Roots
IYKZ Lyrics
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We got African roots
This no be orange it be African juice
Want chop Egusi an African soup
Doing guy like an African do
Tell me how can an African lose
I’m with a army of African troops
Still had to pass but she had potential
VERSE 1
I go tell am say I got something for summer
Damn, I really love the man that I’m becoming
And when they see me out it’s my people my brother
Maybe ‘cause I just keep it a hundred
If I see something I want then I cop it
‘Cause I used to wash with the bowl and a bucket
Maybe that’s the reason why we like the finer things
Fill the water to the brim for the final rinse
My pops taught me how to fight with bare knuckles
Growing up I had bare uncles
It wasn’t outta blood and nor was it flesh
It just taught me a little something about respect
You can’t underpay I’m the one doing the maths
How they run the game when I’m the one doing the laps
Tell me why would you I listen to you when I’m black?
You should never listen to rumours I’m bad
HOOK
We got African roots
This no be orange it be African juice
Want chop Egusi an African soup
Doing guy like an African do
Tell me how can an African lose
I’m with a army of African troops
Still had to pass but she had potential
Try walk in some African shoes
Came up off of African rules
Never gave up that’s an African mood
I won’t change up I’m an African dude
Oh lord
VERSE 2
When we celebrate we call it a wake
If I don’t take a break I’ll fall on my face
Had a Queen now I’m needing me another one
More time I’m ‘trynna speak in my mother tongue
Learned Pidgin used to kick it with Laju and Bross
I’m no different when I deep all the brothers I lost
Go figure whilst you’re sleeping around I'm a boss
There’s no system all I’m seeing is profit and loss
Did the running man to Color Me Badd
Had to give him hands in front of my dad
Instead of buying land we cower for stacks
‘Cause we don’t understand the power we have
But our kids got some African roots
Under our skin that’s some African roots
Under her wig there’s some African roots
If you’re real you’re an African too
HOOK
We got African roots
This no be orange it be African juice
Want chop Egusi an African soup
Doing guy like an African do
Tell me how can an African lose
I’m with a army of African troops
Still had to pass but she had potential
Try walk in some African shoes
(Came up off of African rules
Never gave up that’s an African mood
I won’t change up I’m an African dude
Oh lord)
In "Roots" by IYKZ, the lyrics celebrate and embrace African heritage and culture. The song emphasizes being proud of African roots, symbolizing it as a source of strength and resilience. The hook emphasizes this pride, stating that they have African roots that cannot be compared to something as ordinary as an orange, and that they embody the essence and spirit of Africa. The lyrics also mention wanting to indulge in African delicacies like Egusi soup, further connecting to their cultural identity.
The first verse reflects on the artist's personal journey and growth. They express their love for the person they are becoming and the pride they feel when their own people recognize and support them. The lyrics touch upon humble beginnings, referring to washing with a bowl and a bucket, which contrasts with their current appreciation for finer things in life. The reference to a father teaching bare-knuckle fighting and the presence of uncles highlights the importance of family and the valuable life lessons they have imparted. The verse also touches upon racial identity and the need to assert oneself in a world that may underestimate or undervalue Black individuals.
In the second verse, the lyrics continue to explore African heritage and the artist's personal experiences. The celebration of African culture is highlighted, using phrases like "celebrate" and "speak in my mother tongue." The lyrics reflect on the loss of loved ones and the importance of brotherhood. They also highlight the desire to make profit and see success in a system that often disregards African voices. The mention of using African dance moves like the running man and staying true to oneself despite societal norms emphasizes the need for self-expression and the protection of African identity. The verse concludes by stating that African roots run deep, not just in the artist's own children but in anyone who embraces their true selves.
Overall, "Roots" by IYKZ serves as an anthem for embracing African heritage, promoting a sense of pride, resilience, and cultural identity.
Line by Line Meaning
We got African roots
Our ancestry and heritage are rooted in Africa
This no be orange it be African juice
This is not just an orange, it represents the essence of Africa
Want chop Egusi an African soup
I desire to eat Egusi, a traditional African soup
Doing guy like an African do
I act in a manner consistent with African customs and behavior
Tell me how can an African lose
Explain to me how it is possible for someone with African roots to fail
I’m with an army of African troops
I am surrounded by a group of strong African individuals
Still had to pass but she had potential
Even though she faced obstacles, she showed great promise
Try walk in some African shoes
Attempt to experience the challenges and experiences of being African
I go tell am say I got something for summer
I will inform her that I have something special planned for the summer
Damn, I really love the man that I’m becoming
Wow, I truly admire the person I am evolving into
And when they see me out it’s my people my brother
When they see me in public, they recognize me as part of my community
Maybe ‘cause I just keep it a hundred
Perhaps because I am always truthful and genuine
If I see something I want then I cop it
If I desire something, I take action to obtain it
‘Cause I used to wash with the bowl and a bucket
Because I used to wash myself with a simple bowl and bucket
Maybe that’s the reason why we like the finer things
Perhaps that is why we appreciate and strive for luxurious things
Fill the water to the brim for the final rinse
I make sure to use every last drop of water for the last rinse
My pops taught me how to fight with bare knuckles
My father taught me how to defend myself using only my fists
Growing up I had bare uncles
In my childhood, I had many male relatives who guided me
It wasn’t outta blood and nor was it flesh
It wasn't just about family ties, but about a sense of community
It just taught me a little something about respect
They taught me valuable lessons about the importance of respect
You can’t underpay I’m the one doing the maths
You cannot underestimate me, I am the one calculating and assessing the situation
How they run the game when I’m the one doing the laps
How can they claim to be in charge when I am the one leading and excelling
Tell me why would you I listen to you when I’m black?
Explain to me why I should pay attention to your words when I am a person of African descent
You should never listen to rumors I’m bad
You should not believe false gossip about me, I am a capable and strong individual
Came up off of African rules
I achieved success by adhering to African principles and values
Never gave up that’s an African mood
I never gave up, demonstrating the resilience commonly associated with Africans
I won’t change up I’m an African dude
I will stay true to my African identity and not conform to others' expectations
Oh lord
Expressing a sense of awe or gratitude
When we celebrate we call it a wake
In our culture, we refer to our celebrations as wakes
If I don’t take a break I’ll fall on my face
If I don't rest, I will exhaust myself or fail
Had a Queen now I’m needing me another one
I had a romantic partner before, but now I desire a new one
More time I’m ‘trynna speak in my mother tongue
Most of the time, I am attempting to communicate in my native language
Learned Pidgin used to kick it with Laju and Bross
I learned Pidgin English and spent time with my friends Laju and Bross
I’m no different when I deep all the brothers I lost
I am no different when I think about all the male friends I have lost
Go figure whilst you’re sleeping around I'm a boss
While you engage in casual relationships, I am successful and in charge
There’s no system all I’m seeing is profit and loss
I don't see a fair system, I only see gains and losses
Did the running man to Color Me Badd
I performed the dance move 'running man' to the music of Color Me Badd
Had to give him hands in front of my dad
I had to physically fight with someone in front of my father
Instead of buying land we cower for stacks
Instead of investing in property, we prioritize accumulating wealth
‘Cause we don’t understand the power we have
Because we fail to comprehend the influence and strength within ourselves
But our kids got some African roots
However, our children still possess African heritage and origins
Under our skin that’s some African roots
Deep within our being, we carry the essence of Africa
Under her wig there’s some African roots
Beneath her wig, she maintains a connection to her African roots
If you’re real you’re an African too
If you are genuine and authentic, you are also considered African
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: JOHN LYINBOR, KEVIN OGBODO
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@visualtube3d232
Nice one 🔥🔥
@tirigapara
Kinda annoys me how underrated songs like this are
@IYKZONTHEREAL
Real proud of this one, so imma need you guys to run it up!!!! Lemme know if I should shoot the video?!?!? Love!!