Ready or Not
Fugees - Topic Lyrics


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Ready or not, here I come, you can't hide
Gonna find you and take it slowly
Ready or not, here I come, you can't hide (ooh)
Gonna find you and make you want me (yo)

Now that I escape, sleepwalker awake (yeah)
Those who could relate know the world ain't cake
Jail bars ain't golden gates
Those who fake, they break
When they meet their four-hundred pound mate
If I could rule the world (if I ruled the world)
Everyone would have a gun in the ghetto of course
When giddyuping on their horse (giddyup)
I kick a rhyme drinking moonshine
I pour a sip on the concrete, for the deceased
But no don't weep, Wyclef's in a state of sleep
Thinking 'bout the robbery that I did last week
Money in the bag, banker looked like a drag
I wanna play with pelicans from here to Baghdad
Gun blast, think fast, I think I'm hit
My girl pinched my hips to see if I still exist
I think not, I'll send a letter to my friends
A Born Again hooligan only to be king again

Ready or not, here I come, you can't hide
Gonna find you and take it slowly
Ready or not, here I come, you can't hide (ooh)
Gonna find you and make you want me (yo, yo, yo)

Yo, I play my enemies like a game of chess, where I rest
No stress, if you don't smoke sess, lest
I must confess, my destiny's manifest
In some Goretex and sweats I make treks like I'm homeless
Rap orgies with Porgy and Bess
Capture your bounty like Elliot Ness, yes
Bless you if you represent the Fu
But I'll hex you with some witch's brew
If you're doo-doo, voodoo
I can do what you do, easy, believe me
Fronting niggas give me hee-bee-gee-bees
So while you're imitating Al Capone, I'll be Nina Simone
And defecating on your microphone

Ready or not, here I come, you can't hide
Gonna find you and take it slowly

You can't run away
From these styles I got, oh baby, hey baby
Cause I got a lot, oh yeah
And anywhere you go (ooh)
My whole crew's gonna know baby, hey baby
You can't hide from the block, oh no

Ready or not, refugees taking over (ready or not)
The Buffalo Soldier, dreadlock Rasta
On the twelfth hour, fly by in my bomber
Crews run for cover, now they're under pushing up flowers
Superfly true lies, do or die (he's super fly)
Toss me high, only puff lye
With my crew from lakay
I refugee from Guantanamo Bay
Dance around the border like I'm Cassius Clay (yessir, yo)

Ready or not, here I come, you can't hide (ooh, yo, hey yo nobody move)
Gonna find you and take it slowly (yeah)
Ready or not, here I come, you can't hide (ooh, yo, hey yo nobody move)
Gonna find you and make you want me (whoa, yeah, c'mon)

Ready or not, here I come, you can't hide (you know the, you know the)
Gonna find you and take it slowly
Ready or not, here I come, you can't hide (ooh, yo, hey yo nobody move)
Gonna find you and make you want me (ooh)





Ready-

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Fugees - Topic's song "Ready or Not" can be interpreted in various ways, but here is one possible explanation.


In the opening lines, "Ready or not, here I come, you can't hide, Gonna find you and take it slowly," the artist is stating their determination to find someone and pursue a relationship with them, whether they are ready or not. It suggests a confident and persistent approach towards getting what they want.


The following lines, "Now that I escape, sleepwalker awake, Those who could relate know the world ain't cake," convey a sense of liberation and awakening from a previous state of confinement or disillusionment. The reference to a "sleepwalker" signifies the realization of the harsh realities of life and the understanding that the world is not as easy or pleasant as it may seem.


The lyrics also touch upon social issues, with lines like "Jail bars ain't golden gates, Those who fake, they break, When they meet their four-hundred pound mate." Here, the artist criticizes the illusion of glamour associated with jail and warns about the consequences of pretending to be someone you're not.


The verse continues to explore themes of power and control, as the artist fantasizes about ruling the world and imagines a scenario where everyone has a gun, highlighting the challenges faced in impoverished communities. This is juxtaposed with personal reflections on past actions, such as a robbery, and the desire to start anew.


In the second verse, the artist metaphorically compares dealing with enemies to playing a game of chess. They exude confidence and a lack of stress, claiming their destiny is predetermined and suggesting that they navigate life like a homeless person treks through life. The mention of rap orgies and capturing bounties like Elliot Ness further emphasizes their dominance and skill.


The chorus repeats the opening lines, emphasizing their determination to find and win over someone's affections, while the bridge expresses the idea that the artist's reputation and style are so recognizable that wherever they go, people will know who they are.


The final verse addresses the theme of refugees and alludes to the Buffalo Soldier and dreadlock Rasta identities. The reference to refugees and Guantanamo Bay highlights the artist's own background and connects to broader discussions of social injustice and inequality. The reference to Cassius Clay (Muhammad Ali) dancing around the border implies the artist's defiance and willingness to challenge societal norms and expectations.


Overall, the lyrics of "Ready or Not" convey a sense of confidence, determination, social commentary, and personal reflection, offering insights into the artist's mindset and experiences.


Line by Line Meaning

Ready or not, here I come, you can't hide
I am prepared to face whatever challenges come my way and I will not let you escape or avoid me.


Gonna find you and take it slowly
I will search for you persistently and approach our relationship with patience and care.


Gonna find you and make you want me
Once I find you, I will captivate you and make you desire my presence and companionship.


Now that I escape, sleepwalker awake (yeah)
Having freed myself from a restrictive situation, I am now fully conscious and aware of my actions and surroundings.


Those who could relate know the world ain't cake
Those who understand my struggle know that life is not easy or simple.


Jail bars ain't golden gates
Being imprisoned or confined is not a paradise or a gateway to a better life.


Those who fake, they break
Those who pretend or deceive eventually face consequences and suffer a downfall.


When they meet their four-hundred-pound mate
When they encounter someone or something that is much stronger or challenging.


If I could rule the world (if I ruled the world)
If I had the power to govern or control everything.


Everyone would have a gun in the ghetto of course
In the impoverished areas, people would have the means to protect themselves and exert influence.


When giddyuping on their horse (giddyup)
As they assert themselves and take action confidently.


I kick a rhyme drinking moonshine
I passionately express myself through my lyrics while indulging in a strong alcoholic beverage.


I pour a sip on the concrete, for the deceased
In remembrance of those who have passed away, I offer a symbolic tribute by pouring a small portion of my drink on the ground.


But no don't weep, Wyclef's in a state of sleep
There is no need to cry, as Wyclef Jean is currently lost in contemplation or a dreamlike state.


Thinking 'bout the robbery that I did last week
Reflecting on the recent act of stealing that I committed.


Money in the bag, banker looked like a drag
After successfully acquiring money, the person responsible for handling it seemed unenthusiastic or uninspiring.


I wanna play with pelicans from here to Baghdad
I desire to engage in playful and enjoyable activities with pelicans, regardless of the location.


Gun blast, think fast, I think I'm hit
Suddenly being under gunfire, my instincts kick in and I quickly realize that I have been shot.


My girl pinched my hips to see if I still exist
To check if I am still alive and present, my partner firmly squeezed my hips.


I think not, I'll send a letter to my friends
Contrary to the belief that I have ceased to exist, I will communicate with my friends through a written message.


A Born Again hooligan only to be king again
Having undergone a transformation and embracing my rebellious nature, I am determined to reclaim my position as a powerful and influential figure.


Yo, I play my enemies like a game of chess, where I rest
I strategize and manipulate my adversaries like a game of chess, especially in moments of relaxation or tranquility.


No stress, if you don't smoke sess, lest
I am unaffected by worry or anxiety, as long as you do not consume marijuana with me, unless.


I must confess, my destiny's manifest
I openly admit that my future has been predetermined or written.


In some Goretex and sweats I make treks like I'm homeless
Wearing durable and comfortable clothing, I embark on journeys or travels as if I have no fixed residence.


Rap orgies with Porgy and Bess
Engaging in wild, unrestrained rap performances reminiscent of the chaotic and indulgent parties portrayed in the opera 'Porgy and Bess'.


Capture your bounty like Elliot Ness, yes
I successfully and confidently seize what you have to offer, comparable to the accomplishments of law enforcement agent Elliot Ness.


Bless you if you represent the Fu
I extend my blessings to those who embody the spirit and principles of the Fugees.


But I'll hex you with some witch's brew
However, I possess the ability to cast a curse on you using a potent concoction created by a witch.


If you're doo-doo, voodoo
If you lack skills or talent, I have the power to perform voodoo magic on you, leaving you in a state of weakness or defeat.


I can do what you do, easy, believe me
I have the capability to effortlessly replicate or outperform your actions, so trust and accept my abilities.


Fronting niggas give me hee-bee-gee-bees
Individuals who pretend to be something they are not provoke feelings of discomfort and unease within me.


So while you're imitating Al Capone, I'll be Nina Simone
While you attempt to mimic the notorious gangster Al Capone, I will embody the creative and revolutionary spirit of musician Nina Simone.


And defecating on your microphone
I metaphorically degrade and overshadow your musical abilities by outperforming you on the microphone.


You can't run away
There is no escape or evasion from the situation or circumstances.


From these styles I got, oh baby, hey baby
You cannot avoid or ignore the unique qualities and characteristics I possess in my approach or presentation.


Cause I got a lot, oh yeah
Because I possess an abundant array of skills, talents, and creativity.


And anywhere you go (ooh)
No matter where you attempt to hide or seek refuge.


My whole crew's gonna know baby, hey baby
Everyone in my group or team will be made aware of your actions or whereabouts.


You can't hide from the block, oh no
There is no escaping the close-knit community and its watchful eyes and influence.


Ready or not, refugees taking over (ready or not)
Whether you are prepared for it or not, displaced individuals seeking safety and freedom are assuming control and making their presence known.


The Buffalo Soldier, dreadlock Rasta
I represent the spirit of the Buffalo Soldiers, African American cavalrymen, as well as the cultural identity associated with being a Rastafarian.


On the twelfth hour, fly by in my bomber
At a critical or decisive moment, I swiftly move past in my aircraft designed for bombing.


Crews run for cover, now they're under pushing up flowers
Factions or groups scramble to seek shelter as they face imminent danger, and eventually, they find themselves buried six feet under the ground.


Superfly true lies, do or die (he's super fly)
Embodying the characteristics of a stylish and successful individual while concealing the truth, we are faced with a life-or-death situation.


Toss me high, only puff lye
Elevate me to great heights, but I will only consume or smoke high-quality marijuana.


With my crew from lakay
By my side are my loyal companions and friends from my Haitian neighborhood, Lakay.


I refugee from Guantanamo Bay
I seek refuge and escape from the prison at Guantanamo Bay.


Dance around the border like I'm Cassius Clay (yessir, yo)
I nimbly move and navigate around the border as if I possess the agility and finesse of the legendary boxer Cassius Clay, also known as Muhammad Ali.


Ready or not, here I come, you can't hide (ooh, yo, hey yo nobody move)
I am approaching, and you cannot evade my presence or escape the consequences of your actions.


Gonna find you and take it slowly (yeah)
I will eventually discover your whereabouts and approach our interaction with patience and caution.


Gonna find you and make you want me (whoa, yeah, c'mon)
Once I track you down, I will allure and seduce you until you desire my companionship and attention.


Ready or not, here I come, you can't hide (ooh, yo, hey yo nobody move)
I am approaching, and you cannot evade my presence or escape the consequences of your actions.


Gonna find you and make you want me (ooh)
Once I track you down, I will allure and seduce you until you desire my companionship and attention.


Ready or not, here I come, you can't hide (you know the, you know the)
I am approaching, and there is no way for you to conceal yourself or escape.


Gonna find you and take it slowly
I will eventually discover your whereabouts and approach our interaction with patience and caution.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Reservoir Media Management, Inc., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Nicholas John Ryan, Roma Shane Ryan, Thomas Randolph Bell, William Alexander Hart, Eithne Ni Bhraonain

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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