Do You Know
Erick Sermon Lyrics

Spike Lee
Acknowledging the African-American film director, Spike Lee, possible reference to his work focused on social issues and race awareness.

Wake up
Calling for people to become alert and conscious of their surroundings.

(Do you know, where you're goin' to)
Questioning if people know where they are headed in life, both physically and mentally.

Yes
Affirming the question, implying that the question is worth considering.

(Do you like the things that life is showin' you)
Asking if people are content with their current life experiences and opportunities.

Uh, industry uh
Connecting with the industry, possibly referring to the music industry and its impact.

(Where are you goin' to) Uh
Reiterating the question posed earlier in the song and implying that it's worth considering.

Aye yo what's goin' on y'all (nothin') whats up?
Opening a conversation and inquiring about the general well-being.

It's a few things you should know so let's touch up (okay)
Suggesting that there are some essential message to communicate.

I was once one of y'all, I admit
Acknowledging even he was once part of the group addressed in the song's message.

But I never judge a book by it's cover, mine was ripped
Stating not to make assumptions based on his appearance, recalling the idea not to judge a book by its cover.

Look, most of y'all was a first class member
Noting that they once belonged to the privileged group.

And now you're gone and it's past November
Indicating that they have lost the previous position of comfort and luxury

Word to Wyclef, I test the best
Giving props to another musician, Wyclef Jean, and hinting at competition in the industry.

To go against the industry, without plan B
Describing a challenging endeavor taken on without a backup plan.

And don't count those that made it
Warning not to assume that success happens to everyone.

Even those one hundred million bucks still don't equal up
Highlighting that the millions of dollars do not guarantee happiness or success.

Yo, where you live, you got a crib?
Asking about material possessions and wealth.

I bet you got some brand Timbs, car got brand new rims
Guessing that someone has upgraded their possessions and emphasizes materialism.

Look, it happened to Prince, it happened to Michael
Referencing popular musicians, Prince and Michael Jackson, who lost their lives surrounded by fame and fortune.

It happened to Bobby, it happened to Whitney, is y'all wit me?
Pointing out the early deaths of Bobby Brown and Whitney Houston, likely due to their challenging and public struggles with addiction.

Yo, things go wrong when there's no hit song
Emphasizing the importance of the creative music process and the role of success in one's career.

This chorus made for you, so y'all sing along, come on
Encouraging participation in the song's chorus and thus paying closer attention to the message.

(Do you know, what you're goin through)
Asking if people are aware of their own struggles and hardships.

Second, aye yo I done checked the Vibe on any Rap Sheet
Moving on to a new topic and referring to rap music magazines such as Vibe and The Source, acknowledging Sermon's hip-hop background.

It's the same beefs, even athletes (uh-huh)
Noting that hip-hop and sports emulate similar conflicts and rivalries.

There's five types of ballplayers
Listing different types of professional athletes in different sports.

Volley, foot, soccer, basket, base - all in the same race (to win)
Stating that, although there are different types of sports, the ultimate goal is to succeed/win.

What happen when the clock stop (uh?)
Questioning the aftermath of final moments of a game and sports career?

Injury, and no more wicked jump shots (two!)
Highlighting the consequences of physical injury in sports and how it can end a career.

ESPN ends
Referencing the popular sports broadcasting network, ESPN.

There goes your Two million fans and there goes your friends (uh-huh)
Indicating the loss of adoring fans and fake friends once an athlete loses their career due to injury or retirement.

They don't care who you are and what you did
Implying that fame and success are fleeting and people forget the previous accomplishments.

You a "Where Are They Now?" VH-1 type kid (it's over)
Referring to the TV show, "Where Are They Now?" and the sad recognition of once successful people whose fame and success has faded over time.

Major fact is, all the actors mad
Noting the battle between actors and musicians for fame and prestige.

Cause they Rolls been takin' by rappers
Stating that music industry has taken over, and now it's more common to see rappers driving Rolls Royce luxury cars.

"How High?" You thought you had it all figured out
Referencing a popular movie and acknowledging the various risks people take when they get unexpected success.

Get the car, get the truck, and then get the house (uh-huh)
Mimicking the cliche of the need for expensive possessions.

Touchy subject, I ain't wanna paint this picture
Acknowledging that the topic is sensitive to discuss.

But Picasso's dead, so I did it instead, do you know
Referencing the famous artist and the duty of others to continue their work after their death.

Listen, uh-huh
Starting of a new verse, calling the listener to pay close attention.

This is for the nine to five worker, or nine to five hustler
Stating the song is for the working-class men and women.

That had to make ends meet, in the kitchen or the street
Implying that people work hard to achieve their financial goals whether it be legal or illegal.

I wish drugs was food and water was liquor
Jokingly wishing that illegal drugs were as prevalent as food, however, people would not suffer from dehydration because of alcohol addiction.

So you'd kick back, kill thirst and not kill niggas
Implying that people would be calm and not be violent if water replaces liquor as the liquid of choice.

Every real gangsters dies
Asserting that ultimately every criminal will meet their end.

Tony, Al Capone, Gotti, Bonnie & Clyde
Listing famous criminals that died, highlighting that no one is exempt from death.

It's almost done for you, it's about to end
Implying that the listener's time is running short.

Either linin' six by two, or live in a 8 by 10 of sin
Introducing the two alternative endings to one's life, either to die and be buried in 6 feet by 2 feet grave or end up in prison in an 8 feet by 10 feet cell.

(Do you know)
Asking again whether people aware of their own lives?