the struggle to succeed in the music industry while maintaining artistic integrity. The lyrics are dense with wordplay and metaphor, highlighting the rappers' skills with language. The song begins with Mictlan rapping about his hardness and ability to overcome obstacles ("Hard-liner, crack the felt tip...A bitter cold heart from a bit of a slow start"). P.O.S. picks up the verse, continuing the theme of hard work and dedication to the craft ("Stack cases not murder raps but cases...Continue to rep Doom"). Sims takes over for the third verse, referencing police repression and the struggle to make a name for oneself in the industry ("Cold spot non-stoppin' it...You're looking fresh but who you impressing?"). The song concludes with the powerful repetition of the hook ("Relax, ease back...We came to take the mark").

Line by Line Meaning

Hard-liner (streak), crack the felt tip
I am determined and skilled, ready to unleash my creativity

Clock-winder (tweak), patch the velvet
I have the ability to fix and improve things

Cap gun Air-Soft electric
I possess a powerful and energetic presence

Eat the face off a centipede
I am fearless and capable of facing difficult challenges

I'll Metroid your section
I will dominate and take control of your territory

A bitter cold heart from a bit of a slow start
I may have had a difficult beginning, but I have developed a tough exterior

Pivot on a shitter shitting out a Wonka Gold Card
I can turn a negative situation into a positive opportunity

Inka-drinka bottle of Aquanet
I consume and embrace my own unique style and identity

Hock a loogie at lookie-lous
I dismiss and show disdain for those who only observe without taking action

And you? Jockin' it
Meanwhile, you are imitating and trying to copy my success

Promise of stressin' out
The guarantee of facing overwhelming pressure

Them long days could snap
Those extended periods of time can lead to intense frustration

Then split wrists with style like slap bracelets
I handle difficult situations with flair and confidence

Stack cases not murder raps but cases
I accumulate accomplishments and achievements instead of focusing on negativity

Fulla' MPCs, guitars, basses
My creative arsenal is filled with musical instruments and equipment

Drum machines, pedals, and crap to murder rap
I possess the necessary tools and resources to create powerful and impactful music

Yeah, I don't take a sec to breathe I ain't heard of that
I refuse to rest or take breaks, as I am unaware of the concept

I'm just here to press through
I am fully committed to persevering and overcoming obstacles

Continue to rep Doom
I will consistently represent and support Doomtree

And splinter mess from blow up the spot to wreck rooms
I disrupt and cause chaos from small incidents to completely demolishing environments

Sims hoppin' in
Sims is joining in and getting involved

Mid-continent occupant
I inhabit and dominate the central region

Cold spot non-stoppin' it
I thrive and persist in the challenging and unforgiving environments

From the stock locked old cops cocking it
Defying and resisting the oppressive tactics of authorities

Who works for who is so obvious
It is clear that those in power serve their own interests

So bend the barrel back
Deflect and resist the harm and oppression directed towards us

Send the Herald that
Spread the message to the masses and inform everyone

Nothing but news for the numb with the thumb on snooze for the young
Deliver only relevant information to those who are oblivious or ignorant

Booze for the rest just to keep on pressing
Indulging in distractions to numb the pain and continue moving forward

You're looking fresh but who you impressing?
Your appearance may be impressive, but who are you trying to gain approval from?

Relax, ease back, breathe fast, read maps, breeze past speed traps
Take a moment to unwind, navigate through challenges effortlessly and avoid obstacles

We don't want that
We reject and refuse to accept those negative circumstances

We don't take that
We actively resist and refuse to be subjected to those negative situations

We don't need that
We have no requirement or desire for those negative influences

Save that act
Keep your false performance or behavior to yourself

You play the part, we play the blade
You pretend and conform, while we take decisive and aggressive actions

We scrape your heart
We will cut through your facade and reveal your true intentions or emotions

We came to take the mark
Our purpose is to leave a lasting impact and make our presence known

And it seems that the heart is the heart of the problem
The core issue lies within people's emotions and intentions

You want the view from the roof
You desire success or recognition without putting in the necessary effort

Don't want to build from the bottom
You prefer to skip the foundational work and take shortcuts

Truth is we got 'em
The reality is that we have the upper hand or advantage

Brick by brick over fist with or without 'em
We will construct and progress, with or without the support or involvement of others

The road is slick but I steer through
The path may be challenging and treacherous, but I navigate it skillfully

Push the pedal with the red-and-blues spinning in the rearview
I accelerate and continue forward despite the presence of obstacles or danger

Top Ramen jar-sipper, bar-ripper
I am resourceful and able to thrive with limited means, while also impressing with my lyrical abilities

I dig to build, they dig to fill the sifter
I actively work and excavate to create something meaningful, while others only seek superficial gains

Yeah, we'll prolly never grow up into a Cosby sweater
It's unlikely that we'll conform to societal expectations or norms

Hobby better
We excel and thrive in our artistic pursuits

Yet ever quit
We never give up or surrender

Well probably never
There's a high chance that we will continue on this path indefinitely

This is not a switch
Our dedication and passion are not temporary or easily turned off

This is in my blood simple as spit
Our commitment and talent are inherent and second nature to us

Never rich, never stressed, never poor, never sick
We maintain a balanced and unaffected state, free from material and emotional extremes

Prolly never
It's highly unlikely that there will be a change

I'll stick to simple shit
I'll stay true to my straightforward and authentic approach

Like the beat never left I'ma walk with a little bit of rhythm in my step
I will continuously carry a sense of rhythm and musicality in my actions and demeanor

We pocket the Polly, sully, then ollie the ox
We take advantage, corrupt, and overcome any challenges that arise

Rocket the broccoli probably obvi', we didn't poli' the cost
We excel and excel effortlessly, while understanding the consequences and sacrifices made

Poppin' off the collar?
Are you questioning or challenging our authority?

Chilled heat
We emanate a cool and powerful aura

Call me Sake Bomb
Refer to me as an explosive force, ready to make an impact

Holla' for hobby, all for the offer now talk to me calm
We are dedicated to our craft and willing to negotiate, but approach us with respect

The Boom-Diggi-Doom
We bring forth a powerful and impactful presence

The groove's in me so move
I possess rhythm and style, compelling others to join in and follow

If you with me then prove
Demonstrate your loyalty and dedication to our cause

Break bread fam
Let's come together and share resources and support each other

Who emptied the room?
Who caused everyone to scatter or disperse?

We brought plenty to move
We arrived with ample talent and offerings

We were too heavy for wombs and cracked diaphragms
We were born with intense energy and passion, surpassing normal constraints

From the frost-bit center of America's map
Hailing from the cold and overlooked middle region of America