Race War
Ice-T Lyrics

Yeah
Introductory line expressing agreement and enthusiasm with the subject matter.

Check this out: now I'm black
Acknowledging his racial identity as a Black man.

But black people trip
Acknowledging that other Black people have issues with him due to his viewpoints.

'Cause white people like me White people like me But don't like them
White people are comfortable with him because he reinforces their beliefs, but they dislike other Black people because they don't.

What's the fuck up Are you my friend? Hell no, you're a racist You say you got one black friend, so you're in Sorry homie, no win
Asking his White listeners if they're truly his friend or just using him to distance themselves from racism. Saying that having one Black friend doesn't make them not racist.

Check the facts Mexicans are still gettin' pushed to the back Puerto-Ricans gettin' dissed the same Won't speak on the Indians, shit's insane Fuck John Wayne
Asserting that people of color are still being discriminated against, and that historical figures like John Wayne promote racist views.

I don't hate whites I just got a death wish for muthafuckas that ain't right
Clarifying that he doesn't hate White people but has a problem with those who hold racist attitudes.

You got black skin Still you gotta show and prove, friend
Addressing the idea that Black people need to work harder to prove their worth, even when White people like them.

Back to the facts What about Australia? A fuckin' failure The Aboriginal people are black So they got jacked
Pointing out that Australia's history with Indigenous people is a failure, and that it's another example of how people of color have been oppressed globally.

You ask me about free speech and the Riots? So what's in store? I'm talkin' bout a race war
Posing a rhetorical question about where society is headed and suggesting that a race war may be imminent.

(Get yourself together) (Open your eyes Get wise) (Put your brain in gear)
Encouraging his listeners to become more aware and think critically about society's issues.

People gettin' killed in the street Blood on your feet, the ends don't meet And who they gonna blame it on, me? Try the media Try the PD Try your TV Try your quest for wealth Anybody but yourself
Observing that people are suffering and dying, and that blame is placed on factors like media and law enforcement instead of individuals taking responsibility for their actions.

But once the bullets start flyin' People start dyin' It's all because we're lyin' History books that teach hate A kid has no escape From the racist fate And pretty soon South Africa Will stop chillin' And start killin'
Warning that lying and teaching hate will lead to violence and death, and that even children are affected by these messages. Implying that South Africa's struggles with apartheid may not be over.

Every night I pray That people get this shit together one day But this country ain't with it America was founded on that racist shit
Expressing hope that people can come together, despite acknowledging that America's history is founded upon racism.

I judge the devil by his deeds It's usually connected to the size of his greed And keep the hope Even though they'd love to give a nigga like me the rope
Judging evil people based on their actions, typically related to power and greed. Maintaining optimism despite knowing he's a target of racial hatred.

And when this shit hits There's gonna be a lotta white kids rollin' with the Africans You can't sweat skin 'Cause there be a lot of blacks is down with the Republicans
Predicting that if a race war breaks out, White allies will side with Black people and that political affiliations don't determine one's race.

This shit don't have to happen That's why a brother like me's still rappin' Just treat each other right Either that, or you're lookin' for a sure fight
Urging people to treat each other with respect, or else risk conflict and chaos.

Fuck the police We already know they ain't about no fuckin' peace
Expressing anger towards law enforcement for their lack of effort in promoting peace and justice for all citizens.

You want to know what I think's in store? Justice or a race war
Deliberating on two potential outcomes for society.

Korean people live down in the hood A little mis-fuckin'-understood Orientals were slaves too Word to this fuckin' red white and blue
Observing that Asian Americans are often subjected to misunderstandings and stereotypes, and that their history in America includes slavery.

People from Iran ain't never did shit to us So why the distrust? The system want to keep us at each other's throats While we're payin' the tax notes
Noting that there's no reason to demonize people from Iran, but that societal power structures want people of different races and ethnicities to fight each other instead of banding together to fight oppressive systems.

'Cause bein' black ain't no fuckin' minority It's the fuckin' majority So they gotta make us hate each other Word, check the brothers Mexicans black Jamaicans black Iranians black Indians black Hawaiians black Puerto-Ricans black Eskimos black South-Americans black Orientals black Yeah, that's right The Klan says everything's black that ain't white So we gotta get our facts straight 'Cause the shit they teach in school is pure hate
Asserting that Black people are not a minority given the number of people of color globally, and that divisive tactics are used to make people hate each other. Pointing out that people of many races and ethnicities are Black, and that education systems perpetuate racist ideas.

Sometimes I don't know for sure If somebody want a race war Who wants a race war? We're gonna lose
Admitting that the idea of a race war is scary and uncertain, and that nobody really wins in a war.