Time Taker
Geto Boys Lyrics

As I open my eyes unto a new day
Starting another day but feeling trapped in a cycle of monotony and hopelessness.

I see the same old shit that I was face to face with yesterday
Nothing has changed, everything remains dull and repetitive.

It's all the same and I can't change time
Feeling frustrated as time passes by with nothing changing or improving.

An example of a young nigga trapped up and his brain's dyin'
Seeing the effects of the harsh reality and oppressive environment on young people's minds.

I close my eyes to refrain my thoughts (open)
Trying to distract oneself from negative thoughts and feelings.

Open my eyes to remain untaught
Preferring ignorance and avoiding facing hard truths.

Why my life gotta have a yesterday?
Dwelling on the past and wishing it could be changed or forgotten.

Why can't I memorize tomorrow and live my life as just a day?
Wishing to live in the present, free from the weight of past and future.

A baby's born and you hears moms cryin'
Reflecting on the pain and uncertainty of life, even in moments of happiness.

Is she cryin' cause that she's happy or the fact that she know she gone dyin'
Questioning the complex emotions that arise in life and the inevitability of death.

Probably some shit we'll never figure out
Acknowledging the incomprehensible nature of some aspects of life.

I think my mind is plotting plangs and my second mind is trying to take me out
Struggling with inner turmoil and self-destructive thoughts.

I had a dream I think I saw a dude cause he had the looks that of a killer
Reflecting on a dream that dealt with themes of violence and death.

And he sung to me these four tunes
Recalling a dream where a figure imparted some sort of wisdom or philosophy.

He said "Life is like a game of dice
The figure in the dream speaking metaphorically about the unpredictable nature of life.

You roll 'em right the first time but you seldom get to roll 'em twice"
Emphasizing the importance of seizing opportunities and not letting them slip away.

Not understanding what he said doc
Feeling confused and not quite grasping the meaning of the dream message.

I find myself in the middle of life in an infa-red dot
Feeling like one is always in the crosshairs and vulnerable to danger.

So tell me doctor is you gettin' that?
Asking the listener to relate to or understand the circumstances being described.

Motherfuckers bustin' at you with wheels now can you picture that?
Conjuring the image of being under attack and in imminent danger.

That's why you find me an assult mind
Explaining the mentality of having to always be on guard and ready to defend oneself.

Cause in this world we live together but divided by a chalk line
Acknowledging the social and cultural divisions that exist within society.

You wanted to hear my life story well I told you
Sharing a perspective on life and its struggles.

Maybe there's answers to my question in your minila folder
Suggesting that others may have wisdom or insight to share.

What's the solution to this mind state?
Questioning how to overcome one's negative thoughts and emotions.

You tellin' me it's gonna take you some time. How long do time take?
Asking for a concrete answer about how long it will take to overcome challenges and struggles.

I'm losing focus on this straight line
Feeling directionless and losing motivation.

Ain't trying to wait for motherfuckers so now I'm forced to take time
Taking matters into one's own hands and finding a way to move forward.

I pull my popper out my trousers aimed it at his adbomen
Recalling an event where violence was used as a solution to a problem or conflict.

And grabbed the man's life away from him in a moment
Acknowledging the gravity and finality of death and violence.

Angle dust and heroin and all of that I was on it
Reflecting on past struggles with addiction and substance abuse.

My opponent never knew what him
Feeling remorseful for taking someone's life without them ever knowing why.

As I was bootin' I heard him say "Get down someboy's shootin'"
Recalling the moment when violence and danger were imminent and unavoidable.

He didn't realize he was the target
Reflecting on the harm and damage caused by one's actions, even if the victim isn't aware of their role in it.

I didn't realize what I was doing till he departed
Expressing regret and guilt for previous violent actions.

Oh Lord, I'm feeling something I never felt black
Describing the overwhelming emotions and guilt that come with taking someone's life.

I told his momma I was sorry she said "Sorry won't bring him back"
Acknowledging the futility of apologies and the permanent nature of loss.

God gave life to the human race and he alone has the right to take it away
Reflecting on the sanctity of life and the idea that only a higher power has the authority to take it away.

So I tell me that I don't care
Trying to convince oneself that they don't feel remorse or regret for past actions.

But every time I dim the lights I'm havin' motherfuckin' nightmares
Describing the lingering effects of violence and trauma on one's mental health.

It's been a year since I heard ?
Referring to a past event or a person who is no longer present.

And I can still smell the motherfuckin' gunpowder
The sensory memory of the violent act continues to haunt the singer.

What does life mean to me?
Questioning the value and purpose of life in the face of past mistakes.

I'd trade places with the man a heartbeat if I was granted peace
Expressing a desire for redemption and atonement for past violent acts.

I try to wipe it out my memory
Trying to forget or ignore the past, but unable to fully move on.

I saw a shrink but she couldn't provide a remedy
Seeking professional help for mental health issues but not finding a solution.

I'm public enemy number one
Feeling like a villain and an outcast in society due to past actions.

Waitin' in line on death row to get the needle for what I done
Facing the ultimate punishment for taking another life.

Pretty soon I meet my maker
Coming face to face with one's own mortality and the higher power that determines one's fate.

Thee creator, the one and only true time taker
Reflecting on the inevitability of death and the fact that one's life is ultimately in the hands of a higher power.

How much more longer I got life left
Questioning how much time one has left in life and what to do with the time they have.

You don't know that's why I live day for day and time it right and left
Living day by day and trying to make the most of every moment, as time is uncertain.

And try to take two steps at a time
Ambitious and motivated, even in the face of obstacles.

Makin' sure our opposition stays two steps behind
Advocating for being proactive and always being prepared for challenges or conflict.

Keep in mind these niggas who want to see me lettin' go and shit
Being mindful of those who wish one harm or failure, and using that as motivation to succeed.

That's why I fight for my life until it's over with
Striving to succeed and overcome challenges, no matter the odds or obstacles.

I know these niggas havin' hard times
Recognizing the struggles and hardships faced by others in the community.

That's why I'm standing up and fighting for shit when it reguards mines
Advocating for protecting and standing up for oneself and one's loved ones.

Because they comforance all my feelings inside till all the bad's gone
Music and art serve as a source of comfort and catharsis, allowing the singer to process and deal with difficult emotions.