In 2018, he released his third studio album, Some Rap Songs, which was his last album with Columbia; following it up with the EP Feet of Clay in 2019 on Warner Records. His latest album, Sick!, was released in 2022, also on Warner Records.
The Caliphate
Earl Sweatshirt Lyrics
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Over East, corroded sheet metal, my toe just found
He let it go, brodie left the heat on the coldest ground
To wrap around the wound unwound
I poured the bruise blood into the sound (let some of the bruise blood come out)
Stole the crown, grew out of poster child
Serve a few once I stir the stew on the stove around
Grab the bounty, left him on Downey, screamin' on the ground
Cup runnin' over, son of Ramona, her poster child
The coast is clear, they wanna act La Cosa Nostra now
When we was there, they toned it down, how I'm supposed to smile?
When cheese attract the rats, police attachin' facts
They ain't PC, they just trustees, I had to laugh at that
We never taught, just B-boy pose, parolin' back to back
Soon as I clap, they scat, I been with all that jazz
I throw the pill like Uncle Phil, revolver hold McNabbs
They tryna hold me back
Holyfield when I go to him, talk
Ayy, bro, you, know I'm not involved
We eagles on attack, big dog
Talons full of snacks, I couldn't kiss away my last
Gave all I had
I gave the mistletoe a tag
I know his clique'll crash, my bro gon' rinse his filthy hands
Show 'em what you got and I can't promise he won't pilfer that
Slow your roll, I promise you not built for that
Little man, I'm eatin', I don't fast
Shady business in the black
Please observe the gone and dead
Tell 'em save a spot for them
The kid lost his collar then
Death be scraped up off all the chips
And left a trail of frowning faces and shakin' powdered wigs
Tell 'em blame it on my wrist, it's steady as a scalpel's
Tell 'em I'ma face a thousand spliffs
The test of faith, I pass the quiz
With flyin' colors, then rub the vase, I had a wish
Magic man, find the funds to allocate and I'll appear
Takin' numbers
Death parade around, it's grim, but he ain't take me under
Trauma from the thickest, niggas made it out of jams
In the mix, stay at attention
We global
Gallivantin', gloatin'
Back to back with croski
Fuck 'em and they parents and the parasites they hostin'
You know you know me
Glock 32, I shoot like both the Kobes
Pop it when I'm lonely
At the seams, throwin' twenties on her back like she Ginobili
You fuckin' on the homies
Okay
Actually, what is the message you want to give to transmit to the public, to our listeners?
Well, I always feel that even though one is an artist
That we are first human beings and we live in the same world as any other person
So that we as artists should never close our eyes to what is happening around us
And the songs that I sing are just about my everyday life
And, uh, the things I say are those things that have affected my life
In "The Caliphate," Earl Sweatshirt explores themes of turmoil, struggle, and the complexities of his own life. The lyrics depict a sense of restlessness and a lack of release, as he navigates through a world filled with conflict and decay. The opening lines describe a desolate environment, where hope for peace seems futile. The reference to postal imagery suggests a state of desperation and a longing for connection.
Earl Sweatshirt delves into personal experiences, such as the loss of a friend ("brodie left the heat on the coldest ground") and the pain that accompanies it ("wrap around the wound unwound"). He uses vivid metaphors, like pouring "bruise blood into the sound," to convey the raw emotions and turmoil he feels. The lyrics also touch on issues of power and authority, as he mentions stealing the crown and growing out of the role of a poster child. There is a sense of rebellion and resilience in his words.
Throughout the song, Earl Sweatshirt reflects on the challenges he faces, both internally and externally. He discusses the pressures of societal expectations, the realities of the justice system ("If you hit the county, you better hold it down"), and the complexities of relationships. There is a sense of defiance and determination in his refusal to conform to societal norms. Overall, "The Caliphate" is a poignant exploration of personal struggles, power dynamics, and the artist's refusal to be limited by societal constraints.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Thebe Neruda Kgositsile, Vince Jamal Staples, Alan Maman
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Drae
An Alc beat with a Earl flow is just majestic. Can't wait for the new album.
MegaKhalid121
Wait I thought it already came out
T W
Yea album is out just on a unique platform
Thato Seloane
drae cultured wit it i see you bro KEEP THE BEAMNG vids coming still lol
Dyron Miller
It seem like they have a whole notherone , I actually feel this one
2011 Honda Odyssey
good thing u don’t have to wait bc it’s already out
D Murray
Bro...Imagine if Mac was around?! All three of them on an alchemist beat?!?! They wouldve been one of the best trios ever. I've listened to this track so many times already
Kutloano Thebe
It's sonic crack to me now
Colton Trujillo
Mac woulda def killed this!!
Da Steezyust
This beat is ill