Ghostface Killah is critically acclaimed for his loud, fast-paced flow, and his stream-of-consciousness narratives containing cryptic slang and non-sequiturs.
Ghostface Killah was raised in the Stapleton housing projects in Staten Island, New York. In his autobiographical song "All That I Got Is You", Ghost tells the story of his childhood. He raps about how he grew up in a three bedroom apartment without his father, who left him at the age of six. Apparently, his mother had nine children.
His stage name was taken from one of the characters in the 1979 kung fu film Mystery of Chessboxing.
He was also a close friend of the three founding members of Wu-tang clan
Wisdom Body
Ghostface Killah Lyrics
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I keep 'em broke
Wake up one mornin' with some money
They're subject to go crazy you know?
I keep 'em lookin good, pretty and all that
You know, but no dough
When I get a bitch, I got a bitch (right on)
You know what I'm sayin? Teachin' the uncivilized
Yeah, runnin' the streets, know it's deep
Word up, check his technique, yeah
I be Ghostface
Flippin' the marvelous track
Yeah
You know the steelo, but yo, yo
Check the bangin' sounds that I invent
Fake niggas who tried to flex hard came and went
They couldn't match up with the fly nigga
Wit his back against the wall
Heads clocked once I came in the door
I played the speaker, sippin' a Kahlua
Saw this bad bitch wit' a switch
And, yo, I had to step to her in a manner
And rather wished the current was warm
When I had reached her, I looked and knew the shit was on
Peace, excuse me, allow to introduce myself
Yo, I'm the man, and honey, you've been rated top shelf
Yo, what's your name hon', hair wrapped up in a bun
Your eyes sparkle, just like glass in the sun
Never diss 'em, it's hard for a nigga just to miss 'em
Especially, when you're browsin', goin' fishin'
Your waistline, bangin' like a bassline
Physical form is well complexed
And, yo, I love your outline, boo
Your whole body is wild, wit your rugged profile
Enough to make a hard rock smile
You can't strikeout, tell me what can really go wrong
You're rockin' labels, Tommy Hil' down to Claiborne
Show me some love, hon', show me some love, boo
Show me the vibe and I'll be more than glad to shoot it through
Ayy, yo, peep it, I know you love Victoria's Secret
And lovin' all the marvelous slang on how I freaked it
Plus, see you're the type to make a nigga crash
Far from trash, your flesh is way softer than a baby's ass
Your body lotion is the potion, the shit got me open like dust
And yo, your stee' is high potent, yo
We can go the distance, I put you under wings
From this convo we can spark and see whatever brings
I walked the hot Arabian desert, barefooted
I grabbed your hand, you grabbed my joint and knew where to put it
Word up, yo, straight up and down, yo
Check the joint, baby
It be the Wu-Tang production
Yeah, yeah, and all types of shit
And brothers catchin' repercussions
Yo, straight up
In the song "Wisdom Body" by Ghostface Killah, the lyrics delve into the artist's perspective on relationships and his interactions with women. The first few lines express a somewhat cynical view that all women are the same, just like his hoes, implying that they are all after his money. He keeps them financially dependent and when they unexpectedly come into money, they tend to act irrationally. Despite this, he keeps them looking good and attractive outwardly, but without providing financial stability. The phrase "When I get a bitch, I got a bitch" suggests a possessive and transactional mindset in his relationships.
The next few lines introduce the idea of wisdom and a wise individual who is teaching the "uncivilized." Ghostface Killah refers to himself as this wise figure running through the streets and having deep knowledge. He boasts about his skills and style, emphasizing his ability to invent catchy sounds that fake people couldn't match up to. He portrays himself as a fly and respected figure who enters a room and immediately gains attention and admiration.
The lyrics then focus on a specific encounter with a woman. Ghostface Killah approaches her with courtesy and admiration, complementing her appearance, including her hair, eyes, and physical form. He expresses a strong attraction to her, referring to her as "top shelf." He highlights her appeal and asserts that it's hard for anyone to resist her. He praises her fashion sense and labels she wears, showing his awareness of her style and what she likes. He asks for her affection and vibe while offering to reciprocate.
In the following lines, Ghostface Killah continues to shower the woman with compliments. He acknowledges her love for Victoria's Secret and mentions his skills in impressing her. He describes her as having a soft and smooth body, comparing it to that of a baby's. Her body lotion is seen as captivating and intoxicating to him. He suggests a strong connection and potential for intimacy as he puts her under his wing. He references walking barefoot in the Arabian desert, symbolizing the challenges he has faced in his life, while also showing his trust and vulnerability by allowing her to hold his hand and guide him.
Overall, these lyrics depict Ghostface Killah's complex perspectives on relationships, ranging from cynicism to admiration. He portrays himself as a wise figure with a unique style and charm, while also expressing a desire for a deep connection with a special woman who captivates him physically and emotionally.
Line by Line Meaning
No, man, all bitches are the same, just like my hoes, you know?
In my experience, women can be viewed as interchangeable and similar to the women I associate with.
I keep 'em broke
I intentionally keep them financially unstable.
Wake up one mornin' with some money
Occasionally, they might unexpectedly come into some money.
They're subject to go crazy you know?
In such situations, they tend to behave irrationally and unpredictably.
I keep 'em lookin good, pretty and all that
However, I ensure that their physical appearance is aesthetically pleasing.
You know, but no dough
Unfortunately, they lack financial resources.
When I get a bitch, I got a bitch (right on)
Once I establish a relationship with a woman, she becomes solely mine.
Word up, that motherfuckin' brother wise
Listen carefully, that intelligent individual is present.
You know what I'm sayin? Teachin' the uncivilized
Do you understand? He educates those who are not yet cultured.
Yeah, runnin' the streets, know it's deep
Yeah, he's actively involved in street life and it holds profound significance.
Word up, check his technique, yeah
Indeed, observe and analyze his approach to various situations.
I be Ghostface
I am Ghostface, the artist performing this song.
Flippin' the marvelous track
Skillfully and creatively manipulating this exceptional musical composition.
Yeah
An expression of affirmation or agreement.
You know the steelo, but yo, yo
You are familiar with my style and persona, but let me emphasize...
Check the bangin' sounds that I invent
Pay attention to the impressive and captivating music I create.
Fake niggas who tried to flex hard came and went
Inauthentic individuals who attempted to act tough quickly faded away.
They couldn't match up with the fly nigga
They were unable to compete with the charismatic and stylish man I am.
Wit his back against the wall
Despite facing challenges and adversity.
Heads clocked once I came in the door
People immediately took notice when I entered.
I played the speaker, sippin' a Kahlua
I positioned myself by the sound system, casually drinking Kahlua.
Saw this bad bitch wit' a switch
I noticed an attractive woman with an alluring presence.
And, yo, I had to step to her in a manner
Without hesitation, I approached her smoothly and confidently.
And rather wished the current was warm
At that moment, I wished for a more intimate and inviting atmosphere.
When I had reached her, I looked and knew the shit was on
Once I reached her, I could sense that a connection was about to be established.
Peace, excuse me, allow to introduce myself
Greetings, please excuse me as I formally introduce myself.
Yo, I'm the man, and honey, you've been rated top shelf
I am a highly respected and influential individual, and you are considered exceptional.
Yo, what's your name hon', hair wrapped up in a bun
Hey, may I inquire about your name, my dear? Your hair is elegantly tied up.
Your eyes sparkle, just like glass in the sun
The radiance in your eyes resembles glistening glass under sunlight.
Never diss 'em, it's hard for a nigga just to miss 'em
I never disrespect women like you, and it's difficult for any man to overlook your presence.
Especially, when you're browsin', goin' fishin'
Especially when you're casually exploring your options and seeking attention.
Your waistline, bangin' like a bassline
Your slim waist is incredibly attractive, similar to the captivating rhythm of a bassline.
Physical form is well complexed
Your physical appearance is intricately composed and appealing.
And, yo, I love your outline, boo
And hey, I genuinely appreciate your distinctive figure, my dear.
Your whole body is wild, wit your rugged profile
Your entire physique exudes a bold and untamed essence, with a striking outline.
Enough to make a hard rock smile
It's impressive enough to even make someone tough and stoic crack a smile.
You can't strikeout, tell me what can really go wrong
You are irrefutably flawless, so what could possibly go wrong?
You're rockin' labels, Tommy Hil' down to Claiborne
You effortlessly showcase prestigious fashion brands, from Tommy Hilfiger to Claiborne.
Show me some love, hon', show me some love, boo
Express affection and admiration for me, my dear. Show me love, my love.
Show me the vibe and I'll be more than glad to shoot it through
Demonstrate the energy and aura you possess, and I will happily reciprocate.
Ayy, yo, peep it, I know you love Victoria's Secret
Hey, listen up, I'm aware of your affinity for Victoria's Secret lingerie.
And lovin' all the marvelous slang on how I freaked it
And you enjoy the unique and impressive language I use to describe my experiences.
Plus, see you're the type to make a nigga crash
Furthermore, you possess a quality that has the power to captivate and overwhelm a man.
Far from trash, your flesh is way softer than a baby's ass
You are far from being unattractive; in fact, your skin is incredibly smooth and tender.
Your body lotion is the potion, the shit got me open like dust
The lotion you use on your body has a magical and alluring effect on me.
And yo, your stee' is high potent, yo
And hey, your style and demeanor are exceptionally strong and influential.
We can go the distance, I put you under wings
We can have a committed and long-lasting relationship; I will protect and provide for you.
From this convo we can spark and see whatever brings
From this conversation, we can ignite a connection and explore whatever possibilities arise.
I walked the hot Arabian desert, barefooted
I faced challenging and harsh conditions without any support or assistance.
I grabbed your hand, you grabbed my joint and knew where to put it
I metaphorically held your hand, and you understood how to please me sexually.
Word up, yo, straight up and down, yo
Listen attentively, this is the truth.
Check the joint, baby
Pay attention to this song, my dear.
It be the Wu-Tang production
This is a song produced by the Wu-Tang Clan.
Yeah, yeah, and all types of shit
Indeed, this song contains various elements and styles.
And brothers catchin' repercussions
And individuals are facing negative consequences as a result.
Yo, straight up
Honestly and without hesitation.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Corey Woods, Robert F. Diggs
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind