Motherless Child
Ghostface Killah Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

(Sometimes I feel, like a motherless child)
(Yo yo guzzling forties, let's get it on fella, no doubt)
The wiley Wu-Tang comes back, Iron Man strikes back
(Lou Diamonds, Tony Starks) Raid your whole empire
No doubt!

Rich man, poor man, read the headlines
Nigga getting murdered for spot and bigger dimes
Jobs and drug wars
Living by gun law
Jailcats come home and want to take yours
As the young one, growing up broke me and my people
As the self, huh, I guess we all in the same boat
Think it, plus drinkin' that 90-proof
Playin' on the roof sayin'
We need a next man to shoot

(Sometimes I feel, like a motherless child)

Yo, I know a rich kid, who got hit for three bricks
Showin off his 850 plus, what a nice whip
Young blood guzzlin' forties hustled in a rain
Old Earth, shootin' dope in her veins
He never had it all, the kid loved basketball
Had a favorite song, "I Miss You" written by Aaron Hall
Now back to the original, neighborhood, criminals
Clocking dollars, by the hour like his digital
Styrofoam silencers, he rolled around with the
Wildest niggas peeling caps known as the Islanders
From Staten, where crazy clips be clapping
Slept in his principal spreads, threads, made of satin
Labeled as the cow he had crazy beef
Seen him at the flicks, he pulled out on Duke, Hez and Latief
But he fucked up, he should of kept it real and went for kill
'Cause if he don't, these niggas with black barrels will
But, shit will never calm down, one day downtown
He dropped an ounce off
Money had slept like a nightgown
He rolled up in the Albee Square, relax like he lived in there
Two kids was beaming him, them niggas from the movie theater
One had all Guess on, looking like he had a vest on
The other Pelle Pell tucked with a firearm
Moving slow, baseball hats, crazy down low
Word life God, this bull kag nigga gotta go
Oh shit! Bookhead, just bought a 5, G headed King Tudpea
About the size of Little Maurice
We got to get up baby, no cousin, count to ten
I'm running in my first instance, is to return 'em the time is now
Warfare and pull delf
Remember me, the nigga from the UA and you pulled out
Don't move don't even flinch
Fix 'em up, drop the head, don't want to get blood in the tux
He burped, I shot him, bitch screamed out I'm robbing him
Had to hit him ten more times make sure I got him
Told the owner lay on the floor, shake the comedy
Randy came out wacked out with a half a shotty
I laughed, grab the King Tud head and the cash
Then he shot my man in the ass and broke mega glass
Damn, had to go out with a blast
I shot my way up out of the Albee fast




Oh shit, what the fuck?
This shit is horrible

Overall Meaning

In the song "Motherless Child" by Ghostface Killah, the rapper touches on the struggles of growing up in poverty and the violence that often surrounds it. He starts off by referencing the feeling of being like a motherless child, a metaphor that suggests a sense of abandonment and loneliness. He then delves into the harsh realities of life in the inner city, where people are killed for their possessions, drug wars rage on, and gun violence permeates the community. Ghostface highlights the link between poverty and crime, emphasizing that people who grow up with few opportunities may feel driven to turn to illegal means in order to make ends meet.


Throughout the song, Ghostface describes various characters, including a rich kid who is killed for showing off his expensive car and an individual who becomes embroiled in a violent altercation at the Albee Square shopping center. Both serve as cautionary tales about the dangers of clinging to material possessions and engaging in violent behavior. In the end, Ghostface reflects on the tragedy of it all, lamenting the loss of life and the pervasive sense of hopelessness that often accompanies it.


Overall, "Motherless Child" paints a bleak portrait of life in the inner city, highlighting the many challenges faced by those who grow up in poverty. Through a series of thought-provoking vignettes, Ghostface challenges listeners to consider the root causes of the violence and to think critically about how to address them.


Line by Line Meaning

(Sometimes I feel, like a motherless child)
The rapper is expressing a feeling of loneliness and a lack of parental guidance or support.


Yo yo guzzling forties, let's get it on fella, no doubt
The rapper is hyping up his crew to take action and get things done.


The wiley Wu-Tang comes back, Iron Man strikes back
The rapper is referencing his group (Wu-Tang Clan) and the character (Iron Man) he portrays in his music. He is asserting his dominance and skill as a rapper.


(Lou Diamonds, Tony Starks) Raid your whole empire No doubt!
The rapper is referencing his aliases (Lou Diamonds and Tony Starks) and suggesting that he and his crew can take over and defeat their enemies with ease.


Rich man, poor man, read the headlines Nigga getting murdered for spot and bigger dimes Jobs and drug wars Living by gun law Jailcats come home and want to take yours
The rapper is commenting on the violence and danger present in many communities. He notes that people are willing to kill over money and that there is a cycle of crime and punishment.


As the young one, growing up broke me and my people As the self, huh, I guess we all in the same boat Think it, plus drinkin' that 90-proof Playin' on the roof sayin' We need a next man to shoot
The rapper reflects on his upbringing and the tough conditions he and his community faced. He suggests that alcohol and violence were common coping mechanisms and that people were often quick to resort to violent solutions to problems.


(Sometimes I feel, like a motherless child)
The rapper repeats his opening line to emphasize his feelings of loneliness and isolation.


Yo, I know a rich kid, who got hit for three bricks Showin off his 850 plus, what a nice whip Young blood guzzlin' forties hustled in a rain Old Earth, shootin' dope in her veins
The rapper tells a story about a young man who was killed for his drugs and flashy car. He also notes that the man's mother was addicted to drugs.


He never had it all, the kid loved basketball Had a favorite song, "I Miss You" written by Aaron Hall Now back to the original, neighborhood, criminals Clocking dollars, by the hour like his digital
The rapper reveals some personal details about the young man's life, including his love of basketball and a favorite song. He then returns to the theme of crime and notes that criminals in the neighborhood are making money quickly and easily.


Styrofoam silencers, he rolled around with the Wildest niggas peeling caps known as the Islanders From Staten, where crazy clips be clapping Slept in his principal spreads, threads, made of satin
The rapper continues to describe the young man's lifestyle and associates him with dangerous and violent people. He also notes that he had luxurious clothing.


Labeled as the cow he had crazy beef Seen him at the flicks, he pulled out on Duke, Hez and Latief But he fucked up, he should of kept it real and went for kill 'Cause if he don't, these niggas with black barrels will
The rapper suggests that the young man was known to be an easy target and that he had a conflict with some other individuals. He also notes that he should have been more violent and aggressive to protect himself from others.


But, shit will never calm down, one day downtown He dropped an ounce off Money had slept like a nightgown He rolled up in the Albee Square, relax like he lived in there Two kids was beaming him, them niggas from the movie theater
The rapper notes that things are always tense and violent in his neighborhood. He tells a story about the young man dropping off drugs in a busy area and being followed by two other men.


One had all Guess on, looking like he had a vest on The other Pelle Pell tucked with a firearm Moving slow, baseball hats, crazy down low Word life God, this bull kag nigga gotta go
The rapper describes the appearance of the two men and notes that they seem dangerous. He suggests that the young man is in danger and needs to be careful.


Oh shit! Bookhead, just bought a 5, G headed King Tudpea About the size of Little Maurice We got to get up baby, no cousin, count to ten I'm running in my first instance, is to return 'em the time is now
The rapper realizes that the two men are even more dangerous than he thought because they have a large gun. He suggests that it is time to take action and steal the gun from them.


Warfare and pull delf Remember me, the nigga from the UA and you pulled out Don't move don't even flinch Fix 'em up, drop the head, don't want to get blood in the tux
The rapper describes his actions as he approaches the two men. He tells them to freeze and not move as he prepares to steal the gun from them. He also notes that he doesn't want to get any blood on his clothes.


He burped, I shot him, bitch screamed out I'm robbing him Had to hit him ten more times make sure I got him Told the owner lay on the floor, shake the comedy Randy came out wacked out with a half a shotty
The rapper describes how he kills one of the men and takes the gun. He also notes that the woman with the men is scared and that he has to shoot her multiple times. He then restrains the store owner and encounters someone else with a gun.


I laughed, grab the King Tud head and the cash Then he shot my man in the ass and broke mega glass Damn, had to go out with a blast I shot my way up out of the Albee fast
The rapper takes the gun and money and laughs at the situation. However, he is then attacked and has to shoot his way out of the store quickly.


Oh shit, what the fuck? This shit is horrible
The rapper reflects on the violent and dangerous situation he finds himself in and expresses a sense of shock and dismay.




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Dennis Cole, Edward E. Randle, James Shaw, Robert F. Diggs

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

@Pride317

Lyrics

[Intro]
Sometimes I feel like a motherless child
Yo, yo, guzzling forties (Let's get it on, fella), no doubt
The Wallabee champ comes back
Iron Man strikes back (Lou Diamonds, Tony Starks)
Raid your whole empire, no doubt

[Verse 1: Raekwon the Chef]
Rich man, poor man, read the headlines
Niggas getting murdered for spots and bigger dimes
Droughts and drug wars, living by gun law
Jail cats come home and want to take yours
As a young one, growing up broke, me and my peoples
Had to sell coke, I guess we all in the same boat
Thinking, plus drinking that ninety-proof
Laying on the roof saying, "We need a next man to shoot"

[Chorus: Ghostface Killah]
Sometimes I feel like a motherless child (Yo)

[Verse 2: Ghostface Killah]
I know a rich kid who got hit for three bricks
Showing off his 850 plush, what a nice whip
Young blood guzzling forties, hustled in the rain
Old Earth, shooting dope in her veins
He never had it all, the kid loved basketball
Had a favorite song, "I Miss You", written by Aaron Hall
Now back to the original neighborhood criminals
Clocking dollars by the hour like his digital
Styrofoam silencers, he rolled around with the
Wilding-est niggas peeling caps, known as the Islanders
From Staten, where crazy clips be clapping
Slept in expensive gold spreads, threads made of satin
Labeled as the cow, he had crazy beef
Seen him at the flicks, he pulled out on Duke, Hez and Latief
But he fucked up, he shoulda kept it real and went for kill
Cause if he don't, these niggas with black barrels will
But shit never calmed down, one day downtown
He dropped an ounce off, money had slept like a nightgown
He rolled up in the Albee Square, relaxed like he lived there
Two kids was beaming him, them niggas from the movie theatre
One had all Guess on, looking like he had a vest on
The other Pelle Pelle tucked with a firearm
Moving slow, baseball hats crazy down low
Word life, God, this bookhead nigga gotta go
Oh, shit, bookhead just bought a five G head
A King Tut piece, about the size of Little Maurice
We got to get him baby, yo, cousin, count to ten
I'm running in, my first instincts is they're returning
The time is now, walked in and pulled out
Remember me, the nigga from the UA and you pulled out?
Don't move, don't even flinch, fix 'em up
Drop the head, don't want to get blood on the Tut
He burped, I shot him, bitch screamed out, I'm robbing him
Had to hit him ten more times, make sure I got him
Told the owner lay on the floor, shake the comedy
Granny came out blacked down with a half a shotty
I laughed, grab the King Tut head and the cash
Granny shot my man in his ass and broke mega glass
Damn, had to go out with a blast
I shot my way up out of the Albee, fast

[Chorus: Ghostface Killah]
Sometimes I feel like a motherless child
(Oh shit, what the fuck? Shit was horrible)
Sometimes I feel like a motherless child
Sometimes I feel like a motherless child
Sometimes I feel like a motherless child

[Outro: Ghostface Killah]
Word up, you know how we do
Know what I'm saying? No doubt, check it out, y'all
Nuff respect to my peoples
Bobby Steels on the tracks
Word up, you know what I'm saying?
On and on like that, y'all
Mickie Mirrors, understand the born, Reddy Red
Big Von, yeah, no doubt, now Von, yeah
Niggas know the half y'all
Veriano, niggas know
Killer Cage, y'all, word up, you know the half
Niggas on the Island, Rikers Island
Word up, one love niggas upstate
Yeah, check it out, y'all
Niggas know Lex Diamonds my right hand man, yo
Check it out



@Xtriminal

Intro]
Sometimes I feel like a motherless child
Yo, yo, guzzlin' forties (Let's get it on, fella), no doubt
The Wallabee champ comes back
Iron Man strikes back (Lou Diamonds, Tony Starks)
Raid your whole empire, no doubt

[Verse 1: Raekwon the Chef]
Rich man, poor man, read the headlines
Niggas gettin' murdered for spots and bigger dimes
Droughts and drug wars, living by gun law
Jail cats come home and want to take yours
As a young one, growin' up broke, me and my peoples
Had to sell coke, I guess we all in the same boat
Thinkin', plus drinkin' that ninety-proof
Layin' on the roof sayin', "We need a next man to shoot"



[Chorus: Ghostface Killah]
Sometimes I feel like a motherless child (Yo)

[Verse 2: Ghostface Killah]
I know a rich kid who got hit for three bricks
Showin' off his 850 plush, what a nice whip
Young blood guzzlin' forties, hustled in the rain
Old Earth, shootin' dope in her veins
He never had it all, the kid loved basketball
Had a favorite song, "I Miss You", written by Aaron Hall
Now back to the original neighborhood criminals
Clockin' dollars by the hour like his digital
Styrofoam silencers, he rolled around with the
Wildin'-est niggas peelin' caps, known as the Islanders
From Staten, where crazy clips be clappin'
Slept in expensive gold spreads, threads made of satin
Labeled as the cow, he had crazy beef
Seen him at the flicks, he pulled out on Duke, Hez and Latief
But he fucked up, he shoulda kept it real and went for kill
'Cause if he don't, these niggas with black barrels will
But shit never calmed down, one day downtown
He dropped an ounce off, money had slept like a nightgown
He rolled up in the Albee Square, relaxed like he lived in there
Two kids was beamin' him, them niggas from the movie theatre
One had all Guess on, lookin' like he had a vest on
The other Pelle Pelle tucked with a firearm
Movin' slow, baseball hats crazy down low
Word life, God, this bookhead nigga gotta go
Oh, shit, bookhead just bought a five G head
A King Tut piece, about the size of Little Maurice
We got to get him baby, yo, cousin, count to ten
I'm runnin' in, my first instincts is they're returnin'
The time is now, walked in and pulled out
Remember me, the nigga from the UA and you pulled out?
Don't move, don't even flinch, fix 'em up
Drop the head, don't want to get blood on the Tut
He burped, I shot him, bitch screamed out, I'm robbin' him
Had to hit him ten more times, make sure I got him
Told the owner lay on the floor, shake the comedy
Granny came out blacked down with a half a shotty
I laughed, grab the King Tut head and the cash
Granny shot my man in his ass and broke mega glass
Damn, had to go out with a blast
I shot my way up out of the Albee, fast

[Chorus: Ghostface Killah]
Sometimes I feel like a motherless child (Oh shit, what the fuck? Shit was horrible)
Sometimes I feel like a motherless child

[Outro: Ghostface Killah]
Word up, you know how we do
Know what I'm sayin'? No doubt, check it out, y'all
'Nuff respect to my peoples
Bobby Steels on the tracks
Word up, you know what I'm sayin'?
On and on like that, y'all
Mickie Mirrors, understand the born, Reddy Red
Big Von, yeah, no doubt, now Von, yeah
Niggas know the half y'all
Veriano, niggas know
Killer Cage, y'all, word up, you know the half
Niggas on the Island, Rikers Island
Word up, one love niggas upstate
Yeah, check it out, y'all
Niggas know Lex Diamonds my right hand man, yo
Check it out




2

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Ironman (1996)
Ghostface Killah
1.
Iron Maiden
2.
Wildflower
3.
Faster Blade
4.
260
5.
Assassination Day
6.
Poisonous Darts
7.
Winter Warz
8.
Wu Will Survive
9.
Fish
10.
Camay
11.
Daytona 500
12.
Motherless Child
13.
Black Jesus
14.
After the Smoke is Clear
15.
All That I Got Is You
16.
The Soul Controller
17.
Marvel
Expand
Credits
Featuring
Raekwon
Produced By
RZA
Written By
RZA, Raekwon & Ghostface Killah
Release Date
October 29, 1996
Motherless Child Samples
Into Something (Can't Shake Loose) by O.V. Wright & Motherless Child by O.V. Wright
Songs That Sample Motherless Child
Stretch & Bobbito '94 by Big L & Children of the Corn Stretch and Bobbito Freestyle 1996 [FULL] by Children of the Corn (Ft. Beef Tha Thief, Big L, Bloodshed, Bobbito, Cam'ron & Ma$e)
Songs That Interpolate Motherless Child
Headlines by DJ Premier (Ft. Griselda)
View Motherless Child samples
Tags
Rap
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Comments
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All comments from YouTube:

@DioBrando1996v

This is what hip hop is missing nowadays. Great storytelling with a dark grimy beat matching that tone.

@shtickeh9715

Nah, check out Griselda and Roc Marciano. They bring this sound back.

@regulus8319

@SHTICK EH i gotta check out Roc but hell yeah Griselda gives you this feel

@shtickeh9715

@@regulus8319 you should start with that album he has with alchemist. Reload, Marcberg, and Marcielago are also great places to start.

@manuelshaul9244

Right they missing soul. Soul has depth. This era selling they soul cause they letting the devil trick them

@shtickeh9715

@@manuelshaul9244 refer to my comment and you’ll be happy

@devious187

One of the most amazing samples and beats ever made by human ears... imagine how good you'd feel if you were RZA the day he made this beat

@YouMissedMe

He probably made 5+ more classics right after man is a problem

@XxGlaciersOfIcexX

And GFK said every beat from this album was just sittin in Rzas "Orange Box".
i.e. Rza had tons of beats like this laying around

@gregc7699

While not an official duo I always felt that Ghost and Rae were the perfect duo always create magic when they colaberate

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