Color Blind
Ice Cube Lyrics


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Here's another day at the stoplight
I'm looking in my mirror so I can see who can see me
South Central is putting Ice Cube to the test
With four brothers in the SS
Now I can't go around and can't back up
So I gotta peep game laying in the cut
Is this a jack or a kidnap?
Since I'm never ever slipping I'm fully strapped
I grab my gat out the glove
Do these fools got a problem with me?
Or do they got love?
And when the light turns green, I don't bone out
I want to see what these black men are all about
'Cause if it's my time, I'm just short
If not, I'm plugging they Super Sport
First they get behind my ride
Then they switch lanes to the left side
I'm scoping out the one smoking indo
Coming up fast, rolling down his window
He threw up a sign, I put away my nine
Fool, 'cause I'm color blind

Killer Cali, the state where they kill
Over colors 'cause brothers don't know the deal
And they'll cap you, not if they have to
But if they want to, first they might confront you
But every nigga on my block can't stop
And he won't stop and he don't stop
Not to the bang bang boogie, but they like to gang bang
And rookies ain't the only ones that drop
Some say the little locs are getting a little too loc'ed
And when it comes to dust, they kick up the most
Say the wrong word
Then whistle down the street to your homies like a bird
Bust a you-turn, come back and get served nigga
For the women, it don't matter how loud they blouse get
But men, the wrong color outfit, could get your mouth split
It's a shame, but it ain't no thang to me
'Cause I slang these things like a G
It's on, is anybody killing for the summertime
I gotta get another nine, even though I'm colorblind

I'm fresh outta county on bail
And no sooner do I get out, seems like I'm right back in jail
For some gang related activity
'Cause everyday, different fools try to get with me
For no more than a color, or territory
Can't rehabilitate 'em, that's the sheriff's story
So what's left, the judge goes deaf
When you try to tell your side
And you ain't blue eyed
Boy you better duck 'cause the book is comin'
And just hand your car keys over to your woman
Because it ain't no sunshine where you headed
And the shit'll drive you crazy if you let it
But now, I got time to think
Because they hit me with everything but the kitchen sink
And I ain't even shed a tear
'Cause believe it or not, they got more love for me here
Now picture that, but on a black and white photograph
'Cause brothers, you don't know the half
On the streets I was damn near outta my mind
But ever since I've been down
I'm colorblind

Now here's the game plan, yo, at a quarter to nine
I was told to peel a cap on the other side
Yo, young and dumb, full of come up, a baby loc
I gotta put in work for the hood and that ain't no joke

Stable and able but I'm not ready and willing
'Cause I'm only 13 and I ain't never did a killing
Grabbed the A.K. and jumped in the G ride
Started up the bucket and headed for the other side

Yo, spotted the enemies, now I'm on a creep tip
Hit the 5 dollar stick and then I put in my clip

So, I jumped out the car and no matter what the cost
I had my mind set on sending niggas to Harrison Ross

Caught one from the back and I looked in his eyes
Thinkin' should I peel his cap, or should I let him survive
Yo, I'm trapped in the plan designed by another side

I ain't contributing to genocide (why?)
'Cause I'm colorblind

Niggas in the hood ain't changed
And I've finally figure out that we're not in the same gang
'Cause, I walk the alleys of Compton with nowhere to turn
Every which way I get burned baby
Lou wears blue, Big Fred wears red
Put 'em together then we color 'em dead
Dead, dying, getting smoked like part of the fun
They get smoked just to show how many come to the funeral

I understand how all my homeboys feel
'Cause I was shot and to this day, I pack my steel
'Cause I was born in a certain territory
Where you don't talk only the streets tell stories
With blue and red bandannas on the street
And if you slipping, you'll be six feet deep




'Cause me and T-bone, we pay it no mind
And for the rest of the mob, we stay color blind

Overall Meaning

Ice Cube’s song “Color Blind” describes the reality of racial conflict and gang violence in South Central Los Angeles. The lyrics describe Ice Cube’s experience at a stoplight where he encounters a group of black men in a car, unsure whether they pose a threat or not. He details the rampant gang activity and the reality that people are dying daily due to their allegiance to a certain gang’s color. The color of one’s outfit could mean the difference between life or death. At the same time, the lyrics reveal that Ice Cube does not subscribe to the color-coded mentality and sees himself as “color blind.” He will not judge people based on the color of their clothing or gang affiliation.


The song delivers a powerful message about the ultimate loyalty one must have to their own self-preservation over their affiliation to a gang. The lyrics describe how gang life often leads to jail, be it through confrontations with rival gangs or through the judicial process. Ice Cube references the irony of the situation in which he finds himself jailed but nearer to safety than he was while a free man exposed to gang violence. Ultimately, the song suggests that it is important to rise above the gang life and that safety and survival require being “color blind” and not getting involved in the politics of gangs.


Line by Line Meaning

Here's another day at the stoplight
I find myself once again in a familiar situation, waiting at a stoplight


I'm looking in my mirror so I can see who can see me
I check my rearview mirror to observe those who may be observing me


South Central is putting Ice Cube to the test
My neighborhood of South Central challenges me and puts me through trials


With four brothers in the SS
There are four individuals in a car with the symbols 'SS' representing their allegiance


Now I can't go around and can't back up
I am unable to go around or reverse due to the circumstances


So I gotta peep game laying in the cut
I must observe and analyze the situation from a hidden position


Is this a jack or a kidnap?
I question whether this is a robbery or a kidnapping attempt


Since I'm never ever slipping I'm fully strapped
Being aware of potential danger, I am always armed and prepared


I grab my gat out the glove
I retrieve my firearm from the glove compartment


Do these fools got a problem with me?
I wonder if these individuals have an issue with me


Or do they got love?
Alternatively, do they harbor friendly feelings towards me?


And when the light turns green, I don't bone out
Despite the opportunity to escape, I choose to stay and find out more


I want to see what these black men are all about
I am curious to learn the intentions and motivations of these individuals


'Cause if it's my time, I'm just short
If it is my time to die, I am not far from meeting that fate


If not, I'm plugging they Super Sport
If not, I will cause harm to their high-performance car


First they get behind my ride
Initially, they follow closely behind my vehicle


Then they switch lanes to the left side
They maneuver their car to the left lane next to mine


I'm scoping out the one smoking indo
I am observing the person smoking marijuana


Coming up fast, rolling down his window
Approaching rapidly, he opens his car window


He threw up a sign, I put away my nine
He gestures a sign while I lower and secure my firearm


Fool, 'cause I'm color blind
I disregard any potential hostility based on race or gang affiliation


Killer Cali, the state where they kill
California, known for its violence and killings


Over colors 'cause brothers don't know the deal
Rivalry and violence arise due to gang colors, as individuals lack understanding


And they'll cap you, not if they have to
They are willing to shoot and kill, not only if necessary


But if they want to, first they might confront you
If they desire, they may approach and challenge you directly


But every nigga on my block can't stop
Yet not all individuals in my neighborhood can avoid the violence


And he won't stop and he don't stop
These individuals continue to engage in violence without ceasing


Not to the bang bang boogie, but they like to gang bang
Their actions focus on gang violence rather than frivolous activities


And rookies ain't the only ones that drop
Even experienced individuals become victims of violence


Some say the little locs are getting a little too loc'ed
There is concern that the younger gang members are becoming too reckless


And when it comes to dust, they kick up the most
These individuals are the most active and aggressive when it comes to causing trouble


Say the wrong word
Speaking inappropriately or disrespectfully


Then whistle down the street to your homies like a bird
They signal their associates to respond to the provocation


Bust a you-turn, come back and get served nigga
They execute a U-turn to return and attack their target


For the women, it don't matter how loud they blouse get
Women can express their anger without facing the same consequences


But men, the wrong color outfit, could get your mouth split
Men with attire associated with rival gangs may face severe repercussions


It's a shame, but it ain't no thang to me
It is unfortunate, but I am unaffected by this reality


'Cause I slang these things like a G
I handle dangerous weapons and activities with ease, like a gangster


It's on, is anybody killing for the summertime
The violence and killings continue, even in the summer season


I gotta get another nine, even though I'm colorblind
Despite my disregard for gang affiliations, I still need to acquire another firearm for protection


I'm fresh outta county on bail
Recently released from county jail, still on bail


And no sooner do I get out, seems like I'm right back in jail
Immediately after my release, I find myself back in jail once again


For some gang related activity
Arrested for participating in gang-related actions


'Cause everyday, different fools try to get with me
On a daily basis, various individuals attempt to provoke confrontations with me


For no more than a color, or territory
The motives behind these confrontations are often based solely on gang colors or territory


Can't rehabilitate 'em, that's the sheriff's story
The sheriff believes these individuals cannot be reformed through rehabilitation


So what's left, the judge goes deaf
Left with no other options, the judge ignores any pleas or explanations


When you try to tell your side
Attempting to present your perspective, it falls on deaf ears


And you ain't blue eyed
Being from a different racial background, specifically not white


Boy you better duck 'cause the book is comin'
You should prepare yourself for severe legal consequences


And just hand your car keys over to your woman
Inevitably, you will lose your vehicle and give it to your partner


Because it ain't no sunshine where you headed
The path you are heading down lacks hope and positivity


And the shit'll drive you crazy if you let it
The negativity and hardships can have a detrimental effect on your mental well-being


But now, I got time to think
However, being incarcerated provides me with an opportunity for introspection


Because they hit me with everything but the kitchen sink
They charged me with multiple offenses, throwing everything possible at me


And I ain't even shed a tear
Remarkably, I have not shed a tear despite my circumstances


'Cause believe it or not, they got more love for me here
Surprisingly, I receive more support and care while in jail


Now picture that, but on a black and white photograph
Imagine the irony, contrasting the black and white reality of my situation


'Cause brothers, you don't know the half
Because, my fellow brothers, you are unaware of the true extent of these experiences


On the streets I was damn near outta my mind
While living on the streets, I was on the verge of losing my sanity


But ever since I've been down
However, since being incarcerated


I'm colorblind
I no longer attach importance to gang colors or affiliations


Now here's the game plan, yo, at a quarter to nine
Now, let me explain the strategy at 8:45 PM


I was told to peel a cap on the other side
I received instructions to shoot someone from a rival gang


Yo, young and dumb, full of come up, a baby loc
As a young and foolish gang member, I am eager to prove myself


I gotta put in work for the hood and that ain't no joke
I am obligated to carry out violent acts for the benefit of my gang and it is a serious matter


Stable and able but I'm not ready and willing
Although I am stable and capable, I am not prepared or enthusiastic


'Cause I'm only 13 and I ain't never did a killing
Because I am just 13 years old and have never taken someone's life


Grabbed the A.K. and jumped in the G ride
I quickly took hold of an AK-47 and entered the car


Started up the bucket and headed for the other side
I started the old, run-down car and drove towards the territory of the rival gang


Yo, spotted the enemies, now I'm on a creep tip
I noticed the rival gang members and now I am proceeding cautiously


Hit the 5 dollar stick and then I put in my clip
I loaded my firearm with a $5 magazine


So, I jumped out the car and no matter what the cost
I leaped out of the vehicle, determined to fulfill my given task


I had my mind set on sending niggas to Harrison Ross
I was determined to injure or kill individuals associated with a rival gang


Caught one from the back and I looked in his eyes
I shot one individual from behind, then made eye contact with him


Thinkin' should I peel his cap, or should I let him survive
Contemplating whether I should kill him or spare his life


Yo, I'm trapped in the plan designed by another side
I am caught up in a scheme devised by a different faction


I ain't contributing to genocide
I do not wish to participate in or support the destruction of my own community


'Cause I'm colorblind
I do not base my actions or decision-making on gang colors or affiliations


Niggas in the hood ain't changed
The individuals in the neighborhood remain the same


And I've finally figure out that we're not in the same gang
I have come to the realization that we do not belong to the same gang


'Cause, I walk the alleys of Compton with nowhere to turn
I navigate the streets of Compton feeling lost and without options


Every which way I get burned baby
No matter which direction I choose, I face negative consequences


Lou wears blue, Big Fred wears red
Lou identifies with the color blue, while Big Fred associates with red


Put 'em together then we color 'em dead
When these opposing symbols come into contact, the outcome is often deadly


Dead, dying, getting smoked like part of the fun
Death and violence are common occurrences and are sometimes even seen as entertainment


They get smoked just to show how many come to the funeral
Individuals are killed as a demonstration of the large number of people attending their funeral


I understand how all my homeboys feel
I empathize with the emotions and experiences of my fellow gang members


'Cause I was shot and to this day, I pack my steel
Having been shot in the past, I continue to carry a firearm for protection


'Cause I was born in a certain territory
Due to being born in a specific area, I am affiliated with a particular gang


Where you don't talk only the streets tell stories
In my neighborhood, communication is primarily through actions and rumors on the streets


With blue and red bandannas on the street
The streets are populated with individuals wearing blue and red bandannas, representing their respective gangs


And if you slipping, you'll be six feet deep
If you are not vigilant or cautious, you will end up dead


'Cause me and T-bone, we pay it no mind
My associate T-bone and I do not concern ourselves with these gang associations


And for the rest of the mob, we stay color blind
We, as part of our larger group, choose to ignore gang colors and affiliations




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: O'SHEA JACKSON, JOSEPH MODELISTE, ARTHUR NEVILLE, LEO NOCENTELLI, GEORGE JOSEPH JR. PORTER, WILLIAM L. CALHOUN, DASEAN LARON COOPER, COREY DEAN LLOYD, ROGER MCBRIDE, CRAIG ANTOINE MILLER

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Resultados de traducción

Cubo de hielo] Aquí hay otro día en el semáforo Me miro en el espejo para ver quién puede verme South Central está poniendo a prueba Ice Cube Con cuatro hermanos en las SS No puedo dar la vuelta y no puedo retroceder Así que tengo que echar un vistazo al juego en el corte ¿Es esto un gato o un secuestro? Como nunca me resbalo, estoy completamente atado Saco mi gat del guante ¿Estos tontos tienen un problema conmigo o tienen amor? Y cuando la luz se vuelve verde, no me deshago Quiero ver de qué se tratan estos hombres negros Porque si es mi tiempo, soy corto Si no, estoy conectando ellos Super Sport Primero se ponen detrás de mi paseo Luego cambian de carril al lado izquierdo Estoy sacando al que fuma indo Subiendo rápido, bajando su ventana Lanzó un cartel, guardé mi nueve Tonto, porque soy daltónico [Amenaza] Killa Cali, el estado donde matan Sobre los colores porque los hermanos no conocen el trato Y te taparán, no si es necesario Pero si quieren, primero pueden enfrentarte Pero todos los negros de mi cuadra no pueden detenerse Y no se detendrá y no se detendrá No al bang bang boogie, pero les gusta el gangbang Y los novatos no son los únicos que caen Algunos dicen que las pequeñas locomotoras se están volviendo un poco demasiado ubicadas Y cuando se trata de polvo, son los que más patean Di la palabra equivocada Luego silba calle abajo a tus amigos como un pájaro Haz un cambio de sentido, vuelve y haz que te sirvan nigga Para las mujeres, no importa lo fuerte que se ponga la blusa Pero los hombres, el atuendo de color incorrecto, podrían hacer que se te parta la boca Es una pena, pero no es nada para mí Porque yo argot estos thangs como una G Está encendido, hay alguien matando por el verano Debo conseguir otros nueve, aunque soy daltónico [KAM] Estoy recién salido del condado bajo fianza Y tan pronto como salgo, parece que estoy de vuelta en la cárcel Para alguna actividad relacionada con pandillas Porque todos los días, diferentes tontos intentan estar conmigo Por no más que un color o territorio No puedo rehabilitarlos, esa es la historia del sheriff Entonces lo que queda, el juez se vuelve sordo Cuando intentas decir tu lado Y no tienes ojos azules Chico, será mejor que te agaches porque el libro está llegando Y solo dale las llaves de tu auto a tu mujer Porque no hay sol a donde te diriges Y la mierda te volverá loco si lo dejas Pero ahora tengo tiempo para pensar Porque me golpearon con todo menos con el fregadero de la cocina Y ni siquiera he derramado una lágrima Porque lo creas o no, tienen más amor para mí aquí Ahora imagina eso, pero en una fotografía en blanco y negro Porque hermanos, no conoces la mitad En las calles estaba malditamente fuera de mi mente Pero desde que he estado deprimido Soy daltónico [WC] Ahora aquí está el plan de juego, yo, a las nueve menos cuarto Me dijeron que me quitara una gorra del otro lado Yo, joven y tonto y lleno de esperma, soy un bebé loc Tengo que trabajar para el capó y eso no es broma [Coolio] Estable y capaz, pero no estoy listo y dispuesto Porque solo tengo 13 años y nunca hice una matanza Agarró el A.K. y saltó en el paseo G Arrancó el cubo y se dirigió hacia el otro lado [WC] Yo, vi a los enemigos, ahora estoy en un consejo Golpea el palo de 5 dólares y pongo mi clip [Coolio] Entonces, salté del auto y sin importar el costo Tenía mi mente puesta en enviar niggas a Harrison Ross [WC] Cogí uno por la espalda y lo miré a los ojos ¿Pensando que debería quitarle la gorra o debería dejarlo sobrevivir? Yo, estoy atrapado en el plan diseñado por el otro tipo [Coolio] No estoy contribuyendo al genocidio (¿por qué?) Porque soy daltónico [King Tee] Niggas en el capó no ha cambiado Y finalmente descubrí que no estamos en la misma pandilla Porque, camino por los callejones de Compton sin ningún lugar a donde ir De todas formas me quemo Baby Lou viste de azul, Big Fred viste de rojo Ponlos juntos y los coloreamos muertos Muerto, muriendo, fumando es como parte de la diversión Se fuman solo para mostrar cuántos vienen al funeral [J-Dee (Lench Mob)] Entiendo como se sienten todos mis amigos Porque me dispararon; hasta el día de hoy, empaco mi acero Porque nací en un territorio determinado Donde no hablas, solo las calles cuentan historias Con pañuelos azules y rojos en la calle Y si resbalas, tendrás seis pies de profundidad Porque yo y T-bone, no le prestamos atención Y para el resto de la mafia, permanecemos ciegos al color

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Uhk_ 69

One of the most underrated hip hop songs of all time

jedwa02

Timeless track

Jralls3

Could not have said it better! 💯

Obinna Patrick

My favourite song on this legendary album

Robert Reed

One of the 10 must important albums of HipHop...

Mike_and_Luciana

I got it as number 1

Ken

Facts

Upfront Fanatic

No doubt. I still play it EVERY DAY!🔥

andre thomas

I might even say T5

Deandre Crosby

True dat 💯 #StLouisSalute

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