Beneath The Surface
GZA & Killah Priest Lyrics

On a man-made lake, there's a sheet of thin ice
In a world that's artificial and unstable, there are dangers lurking below the surface.

Where unskilled skaters, couldn't figure-8 twice
Even those who think they know what they're doing may be in over their heads.

At 16, uncut, direct from the cult
At a young age, indoctrinated and influenced by corrupt organizations.

Head on assault, the result, death by the bolt
An aggressive attack can lead to fatal consequences.

In a vote, it spoke aboat the average loss commission
People make decisions based on financial gain rather than ethical considerations.

That was seen by a king in a prophetic vision
A leader who sees the bigger picture can predict the future consequences of actions.

Like a plane crash from a bomb blast
An unexpected and destructive event that causes chaos and panic.

Special broadcast, slot time with con cash
Media manipulates the truth to serve their own interests and make a profit.

It kept the jury quiet, and now a riot will form
Silencing people's voices can lead to a violent and explosive reaction.

While satanic man, now hang in his dorm
Those who do evil will ultimately suffer the consequences of their actions.

I swing, on you fake, radio personalities
Challenging those who pretend to be someone they're not and exploit their audience.

Boost ya ratings, but hypes behind casualties
Media sensationalizes events for profit, but ignores the real impact it has on people's lives.

Fire shots, for low-pressure water gun play
Responding with unnecessary force to a situation that doesn't pose a real threat.

Instantly, slap ya fire like it's Palm Sunday
Taking quick action to put out the flames of a situation before they spread.

I fashion the first tool, from the elements
The power of human innovation and creativity to turn nature into something useful.

The earth use, and built it to a complex
Progress in technology has led to complex and advanced systems of communication.

Network, of communications, you're up against a hopeless, situation
In a world that's interconnected, even the smallest actions can have far-reaching and unpredictable consequences.

I screen every vehicle, through enemy observation
Being vigilant and aware of potential threats in order to protect oneself.

Swarmin' unpredictably, we spread terror
Creating chaos and confusion with unpredictable actions to cause fear in others.

Increase the force significantly, change the error
Reacting with greater force to correct a mistake or misstep that could have dire consequences.

Check my wind pattern, it's headin' west
Being able to forecast and predict upcoming events based on subtle cues and patterns.

Success is freedom, failure could mean death
The stakes are high and the consequences of failure can be dire.

Humans sweat, aim shovels
The hard work and effort required to recover from a disaster or traumatic event.

Dig up the debris and rubble
The difficult process of rebuilding and moving forward after a destructive event.

Permanent, damage caused by the double-
The lasting effects of past mistakes and regrets that cannot be undone.

You, know who, cowardly urge you to merge through
Those who lack the courage to act on their own try to convince others to take risks for them.

And think the workers'll serve you
Assuming that others will do the work for you and expecting to benefit from their efforts without contributing anything yourself.

Signin' marvel, who just dropped the next novel
Acknowledging the achievements of others and recognizing their talent and hard work.

Worldwide, practically marred in marble
The world may appear to be polished and perfect on the surface, but beneath it lies a darker reality.

His accountless, amount of MC's I saved
The impact and influence of one's actions is immeasurable and cannot be quantified.

And those same niggas want to squander those gifts I gave
People may take for granted the value of what they've been given and not appreciate it until it's gone.

Love and hatred, home is most sacred
The things we hold dear and value most in life can also bring us the greatest pain and heartache.

Both species, they lay naked in the tombs of oasis
The duality of human nature - the beauty and frailty of our existence in this world.

Think back on niggas I ate with, spent the day with
Reflecting on past experiences and relationships with friends and acquaintances.

Guns we played with, niggas I relate with
The shared experiences and memories that form the bonds of friendship and camaraderie.

We broke bread, I heard through a vine niggas workin for the Feds
Betrayal and mistrust can arise even among those who are closest to us.

Sent out secretly to take my head
Being targeted and hunted by those who seek to do you harm.

I lay back and meditate to the words they say
Finding peace and solace in quiet reflection and contemplation.

Skip town for a mutten goofy dred
Fleeing a dangerous situation to preserve one's own safety.

Had a friend tell my family I was dead
The danger and threat of being silenced or eliminated by those in power.

Return at the last fall of the autumn leaves
Reemerging after a long period of absence and isolation.

Operate the plan accordingly, in case the Feds are recordin me
Being cautious and careful to avoid detection and surveillance by those who seek to harm you.

Sign all documents, usin forgery, 'cause just a near thought of me
Resorting to deception and illegal tactics to protect oneself from those who would do you harm.

Like Solomon, spoke bluntly
Speaking the truth plainly and directly, without fear or hesitation.

Told the word I'm black and calmly
Asserting one's identity and refusing to be silenced or erased by those in power.

Howls from the grave haunt me
The echoes of past mistakes and regrets continue to affect and trouble us even after they are gone.

The smell of death's upon me, I dwell in the hills like Gandhi
Being surrounded by death and darkness, yet persevering with unwavering determination and resilience.

Been in the presence of mad peasants, and old kings
Experiencing the extremes of poverty and wealth, and the ways in which they affect and influence human behavior.

Who sold everything, on a quest for god's divine
Sacrificing everything and pursuing a higher purpose and meaning in life.

Slept in caves to get a clear mind
Withdrawing from the world to increase focus and clarity of thought.

Who prayed 3 times, when the moon lit and the sun rise
Rituals and practices to connect with the divine and find inner peace and guidance.

I met dwellers in the desert, talked to shepherds
Encountering different cultures and ways of life, and learning from their experiences and perspectives.

Been in the mouth of many leopards
Facing and overcoming dangerous and formidable opponents.

Felt the death kiss, of Satan's mistress
Experiencing temptation and being lured into dangerous situations in life.

Walked the vacant districts, for 4 religions, studied Pagan scriptures
Exploring and seeking knowledge from different faiths and beliefs.

True philosophers and physicians, on a cure missions
Using knowledge and wisdom to find solutions and help others.

Who harden their hearts, to ward the weak, sick and ifflicted
Becoming desensitized to suffering and pain, and turning away from those in need.

Candles lit, gamble with a bitch
Taking risks and living life on the edge.

Who made me love her, when I touch her, soft cause hide claws
Being attracted to danger and temptation, despite the potential harm it may cause.

Bees with sweet honey in they mouth
The things that appear attractive and desirable may also have hidden dangers and risks.

Have bitter stingers at they tail
The consequences of indulging in temptation may be painful and damaging.

Walk through the chambers of death, take a hold on to hell
Facing and overcoming the darkest and scariest parts of life, and refusing to be defeated or consumed by them.

Embracing her was like embracing a 3rd world
Being drawn to and overwhelmed by the raw and intense experiences and emotions in life.

Scratch underneath the surface, where does your purpose lie?
Reflecting on one's deeper motivations and desires, and the true meaning and purpose of life.

It seems our world is worthless, like we're pawns beneath the sky
Feeling insignificant and powerless in the face of a chaotic and uncertain world.

Change the race by reason, and ashes just the wind
Finding hope and meaning in rational thinking and making positive changes in the world.

The left is so our we're breathin', keep ourself from givin' in
Staying true and committed to one's values and beliefs, even in the face of adversity and opposition.