Mista Mista
Fugees (The) Lyrics
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Can I get five dollars
So I can get something to eat
Hell no motherfucka
You can't get no money from me
'Cause every time I give you a dollar
You go get shot up with more and more needles
And you tell me that you're drug free
Mista mista
I haven't ate anything for a week
Can I get a quarter?
Hell no motherfucka
What can a quarter get you?
Nothing motherfucka
You are just fucked up
Off them fucked up drugs
You know you need to fucking leave alone
But you keep telling me that you're drug free
Motherfucka
You ain't drug free, you're a fiend
And every time I try to help you
You pretend as if it's okay
Then later on in the week
You go back to shootin' needles, to sniffin'
Oh motherfucka, but you told me you were drug free
Drug free
You ain't drug free motherfucka
So you damn well, can't get no motherfucking money from me
The Fugees' song "Mista Mista" is a powerful and passionate commentary on addiction, poverty and the struggles faced by those who are addicted to drugs. The singer is approached by someone asking for money for food, but the singer refuses, knowing that the money will only be used for drugs instead. The singer accuses the person of lying about being drug-free and tells them to leave.
The lyrics are particularly poignant, as they demonstrate how addiction can strip individuals of their dignity and self-respect. The person begging for money is constantly lying about being drug-free, despite the singer's attempts to help them. The song captures the frustration and hopelessness that often accompany addiction, poverty and homelessness. Through the lyrics, the Fugees are addressing the pervasive societal issue of drug addiction and how it dehumanizes people.
In addition, the song's catchy hook and rhythm have helped to cement it as a classic in hip-hop and pop culture. Its themes of addiction, poverty, and self-destruction make it a poignant and enduring commentary on the human condition.
Line by Line Meaning
Mista mista
The singer addresses a person, most likely someone they encountered previously
Can I get five dollars
The person asks for money
So I can get something to eat
The person claims the money is needed for food
Hell no motherfucka
The artist denies the request with strong language
You can't get no money from me
The artist repeats the denial of the request
'Cause every time I give you a dollar
The singer provides a reason for the denial
You go get shot up with more and more needles
The person uses the money for drugs
And you tell me that you're drug free
The person lies about their drug use
Drug free
The artist highlights the repeated claim of being drug-free
I haven't ate anything for a week
The person asks for a smaller amount of money
Can I get a quarter?
The person requests a small amount of money
What can a quarter get you?
The artist questions the usefulness of such a small amount of money
Nothing motherfucka
The singer answers their own question with a final denial
You are just fucked up
The singer makes a judgment about the person's situation
Off them fucked up drugs
The singer specifies the cause of the person's situation
You know you need to fucking leave alone
The artist offers advice to stop their drug use
But you keep telling me that you're drug free
The artist emphasizes the person's repeated lies
Motherfucka
The singer expresses frustration
You ain't drug free, you're a fiend
The singer makes a blunt statement about the person's drug addiction
And every time I try to help you
The artist acknowledges their efforts to help
You pretend as if it's okay
The person puts on a facade of accepting the help
Then later on in the week
The artist describes a pattern in the person's behavior
You go back to shootin' needles, to sniffin'
The person returns to drug use
Oh motherfucka, but you told me you were drug free
The artist expresses disbelief and anger at the person's lies
You ain't drug free motherfucka
The singer reiterates their belief that the person is lying about their drug use
So you damn well, can't get no motherfucking money from me
The singer concludes with a firm denial of the request
Lyrics ยฉ OBO APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Matthew Huskins
This album will forever be the best thing that ever happened to me. The purity and passion canโt be matched.
j h
Hands down best hip hop album of all time <3
John Moreno
It still sounds ๐๐ great!
Cs Scott
This song is hilarious and underrated on the album. ๐คฃ๐คฃ๐คฃ
BoyZ48
๐๐๐
Mari :3
I loved this very good greetings from Argentina :3
John Moreno
Whoa! I can't believe they played the WHOLE thing...
Movin' on...
John Moreno
That's a great song...and that's it.
Matt Grant
This song used to make me laugh so much.
Spoon Love From Up Above
I get you. It's a serious topic.... drug and other addiction, possible homelessness, but his voice makes me laugh.