Soul Controller
Grand Puba Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Yeah, uhh
I'd like to say peace to all the Gods and Earths
and people of the universe (peace Allah)
Just want to let you know the black man's first
(Original Man)
We gonna drop a little somethin like this knahmsayin
on how we feel on the real, check it yo, uh-huh
Who tells you when to work? (The Devil)
Who tells you when you get a day off? (The Devil)
Well who gives you your pay? (The damn Devil)
And who takes it away? (The Devil)
You mean to tell me that we're still not a slave
in the land of free and the home of the brave? (mmmm)
Knowledge Cipher, divided by Power Equals Wisdom
But you know we have to start with Knowledge first
Divine evil's what dispearse in a hearse
Situation that we in, some people sayin that we're cursed
The lack of the knowledge of ourselves makes it worse
Science that we drop, make the average head burst
So do the knowledge on the very next verse
I heard a brother say, "I wash the clothes, I cook your food
I pay your rent," now is that how the story went?
Emphatically no, singer singin that weak wisdom knowledge
Shit Haji God is here to cancel it

So just ring the alarm, another Devil's dying, boooohhh
Just ring the alarm, an Uncle Tom is tryin, boooohhh

I didn't come to conceal it, I come to reveal it
The True and Living God with the son of man (son of man)
And if you ever need assistance just take my hand
Black man be prepared cause here comes the Klan
Now my great great Grand, was hung on a tree
by the colored man -- you probably know him as a white man
I seen a Oprah Winfrey show, she said that was in the past
but [bitch], kiss my [ass]
Now it's time to teach the people, why our people's not
treated equal, here's the next sequel (speak on it God)
Askin taller than the tallest wall, you ever saw
Sincere gave the God a call, we boost it from the mall
Long as it's a Devil I'ma take it
If a Devil catch me right, I leave him buttnaked (yessir yessir)
Word is bond, test the God, I don't fake it

Yeah yeah, uhh
Now here it go (here we come)
The soul controller (soul controller)
The soul controller (soul controller)
The soul controller, yeah

Now wake up, wake up, cause you went back to sleep
Grab ahold of your mental cause this next verse is deep
Now check out the thing and what they did to Rodney King
That goes to show ya, who controls ya
The Devil man when brothers went lootin in Cali
they used the corder-cam, the same as the police man
But I bet my last bottom dollar G
The brothers that they picked up won't go free
See I'm a, disbeliever when it comes to jungle fever
Aiyyo God you trust the Devil? (Now Cipher) Me neither
Now brothers say, "Why you diss the church like Ock?"
Cause if church was good for us, it wouldn't be on every block
of our neighborhood, just like a liquor store, it just ain't
no good -- they represent the ten percent
Now Momma Lova has no loot, but she'll spend her last dime
to make sure her child has an Easter suit
What is this with Christmas, I just can't see
spendin your money, givin the credit
to a fat man comin down your chimney (c'mon)
I just can't see it, it's like TV tellin lies to your vision
Haji God is here to make the incision
The soul controller, uhh

Yeah the soul controller, word is bond, the soul controller
The soul controller
Check it
As we come with the twelve jewels we know and understand
The Knowledge Wisdom Understanding
It's Freedom Justice Equality
Food Clothing Shelter




And Love Peace and Happiness
So as we say A-be -see

Overall Meaning

The song "Soul Controller" by Grand Puba is a commentary on the control that The Devil, or evil, exerts on modern society. The lyrics question the dynamics of work, pay, and free choice in society. They call for a knowledge revolution and decry the absence of knowledge and understanding of oneself. The singer of the song urges the listener to wake up from their slumber, grab hold of their mental faculties and take control of their lives. There are references to systemic racism, police brutality, church, commercialization of holidays, and socioeconomic inequality, all of which are interrelated and interconnected.


The song draws influence from the Nation of Gods and Earths (NGE) movement, which originated in Harlem, New York, in the 1960s. The NGE followed the teaching of Elijah Muhammad, and their philosophy emphasized the unity of black people worldwide. The NGE believed that knowledge and understanding could free black people from social, economic, and spiritual oppression. They adopted an Afrocentric worldview and rejected the tenets of traditional Abrahamic religions. The song features various NGE terminologies, including "Peace Allah," "Original Man," "Knowledge Cipher," and "Devil," among others.


Line by Line Meaning

I'd like to say peace to all the Gods and Earths and people of the universe (peace Allah)
Addressing all those who understand the knowledge and wisdom of the universe.


Just want to let you know the black man's first (Original Man)
Discussing the principle that black people were the first inhabitants of earth.


Who tells you when to work? (The Devil)
Questioning the motives behind the rules and regulations in place today.


Who tells you when you get a day off? (The Devil)
Questioning the control that others have over our daily lives.


Well who gives you your pay? (The damn Devil)
Questioning the power structure that controls our earning potential.


And who takes it away? (The Devil)
Questioning why there is a lack of continuity and security in our financial lives.


You mean to tell me that we're still not a slave in the land of free and the home of the brave? (mmmm)
Pointing out the contradictions of a country that upholds freedom as a value but continues to enslave certain segments of its population.


Knowledge Cipher, divided by Power Equals Wisdom
Elaborating on the mathematical principles that constitute the foundation of the universe.


But you know we have to start with Knowledge first
Stressing the importance of knowledge as the first step in understanding the universe.


Divine evil's what dispearse in a hearse
Reflecting on the inevitability of death and the role it plays in our lives.


Situation that we in, some people sayin that we're cursed
Pointing out the suffering that many experience in life and the interpretations that people make of it.


The lack of the knowledge of ourselves makes it worse
Stressing the importance of self-awareness and understanding as a means of overcoming personal struggles.


Science that we drop, make the average head burst
Boasting about the profound knowledge and understanding that is presented to the public through their music.


So do the knowledge on the very next verse
Encouraging listeners to continue learning and expanding their understanding of the universe.


I heard a brother say, "I wash the clothes, I cook your food I pay your rent," now is that how the story went?
Questioning the inequality and exploitation that exists in society, specifically between men and women.


Emphatically no, singer singin that weak wisdom knowledge Shit Haji God is here to cancel it
Rejecting the idea that women should be limited to performing domestic duties.


So just ring the alarm, another Devil's dying, boooohhh Just ring the alarm, an Uncle Tom is tryin, boooohhh
Celebrating the defeat of those who uphold and perpetuate oppressive power structures.


I didn't come to conceal it, I come to reveal it The True and Living God with the son of man (son of man)
Affirming the revelation of truth and knowledge through their music.


And if you ever need assistance just take my hand Black man be prepared cause here comes the Klan
Offering support and guidance to other black men while recognizing the potential threats they may face.


Now my great great Grand, was hung on a tree by the colored man -- you probably know him as a white man
Referencing the history of lynching and murder that has been inflicted on black individuals by white individuals in America.


I seen a Oprah Winfrey show, she said that was in the past but [bitch], kiss my [ass]
Disagreeing with the idea that racism is a relic of the past and that society has moved beyond these issues.


Now it's time to teach the people, why our people's not treated equal, here's the next sequel (speak on it God)
Advocating for education, communication, and activism to address the ongoing issues of inequality and injustice faced by black individuals.


Askin taller than the tallest wall, you ever saw Sincere gave the God a call, we boost it from the mall
Discussing the strategy of communicating with individuals and communities through their music and lyrics.


Long as it's a Devil I'ma take it If a Devil catch me right, I leave him buttnaked (yessir yessir) Word is bond, test the God, I don't fake it
Reiterating their commitment to fighting injustice and upholding their values, even in the face of adversity.


Now wake up, wake up, cause you went back to sleep Grab ahold of your mental cause this next verse is deep
Urging listeners to pay attention and think critically about the issues presented in their music.


Now check out the thing and what they did to Rodney King That goes to show ya, who controls ya The Devil man when brothers went lootin in Cali they used the corder-cam, the same as the police man But I bet my last bottom dollar G The brothers that they picked up won't go free
Highlighting the injustices and institutional biases that exist in the criminal justice system, particularly in cases of police brutality.


See I'm a, disbeliever when it comes to jungle fever Aiyyo God you trust the Devil? (Now Cipher) Me neither
Expressing doubt and suspicion towards interracial relationships, and questioning the trustworthiness of those in power.


Cause if church was good for us, it wouldn't be on every block of our neighborhood, just like a liquor store, it just ain't no good -- they represent the ten percent
Criticizing the church for its complicity in perpetuating inequality and oppression, particularly in black communities.


Now Momma Lova has no loot, but she'll spend her last dime to make sure her child has an Easter suit
Demonstrating the sacrifices and struggles that many mothers go through to provide for their families.


What is this with Christmas, I just can't see spendin your money, givin the credit to a fat man comin down your chimney (c'mon)
Questioning the commercialization and consumerism of Christmas and the unhealthy role models it promotes for children.


I just can't see it, it's like TV tellin lies to your vision Haji God is here to make the incision The soul controller, uhh
Arguing that mainstream culture and media often promote misinformation and false narratives, while calling for a more critical and informed perspective.


As we come with the twelve jewels we know and understand The Knowledge Wisdom Understanding It's Freedom Justice Equality Food Clothing Shelter And Love Peace and Happiness So as we say A-be-see
Presenting the principles of their faith and values as a means of guiding and informing their actions and decisions.




Lyrics Β© Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: A. KING, MAXWELL DIXON

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Legendary DQ

28 years later, the lyrics to this song still applies today.

99AL FAILI WAQAIN

Peace! Absolutely correct!

SPXC GXD

A classic for sure.

Rodreiquez Attakhan

Facts

Josette Pryor

This needs to be played for all the brothers and sisters who are still sleeping today.

William Strong

So many jewels by the Hajji God, aka Grand Puba! One of the best ever from dropping high science to the mundane...Stylistically imitated, underappreciated and one of the most influential writers in hip-hop history..W5X

Southpaw McGraw

This is a song that will Iive forever cuz of the message.

Popeye

The most realest joint alongside Rass Kass'"Nature of the Threat"!

Wise The Scholar

And you're forgetting Guru from Gangstarr's " Conspiracy" and Poor Righteous Teachers' Rich Mon Time'.

Joey Vegas

With all the things happening in the world right now, I felt I needed to take it back and listen to this classic!

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