liquid swords
Genius Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

When the MCs came to live out the name and to perform
Some had to snort cocaine to act insane before Pete rocked it on
Now on with the mental plane to spark the brain with the building to be born
Yo RZA flip the track with the what to cut

Fake niggas get flipped
In mic fights I swing swords and cut clowns
Shit is too swift to bite you record and write it down
I flow like the blood on a murder scene, like a syringe
On some wild out shit, to insert a fiend
But it was your op the shop stolen art
Catch a swollen heart from not rolling smart
I put mad pressure, on phony wack rhymes that get hurt
Shit's played like zodiac signs on sweatshirt
That's minimum, and feminine like sandals
My minimum table stacks a verse on a gamble
Energy is felt once the cards are dealt
With the impact of roundhouse kicks from black belts
That attack, the mic-fones like cyclones or typhoon
I represent from midnight to high noon
I don't waste ink, nigga I think
I drop megaton bombs more faster than you blink
Cause rhyme thoughts travel at a tremendous speed
Clouds of smoke, of natural blends of weed
Only under one circumstance that's if I'm blunted
Turn that shit up, my clan in the front want it

When the MCs came to live out the name and to perform
Some had to snort cocaine to act insane before Pete rocked it on
Now on with the mental plane to spark the brain with the building to be born
Yo RZA flip the track with the what to cut

I'm on a mission that niggas say is impossible
But when I swing my swords they all choppable
I be the body dropper, the heartbeat stopper
Child educator, plus head amputator
Cause niggas styles are old like Mark 5 sneakers
Lyrics are weak like clock radio speakers
Don't even stop in my station and attack
While your plan failed, get derailed like Amtrak
What the fuck for? Down by law, I make law
I be justice, I sentence that ass two to four
Round the clock, that state pen time check it
With the pens I be sticking but you can't stick to crime
Came through with the Wu, slid off on the DL
I'm low-key like seashells, I rock these bells
Now come aboard, it's Medina bound
Enter the chamber, and it's a whole different sound
It's a wide entrance, small exit like a funnel
So deep it's picked up on radios in tunnels
Niggas are fascinated how the shit begin
Get vaccinated, my logo is branded in your skin

When the MCs came to live out the name and to perform
Some had to snort cocaine to act insane before Pete rocked it on




Now on with the mental plane to spark the brain with the building to be born
Yo RZA flip the track with the what to cut

Overall Meaning

"Liquid Swords" by Genius/GZA is a song about the power of the MC (master of ceremonies) in hip hop music. The lyrics describe the rapper's ability to control the crowd and inspire listeners with their words. The first verse describes the drug-fueled antics of some MCs before they take the stage, setting the scene for a high-energy performance. The second verse takes aim at fake MCs who use weak lyrics and styles, while the third verse declares the Wu-Tang Clan's unique and powerful approach to rap.


The first verse of the song sets the stage for the rest of the lyrics. Genius describes MCs who snort cocaine to get themselves into an insane state that will impress the audience. He contrasts this with his own mental state, which he describes as being on a "mental plane" ready to "spark the brain" with his words. The line "Yo RZA flip the track with the what to cut" refers to the producer RZA, who is being instructed to start the beat.


The second verse takes a more critical look at the rap scene, with Genius declaring that "fake niggas get flipped" when they step to him in a mic fight. He criticizes the state of rap in general, saying that "shit is too swift to bite you record and write it down." Genius goes on to describe his own style as flowing "like the blood on a murder scene, like a syringe." He contrasts his authentic style with that of "phony wack rhymes that get hurt" and calls out rappers who play with trendy styles like zodiac signs.


In the third verse, Genius flexes his lyrical muscles and declares himself "on a mission that niggas say is impossible." He describes himself as a "body dropper, the heartbeat stopper, child educator, plus head amputator." He criticizes other MCs for having "styles are old like Mark 5 sneakers" and weak lyrics "like clock radio speakers." He promises to deliver justice in his rhymes and declares that his "logo is branded in your skin."


Line by Line Meaning

When the MCs came to live out the name and to perform
As the rappers arrived to showcase their skills and make a name for themselves.


Some had to snort cocaine to act insane before Pete rocked it on
Some rappers felt the need to use drugs to enhance their performance before the talented MC Pete took the stage.


Now on with the mental plane to spark the brain with the building to be born
Moving forward to stimulate the mind and create something new and innovative.


Yo RZA flip the track with the what to cut
Directing the producer RZA to mix and edit the music accordingly.


Fake niggas get flipped
Those who pretend to be something they're not will be exposed and ridiculed.


In mic fights I swing swords and cut clowns
During competitions, I use language as a weapon to defeat opponents who aren't serious or respectable.


Shit is too swift to bite you record and write it down
My rhymes and style are too intricate and rapid to be easily copied or recorded on paper.


I flow like the blood on a murder scene, like a syringe
My words and delivery are as powerful as violent imagery, like the blood and syringe in a murder scene.


On some wild out shit, to insert a fiend
Intending to provoke a reaction and inspire listeners to become passionate about the music.


But it was your op the shop stolen art
The stolen art in question was taken from someone you know and you should have done something to prevent it.


Catch a swollen heart from not rolling smart
You might have a heart attack from not being intelligent about your decisions.


I put mad pressure, on phony wack rhymes that get hurt
I use intense pressure to expose weak and inauthentic rap lyrics.


Shit's played like zodiac signs on sweatshirt
Rap music with predictable and overused themes is as commonplace and uninventive as a shirt with a zodiac sign.


That's minimum, and feminine like sandals
Lame rap lyrics are weak and unimpressive, like sandals often associated with femininity.


My minimum table stacks a verse on a gamble
My baseline is already impressive and I take risks with my lyrics to make them even better.


Energy is felt once the cards are dealt
The power and impact of my rap becomes apparent once it is performed.


With the impact of roundhouse kicks from black belts
The impact of my rap is forceful and decisive, like the swift kick of a black belt martial artist.


That attack, the mic-fones like cyclones or typhoon
My rap delivery is as intense and overwhelming as a natural disaster, capable of taking over the room.


I represent from midnight to high noon
My presence and music are felt and appreciated at all hours of the day.


I don't waste ink, nigga I think
I don't write meaningless lyrics, I put thought and effort into my words.


I drop megaton bombs more faster than you blink
My rhymes and delivery are explosive and quick to the point where it's hard to keep up.


Cause rhyme thoughts travel at a tremendous speed
My creativity and ideas flow at a rapid pace, leading to impactful lyrics.


Clouds of smoke, of natural blends of weed
I surround myself with the smoke and inspiration of natural weed blends to enhance my creativity.


Only under one circumstance that's if I'm blunted
I only need a boost from natural weed blends if inspiration and creativity are lacking.


Turn that shit up, my clan in the front want it
My loyal followers want to hear more and experience the energy of my music to the fullest.


I'm on a mission that niggas say is impossible
I have a purpose and goal that others believe is too difficult to achieve.


But when I swing my swords they all choppable
I am confident in my ability to achieve my goals and overcome obstacles in my way with determination and skill.


I be the body dropper, the heartbeat stopper
My rhymes and music impact people so much they might feel like dropping to the floor and stopping their heartbeats in response.


Child educator, plus head amputator
Through my music, I both teach and cut off the heads of those who oppose me with their weak rhymes.


Cause niggas styles are old like Mark 5 sneakers
Other rappers' styles are outdated and dull, like the unpopular Mark 5 sneakers.


Lyrics are weak like clock radio speakers
Many other rappers' lyrics are so weak they are comparable to low-quality clock radio speakers.


Don't even stop in my station and attack
If you do not appreciate and respect my music, you should not listen to it and criticize it.


While your plan failed, get derailed like Amtrak
Your plan was unsuccessful and now it's falling apart like a derailed Amtrak train.


What the fuck for? Down by law, I make law
I question the motives of those who try to bring me down because I am confident in my abilities and making new rules with my music.


I be justice, I sentence that ass two to four
I uphold justice and will hold those responsible accountable for their actions and punish them accordingly.


Round the clock, that state pen time check it
I am always working and dedicating myself to music, with the reminder of the punishment that may come if I break the law.


With the pens I be sticking but you can't stick to crime
While I can create powerful music with my pen, others cannot stick to their criminal ways and avoid punishment.


Came through with the Wu, slid off on the DL
I was part of the Wu Tang Clan, but am currently flying under the radar and staying low-key with my music.


I'm low-key like seashells, I rock these bells
I am keeping a low profile, but still impress people and create top-quality music.


Now come aboard, it's Medina bound
Listeners should join me and jump on my music journey towards bigger and better things.


Enter the chamber, and it's a whole different sound
By joining my music, one experiences a different level of sound and creativity.


It's a wide entrance, small exit like a funnel
My music has an expansive and impressive entrance, but those who do not appreciate it will leave through a small exit or never get into it at all.


So deep it's picked up on radios in tunnels
The impact of my music is so profound it can be heard even in places like tunnels where radio signals are usually blocked.


Niggas are fascinated how the shit begin
Listeners are intrigued and curious about the origins and inspirations behind my music and success.


Get vaccinated, my logo is branded in your skin
Those who appreciate my music and truly understand it become loyal followers who are forever marked and impressed by my impact on them.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: ROBERT F. DIGGS, GARY E. GRICE, JOSEF ZAWINUL, FELIX CAVALIERE, EDWARD J. BRIGATI JR.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@KillaSin515

Wu Tang Clan was untouchable from 93-2000
1993. Enter the 36 Chambers
1994. Method Man - Tical
1995. O.D.B. - Return to the 36 Chambers: The Dirty Version
1995. Reakwon - Only Built 4 Cuban Linx
1995. GZA - Liquid Swords
1996. Ghostface Killah - Ironman
1997. Wu-Tang Forever
1998. Cappadonna - The Pillage
1998. Method Man - Judgement Day
1998. RZA - Bobby Digital in Stereo
1999. GZA - Beneath the Surface
1999. O.D.B. - Nigga Please
1999. Method Man/Redman - Blackout!
1999. Inspectah Deck - Uncontrolled Substance
1999. U-God - Golden Arms Redemption
1999. Raekwon - Immobilarity
2000. Ghostface Killah - Supreme Clientele
2000. The W



All comments from YouTube:

@Korrupto777

2024 and still here...👐

@user-oz7sw1sz3g

love it

@UmmJannah5

Checkin in!!🤌🏾

@nacimrh9237

wu tang forever.

@juliorodriguez2655

Present

@xBonafidexProdigy

Yessirrrr

3 More Replies...

@KatiafromNice

Omg omg !! Best best song from the Genius !! LIQUID SWORDS ❤ALL THE WAY !! All DAY

@dlxinfinite7098

GZA's pen is always raw, brutal but profound. Makes you go within while bobbin ya head.

@Kevinguth

25 years ago today this album was released, instant classic, better yet, forever classic!! Wu-tang forever!!!

@markcromwell1975

My favorite album👍

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