How Many More
Grand Puba Lyrics
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How many more gotta die
How many more mothers gotta cry
How many more locked away for life
Just tryin' to get a piece of the pie
The struggle continues, we hate each other
Crabs in the back room, holdin' each other back
Until the day we die, uh
I been droppin' knowledge like this for a long long time
They don't feel me
When I strive to help the dumb deaf fly
Long as I'm sittin' bullshit is just fine
But when I speak on them, that's when they draw the line
Conspiracy is a theory, let's promote the black-on-black
Niggas don't know how to act
Let em' send each other back
Too many shorties dyin' everyday
Too many niggas bein' locked away
Realize what's really goin' on
And how the black community got so torn
How many more mothers gotta mourn
He didn't make eightten and he's livin' in the lawn
Somebody tell me what's that all about
There's too many shorties checkin' out
My nigga's locked up for a lifetime
Didn't even get a chance to use his lifeline
The game is setup for you to lose
So watch the po-po cause like Tom they cruise
Focus get cha' head straight, fix ya plate
Learn from others and don't make the same mistake
Know who you are, where ya at, and where ya goin'
The worst thing about life is not knowin'
Knowledge break it down it's know to ledge
Cause if you don't know the ledge you droppin' off edge
The hood drama is horrific
Enough ghetto tears for years that could fill up Pacific
I'm not standin' here tryin' to be no preacher
But each one, teach one, hope I reach ya
See I'm here to enter brain then I entertain
Those who lost one in the struggle, I feel ya pain
Cause everyday somebody else is gettin' blown
But we don't moan until it hits close to home
Hear me y'all cause the numbers seem to multiply
And that's the reason that I ask myself
How many more gotta die
How many more mothers gotta cry
How many more locked away for life
Just tryin' to get a piece of the pie
The struggle continues, we hate each other
And we don't know the reason why, petty shit
Crabs in the back room, holdin' each other back
Until the day we die, uh
In the song "How Many More," Grand Puba reflects on the ongoing struggles and challenges faced by the Black community. He questions the constant cycle of death and mourning, asking how many more people have to die and how many more mothers have to cry before change occurs. He highlights the disproportionate number of people locked away for life, simply trying to find their place and opportunity in society.
Grand Puba emphasizes the division and lack of unity within the community, describing it as a hatred for one another without a clear reason. He criticizes the petty conflicts and crab mentality that hinder progress and hold each other back. The sense of division and resentment within the community serves as an obstacle to overcoming larger systemic issues.
The rapper acknowledges his longstanding efforts to share knowledge and uplift the community, but he feels unheard. He believes that as long as he speaks out on real problems affecting the community, people don't pay attention. He emphasizes that conspiracy theories and promoting black-on-black violence only perpetuate the hardships faced by the community and distract from addressing the root causes.
Grand Puba highlights the devastating impact of everyday violence and incarceration on the community, particularly on young lives. He questions the reasons behind the high mortality and incarceration rates, mourning the loss of potential and calling for a broader understanding of the factors contributing to the community's disarray. He urges individuals to learn from others' mistakes and develop a strong sense of self-awareness and direction to avoid falling victim to the system.
In conclusion, "How Many More" is a plea for change, unity, and self-awareness within the Black community. It addresses the ongoing issues of violence, incarceration, and division, challenging individuals to recognize their role in perpetuating the cycle and advocating for collective consciousness and empowerment.
Line by Line Meaning
Pour it out
Expressing the need to release emotions and thoughts
How many more gotta die
Questioning the increasing number of deaths in the community
How many more mothers gotta cry
Questioning the emotional pain experienced by mothers
How many more locked away for life
Questioning the excessive incarceration rates and loss of freedom
Just tryin' to get a piece of the pie
Highlighting the desire for fair opportunities and success
The struggle continues, we hate each other
Acknowledging the ongoing conflicts and division within the community
And we don't know the reason why, petty shit
Expressing frustration at the lack of understanding behind the conflicts
Crabs in the back room, holdin' each other back
Metaphor for individuals undermining each other's progress
Until the day we die, uh
Emphasizing the persistence of these negative behaviors until death
I been droppin' knowledge like this for a long long time
Reflecting on the artist's efforts to share wisdom and insights
They don't feel me
Expressing frustration at being misunderstood or ignored
When I strive to help the dumb deaf fly
Efforts to uplift and empower those who are ignorant or marginalized
Long as I'm sittin' bullshit is just fine
Not taking action allows nonsense to persist
But when I speak on them, that's when they draw the line
Facing resistance when addressing specific issues or individuals
Conspiracy is a theory, let's promote the black-on-black
Suggesting the promotion of unity within the black community
Niggas don't know how to act
Highlighting the lack of positive behavior within the community
Let em' send each other back
Encouraging the community to uplift and support each other
Too many shorties dyin' everyday
Expressing concern over the high number of young deaths
Too many niggas bein' locked away
Expressing concern over the high incarceration rates
Realize what's really goin' on
Encouraging awareness of the true issues at hand
And how the black community got so torn
Questioning the factors leading to division within the black community
How many more mothers gotta mourn
Questioning the emotional pain experienced by mothers
He didn't make eightten and he's livin' in the lawn
Reflecting on the tragedy of a young life lost
Somebody tell me what's that all about
Seeking understanding and answers to these tragedies
There's too many shorties checkin' out
Expressing concern over the high number of young deaths
My nigga's locked up for a lifetime
Referring to a friend who is imprisoned for life
Didn't even get a chance to use his lifeline
Expressing the unfairness of not having an opportunity for redemption
The game is setup for you to lose
Highlighting the systemic obstacles that prevent success
So watch the po-po cause like Tom they cruise
Advising caution in dealing with law enforcement
Focus get cha' head straight, fix ya plate
Encouraging self-improvement and determination
Learn from others and don't make the same mistake
Emphasizing the importance of personal growth and avoiding repeat errors
Know who you are, where ya at, and where ya goin'
Encouraging self-awareness and a sense of direction
The worst thing about life is not knowin'
Highlighting the challenges and uncertainties of life
Knowledge break it down it's know to ledge
Explaining that knowledge leads to understanding
Cause if you don't know the ledge you droppin' off edge
Warning about the consequences of ignorance or lack of awareness
The hood drama is horrific
Describing the intense and disturbing nature of neighborhood conflicts
Enough ghetto tears for years that could fill up Pacific
Highlighting the significant amount of pain and suffering in the community
I'm not standin' here tryin' to be no preacher
Clarifying that the artist is not attempting to lecture or sermonize
But each one, teach one, hope I reach ya
Encouraging the sharing of knowledge and hoping to impact others
See I'm here to enter brain then I entertain
Expressing the intent to educate and entertain simultaneously
Those who lost one in the struggle, I feel ya pain
Connecting with those who have experienced loss and empathizing with their pain
Cause everyday somebody else is gettin' blown
Highlighting the constant occurrence of violence and death
But we don't moan until it hits close to home
Not reacting strongly until personally affected by the tragedy
Hear me y'all cause the numbers seem to multiply
Urging others to pay attention to the increasing number of negative incidents
And that's the reason that I ask myself
Questioning the underlying cause and reasons behind these issues
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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