The Who
Hieroglyphics Lyrics


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As long as you don't put too much on it

Verse 1

Tonight we got the mic on cruise
With more luck than horseshoes
While we fuse together like ??
'Cause we move with ten ton thrusters
The cosmopolitan cosmonaut up in your knot again like aneurysms
Expand with wisdom
Musical mannerisms are parallel to cannibalism
And animal instinct that's in sync
Distinct, leavin' suckas extinct when we combine
The gravity hella fine, physics of mind
Inebriating, leave you gaping open
Nothing's safe in Oakland
It's potent and murder is the slogan but
We showin' you the erosion of the stereotypical
Itchin' to pull the trigger on niggas
This is all original
And brand new, fidgetin' with tracks that are rigid and
Pigeonholin rappers while collectin' dividends at the door
Ya' know [ECHOES]
And that's how it goes

CHORUS

Who? Who? Who? Who?
Who the entertainers stompin' through like cross-trainers?
Can't be no plainer
YOU!
The remainders couldn't never be that one
Pack em in by millions attendance is platinum

Who? Who? Who? Who?
Who the innovators who stimulate like vibrators
With rhymes so major
YOU!
Ya' need us to rock a show, hit the pager
Niggas catch vapors when our lyrics hit the paper

Verse 2

Once again in your dimension, tension personified
Del and Hieroglyphics pollenize
We don't apolgize for gettin' places packed back-to-back
Our rank cranks just about any function
While your memory file is blank
No hankey-pankey jankey stuff goin'
Down over here no forms of raps eroding
My styles fluctuate like the Dow Jones average
While they stay savage
My cassette change shape and transform like ravage or rumble
Make the earth crumble and separate
Fallin' to the underground
Get into your head like a metal plate
While you sit and wait for these niggas on TV, they hella fake
Hieroglyphics, they can never escape us
The eagle eye, Mach 1, three mics
Yes indeed, intuition is the tool in which I use
When enrichin' you with original stylistics
And the Hieroglyphic ritual is too habitually blowin up
With ballistic attacks
Let me just deal with the facts
Niggas keep it real in they raps which are not realistic
Perfection and our poetical competitive edge
Is just a reflection of how we feel shit
This history's impressionist microphone specialist
Catchin' bids for puttin' MCs parts in my fridge
But granted quiz it to exquisite to the highest EO
My prodigal product a diabolical melodics
Aquatic is nautical
Motion, Hiero, kenetic flotation so fuck ya phony radio rotation
My colossal might on the mic is optimum
Hip-hop from the Sequoia Heights populous
Gamma rays like Bruce Banner
Phase your scanner
With mind over matter I slap the curls out you girl scouts....ya know

CHORUS

Who? Who? Who? Who?
Are these originators rippin' cuts like sabres
In the hands of Darth Vader
YOU!
The remainders couldn't never be that one
Pack em in by millions attendance is platinum
Who? Who? Who? Who? Who?
Who the innovators who stimulate like vibrators
With rhymes so major
YOU!
Ya' need us to rock a show, hit the pager
Niggas catch vapors when our lyrics hit the paper





Yeah, Ahh

Overall Meaning

In the song "The Who" by Hieroglyphics featuring Del the Funky Homosapien, the chorus repeats the word "who", but the verses are filled with dense, intricate wordplay analyzing the state of the music industry and their own roles within it. The opening verse talks about the power they hold as musicians and the responsibility that comes with it, warning against becoming too egotistical. They also touch on the violence and danger that comes with living and performing in Oakland, where they are from. The second verse dives deeper into the technical and creative prowess they possess, showcasing their ability to transform and innovate within the hip-hop genre.


The chorus serves as a braggadocious reminder to their listeners of their status as original, innovative artists who have inspired a generation. The song as a whole is a fusion of funk, jazz, and hip-hop with an emphasis on intricate lyricism and technical skill. It serves as a statement of purpose and a warning against complacency or following trends within the music industry.


Line by Line Meaning

Tonight we got the mic on cruise
We are performing at a high level tonight


With more luck than horseshoes
We are doing exceedingly well


While we fuse together like
Our collaboration is seamless


'Cause we move with ten ton thrusters
We have a lot of energy and power


The cosmopolitan cosmonaut up in your knot again like aneurysms
We are back and better than ever


Expand with wisdom
We are growing in knowledge


Musical mannerisms are parallel to cannibalism
Our music is aggressive and powerful


And animal instinct that's in sync
We work well together


Distinct, leavin' suckas extinct when we combine
Our combination is unbeatable


The gravity hella fine, physics of mind
Our energy and intellect are unmatched


Inebriating, leave you gaping open
Our performance is captivating


Nothing's safe in Oakland
We represent our city fearlessly


It's potent and murder is the slogan but
We have a reputation for being powerful


We showin' you the erosion of the stereotypical
We are breaking down stereotypes


Itchin' to pull the trigger on niggas
We are aggressive in our approach


This is all original
Our music is unique


And brand new, fidgetin' with tracks that are rigid and
Our music is fresh and experimental


Pigeonholin rappers while collectin' dividends at the door
We are making money while setting ourselves apart from others in the industry


Ya' know [ECHOES]
It's clear what we stand for




Lyrics © A SIDE MUSIC LLC, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Ultra Tunes, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: MATTHIAS RICHTER

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@jasonhoggans2173

Excellence, lyrical superiority combined with a stupid tight track! Fly material without a doubt. Miss this era in music

@jamesspinks2983

This is the best song I've ever heard

@jensmcghee

I agree to the extent that this beat is the best I've ever heard! It's phenomenal!

@kennygee8925

Who? Whoooo whoooooooo???? ITS HIEROOOOOO BIIIIIITCHHHH

@chadalpha7983

you are not alone

@notjames3526

criminally underrated

@matthewseidl5534

so many cruising bake sessions to this song blasting!!🌿🚬🚙

@Salerten

thanks Thrasher, and Wes Kremer!

@Audi2431

YES!!!!! SOTY & The Hemmies is dope!!

@slowbrofastbro

Salerten FUCK YES!!!

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