Introduction
Fugees Lyrics


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The year
Two-thousand and seventeen master!
The man
Every two-thousand years a prophecy is prophesied
The mission
To carry out the word of the shepherd into this cold world
In sheep's clothing
The group
I don't know
Who is the group
Tran-translators!

What can make a mighty man run?
Make him drop his pride and hide?
Too black, too strong, wrong
Spook sambo nigga jane
You ain't so bad, nor big
White sheets make you sad
'Fraid you're gonna hang ah
Now that's a black thing
Boy, you scared of me
Boo! See
Hide nigga hide, flee nigga flee run nigga run
If I got my hood, my cross, my tree my gun




My rope
And it's a long one

Overall Meaning

These lyrics from the Fugees's Introduction are referring to a prophecy and a mission. The prophecy is that every two-thousand years, a prediction is made and the mission is to bring the word of the shepherd to the world. However, it is not easy to do so as the world can be a cold and unkind place. The group doing this mission is not identified, but they are referred to as "translators" who may need to disguise themselves in sheep's clothing.


The following verse discusses racism and its effects on individuals. The lyrics describe how being black and strong can be seen as wrong and frightening to some people, which results in them hiding or running away. The mention of white sheets also references the Ku Klux Klan, who used to wear white sheets as a disguise while committing acts of racial violence. The last line, "And it's a long one," could mean that the consequences of racism are far-reaching and long-lasting.


Overall, these lyrics touch on themes of prophecy, mission, race, and the impact of racism.


Line by Line Meaning

The year
This song was created in the year 2017, and this line is an acknowledgement of that fact.


Two-thousand and seventeen master!
This line is a proclamation of the year in which the song was created. The word 'master' is used for emphasis and to indicate pride in the year the song was made.


The man
This line alludes to the man who prophesizes every 2,000 years, and indicates that his prophecy has once again been fulfilled.


Every two-thousand years a prophecy is prophesied
This line is a literal explanation of the man and his prophecy.


The mission
This line refers to the task that the group intends to accomplish.


To carry out the word of the shepherd into this cold world
This line is a metaphorical description of the group's mission to spread a message of warmth and guidance in a world that is perceived as cold and harsh.


In sheep's clothing
This line references a biblical phrase that denotes deceitful appearances, indicating that the group may have a sense of hidden truths or perceptions that they wish to convey.


The group
This line brings attention to the collective identity of the individuals responsible for the creation of the song.


I don't know
This line may represent a sense of confusion or uncertainty, or it may be used to express humility or acknowledgement of their insignificance in the grand scheme of things.


Who is the group
This line reiterates the previous line and emphasizes the group's uncertainty about their own identity.


Tran-translators!
This line introduces the group's identity as translators but also includes a stutter that could potentially hint at a sense of struggle or tension.


What can make a mighty man run?
This line is a rhetorical question that prompts reflection on what can cause someone who is perceived as powerful to flee or surrender.


Make him drop his pride and hide?
This line builds on the previous one and suggests that the cause of someone fleeing or hiding may be a threat to their pride or ego.


Too black, too strong, wrong
This line references a well-known song by the late James Brown that celebrated blackness and strength, but the word 'wrong' changes the tone and may signify a negative perception of these qualities in society.


Spook sambo nigga jane
This line uses derogatory terms to refer to minorities and perpetuate negative stereotypes about them.


You ain't so bad, nor big
This line may be a response to the previous line and is intended to diminish the importance of the person being addressed.


White sheets make you sad
This line is a reference to the Ku Klux Klan and suggests that even those who are perceived as powerful in society may have fears and weaknesses.


'Fraid you're gonna hang ah
This line builds on the previous one and suggests that the fear of being punished or persecuted may be a factor that causes powerful individuals to flee or hide.


Now that's a black thing
This line is a sarcastic retort to the idea that the fear of persecution is limited to black people, indicating that such fears are universal and not specific to any racial identity.


Boy, you scared of me
This line is an assertion of power and intimidation and may be directed at someone who is perceived as weak or afraid.


Boo! See
This line is another expression of intimidation and may be a playful taunt or a serious threat.


Hide nigga hide, flee nigga flee run nigga run
This line is a repetition of previously mentioned lines and reinforces the idea that the artist is in a position of power and is intimidating others.


If I got my hood, my cross, my tree my gun
This line references the Ku Klux Klan and suggests that the singer is threatening their targets with violence.


My rope
This line is a veiled reference to lynching and further emphasizes the violent and racist undertones of the previous lines.


And it's a long one
This line may be a reference to the duration of the song or a way of emphasizing the severity of the threats being made.




Lyrics © TuneCore Inc., BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Lauryn Hill, Pras Michel, Wyclef Jean

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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