Tell Me When
E-40 Ft. Keak Da Sneak Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴

Tell me when to go
Tell me when to go
Tell me when to go
Tell me when to go
Dumb, dumb, dumb, dumb, dumb, dumb, dumb, dumb
Tell me when to go
Tell me when to go
Tell me when to go
Tell me when to go
Dumb, dumb, dumb, dumb, dumb, dumb, dumb, dumb

Ooh, Jesus Christ had dreads, so shake 'em
I ain't got none, but I'm plannin' on growin' some
Imagine all the Hebrews goin' dumb
Dancin' on top of chariots and turnin' tight ones
Ooh, tell me when to go (dumb)
Talkin' on my Ghettro on my way to the store
My second or third trip
Some Henny, some Swishers and some Listerine strips
Dr. Greenthumb lips, just to ease my thoughts
Not just the cops, but the homies you got to watch
The moon is full, look at the dark clouds
Sittin' in my scraper, watchin' Oakland Gone Wild, ta-dow
I don't bump mainstream, I knock underground
All that other shit, sugarcoated and watered down
I'm from the Bay where we hyphy and go dumb
From the soil where them rappers be gettin' their lingo from

Tell me when to go
Tell me when to go
Tell me when to go
Tell me when to go
Dumb, dumb, dumb, dumb, dumb, dumb, dumb, dumb
Tell me when to go
Tell me when to go
Tell me when to go
Tell me when to go
Dumb, dumb, dumb, dumb, dumb, dumb, dumb, dumb

I'm off that 18 dummy juice
Nigga, Raggaman, labeled the Black Zeus
King of the super duper hyphy (hyphy, hyphy, hyphy, hyphy)
Pipey in your wifey, you don't like me (like me, like me, like me, like me)
From the Bay to the A
Put me in a Backwood, Swisher sweet blunt, orange lace dope (let's go)
It's just some shit I wrote
My city couldn't be saved by John the Pope (John the Pope)
I slid past on the gas with the bitches at me
I'm good (it's good), it's good like the granddaddy
Cross game, you get flipped like a burger patty
Or zig-zagged, pass me the big old fatty
I drink white, with a snow bunny
Talkin' big shit in the scraper, goin' hella dummy
1800, Jose Cuervo
Yadadamean? Y'all know what I'm sayin' though?

Tell me when to go
Tell me when to go
Tell me when to go
Tell me when to go
Dumb, dumb, dumb, dumb, dumb, dumb, dumb, dumb
Tell me when to go
Tell me when to go
Tell me when to go
Tell me when to go
Dumb, dumb, dumb, dumb, dumb, dumb, dumb, dumb

Now let me direct traffic for a minute (talk to 'em, pimp)
Let me tell you about this hyphy movement we got goin' in the Bay
When I say somethin' you say it right back at me, you smell me?
We gon' do it like this right here (how we gon' do it?)

Ghostride the whip, ghostride the whip
Ghostride the whip, ghostride the whip
Now scrape, scrape, scrape, scrape
Scrape, scrape, scrape, scrape
Put your stunna shades on, put your stunna shades on
Put your stunna shades on, put your stunna shades on
Now gas, brake, dip, dip
Gas, brake, dip, dip
Shake them dreads, shake them dreads
Shake them dreads, shake them dreads
Let me see you show your grill, let me see you show your grill
Let me see you show your grill, let me see you show your grill
Now thizz face, thizz face
Thizz face, thizz face
Doors open, mayne, doors open, mayne
Doors open, mayne, doors open, mayne
Now watch 'em swang, watch 'em swang
Now watch 'em swang, watch em swang
Go stupid, go dumb, go dumb
Go stupid, go dumb, go dumb

Tell me when to go
Tell me when to go
Tell me when to go
Tell me when to go
Dumb, dumb, dumb, dumb, dumb, dumb, dumb, dumb
Tell me when to go
Tell me when to go
Tell me when to go
Tell me when to go
Dumb, dumb, dumb, dumb, dumb, dumb, dumb, dumb





Dumb, dumb, dumb, dumb, dumb, dumb, dumb, dumb
Dumb, dumb, dumb, dumb, dumb, dumb, dumb, dumb

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to "Tell Me When" by E-40 featuring Keak Da Sneak are a celebration of the hyphy movement that originated in the Bay Area. The repetition of "Tell me when to go" serves as a command for the listener to join in the energetic and carefree spirit of the music. The usage of the word "dumb" repeatedly throughout the song reflects the slang terminology used in the hyphy culture to describe getting wild and having a good time.


The reference to Jesus Christ having dreads and the singer planning on growing some embodies a sense of rebellion and individuality. The imagery of Hebrews dancing on chariots and turning up suggests a sense of freedom and joy in the face of adversity. The singer mentions their daily routine, including buying alcohol and supplies, emphasizing the importance of relaxation and downtime amidst a chaotic environment.


The second verse continues with references to Bay Area symbols and traditions, such as Dr. Greenthumb and the underground hip-hop scene. The singer proudly represents their roots and dismisses mainstream trends, preferring the raw and authentic sound of the underground. The mention of going dumb and getting hyphy pays homage to the energetic and frenetic style of music and dance that defines the Bay Area culture.


The lyrics also touch on themes of self-empowerment and defiance, as the singer asserts their confidence and prowess in navigating their environment. There are references to alcohol consumption, partying, and being unapologetically oneself. The call-and-response section towards the end of the song serves as a participatory element, inviting the listener to engage with the hyphy movement and its distinctive slang and dance moves.


In conclusion, "Tell Me When" captures the essence of the hyphy movement with its infectious energy, unapologetic attitude, and celebration of Bay Area culture. The repetitive hooks and commands encourage active participation and embody the carefree and rebellious spirit of the music. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a community coming together to embrace their uniqueness and have a good time, despite the challenges they may face.




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, ATMR SONGS, Reservoir Media Management, Inc., Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Joseph Ward Simmons, Darryl Matthews McDaniels, Russell W. Simmons, Jonathan H. Smith, Earl T. Stevens, Charles Kente Williams

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@AveryHarden

If you came to this in 2024 you a legend

@tinakepa1143

couldnt go into the new year without it

@johnson48931

@royalindiann

🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

@reneew9125

🙌🏾

@MelodyyMischief

🤟🏼☹️

45 More Replies...

@JAQP0T.

"I don't bump mainstream , I knock underground. All that other shit is sugar coated and water down" REAL SHIT OF TODAYS MUSIC... I can relate to that verse

@unknownspeeds

Me too

@brenetssss

this song was mainstream tho

@dishinitoutcooking

The ATL and Cali connection was dope back in 2006. Glad I was part of that era.

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