Raisin The Stakes
Groove Armada Lyrics


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We started from hooligans
With brothers that shoot at jobs
Take it back around the way
Trying to build a future form
Our peoples are still lost
Get through no matter cause
We run it out of town
But you still wanna floss
Not because you getting money
Don't mean you better off
Can't join that late nights
Now take that Gucci sweater off

Too heavy for rap
Have to take a slight measure off
'spin that George broth back
You in that white colored cloth

Like Oliver North
My fate detected
My feelings is forced
Bullets get ejected
Mothers scream into ours
I've been through the force
Sauteed rappers with sauce
And mix them up with tofu
And no beef of course
When I say give me some room
And I mean a loft

Big bitchin' too fast scenery from the boys
Greenery live with the torch
A bad piece hitting New York
You can't listen if you know that you're soft

Jump on the stage
Chain rattlin'
The lance is street hagglin'
Underground scriptures thrown at you like a javelin
Tone of my voice unravelin'

They fall in about as quick as you know time is travelin'
Can't you imagine that you see me every day on the streets
From crown heights to castle
In the comfort castle back into my own speech

Mozambique
The time in Cologne
That flavors have flown
Earn a few shillings then I'm heading back home

Setting the tone
And raising the stakes
And rhyming the breaks
High school flows giving rappers the shakes

On the corner posted up
Henessy Styrofoam cups
Man we still living it's surprising like what

Bring on the skeptics
Let them know ten years fully vested
Been down like Amadeus blend the eclectic

Respected like the full pound
It's like Horatio girl you gotta love the way it's going down




Raising the stakes
And rhyming the breaks

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Groove Armada’s song “Raising the Stakes” are all about overcoming adversity and the struggles that come with building a better future. The song tells a story of starting from humble beginnings, as hooligans with brothers who shoot at jobs, and trying to build a future for yourself and your community. The hardships faced by the singer of the song contrasts against the temptation of materialism, as the lyrics caution listeners not to become too enamored with the trappings of wealth. The song encourages the listener to take command of their own future and take risks to achieve their goals, no matter the difficulties they may face along the way.


The theme of the lyrics is one of perseverance and hard work in the face of adversity. Despite facing the struggles of everyday life, the singer of the song refuses to give up on their dreams and continue to fight for a better future. They acknowledge that their path will be difficult but steadfastly refuse to give up. Through this message, “Raising the Stakes” encourages listeners to stay strong and persevere in the pursuit of their goals, no matter the odds against them.


Line by Line Meaning

We started from hooligans
We began as delinquents


With brothers that shoot at jobs
With siblings involved in shootouts during robberies


Take it back around the way
Reflect on our past experiences


Trying to build a future form
Working towards a prosperous future


Our peoples are still lost
Our community is still struggling


Get through no matter cause
Endure through difficult times


We run it out of town
Succeed despite obstacles


But you still wanna floss
Still eager to show off


Not because you getting money
Having money does not guarantee success


Don't mean you better off
Does not equate to a better situation


Can't join that late nights
Cannot participate in activities that will affect productivity


Now take that Gucci sweater off
Get rid of superficial desires


Too heavy for rap
Too intense for popular rap music


Have to take a slight measure off
Need to tone it down


'spin that George broth back
Play that George Clinton music again


You in that white colored cloth
Wearing white clothing


Like Oliver North
Similar to Oliver North's controversial actions


My fate detected
My destiny is predetermined


My feelings is forced
Emotions are being suppressed


Bullets get ejected
Gunfire erupts


Mothers scream into ours
Mothers mourn their children's deaths


I've been through the force
I've been through difficult experiences


Sauteed rappers with sauce
Defeat other rappers with lyrical ability


And mix them up with tofu
Beat them easily


And no beef of course
Without any argument or dispute


When I say give me some room
Allow me some space


And I mean a loft
A high, spacious room


Big bitchin' too fast scenery from the boys
Overwhelming visuals and actions from men


Greenery live with the torch
Nature continues to thrive


A bad piece hitting New York
Bad news arrives in New York


You can't listen if you know that you're soft
Sensitive people cannot handle the content


Jump on the stage
Perform on the stage


Chain rattlin'
Chain makes noise


The lance is street hagglin'
The rap music is highly competitive


Underground scriptures thrown at you like a javelin
Lyrics thrown at other rappers


Tone of my voice unravelin'
Voice becoming unsteady


They fall in about as quick as you know time is travelin'
They fall apart quickly, like time passes


Can't you imagine that you see me every day on the streets
I am very visible in the community


From crown heights to castle
From the highest point to my home


In the comfort castle back into my own speech
In a comfortable space speaking my native language


Mozambique
A country in Africa


The time in Cologne
The time in Germany


That flavors have flown
The flavors have dissipated


Earn a few shillings then I'm heading back home
Make a small amount of money and return home


Setting the tone
Establishing a standard


And raising the stakes
Increasing the level of competition


And rhyming the breaks
Creating lyrics during instrumental breaks


High school flows giving rappers the shakes
Impressive rap skills that intimidate other rappers


On the corner posted up
Standing on the street corner


Henessy Styrofoam cups
Drinking alcohol


Man we still living it's surprising like what
We are still alive, despite expectations


Bring on the skeptics
Challenge the non-believers


Let them know ten years fully vested
Remind them of ten years of commitment


Been down like Amadeus blend the eclectic
Endured like Mozart by incorporating diverse influences


Respected like the full pound
Highly respected like a full pound of money


It's like Horatio girl you gotta love the way it's going down
Like a successful plan coming to fruition


Raising the stakes
Increasing the level of competition


And rhyming the breaks
Creating lyrics during instrumental breaks




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: ANDREW COCUP, TOM FINDLAY, DELANO DGBOURNE, JONATHAN WHITE

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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