Founded in Detroit in 1989, Insane Clown Posse performs a style of hardcore hip hop known as horrorcore and is known for its elaborate live performances. Originally known as JJ Boyz and Inner City Posse, the group introduced supernatural- and horror-themed lyrics as a means of distinguishing itself stylistically. The duo founded the independent record label Psychopathic Records with Alex Abbiss as manager, and produced and starred in the feature films Big Money Hustlas and Big Money Rustlas. They formed their own professional wrestling promotion, Juggalo Championship Wrestling, and later collaborated with many hip hop and rock musicians.
The songs of Insane Clown Posse center thematically on the mythology of the Dark Carnival, a metaphoric limbo in which the lives of the dead are judged by one of several entities. The Dark Carnival is elaborated through a series of stories called Joker's Cards, each of which offers a specific lesson designed to change the "evil ways" of listeners before "the end consumes us all". The original lineup of Insane Clown Posse was John Utsler (John Kickjazz), Joe Bruce (Violent J) and Joey Utsler (Shaggy 2 Dope). John Utsler left before Carnival of Carnage was released in 1992.
Insane Clown Posse's performance style is often described as horrorcore hip hop, which "utilize shocking (and blatantly over-the-top) narratives to give an over-exaggerated, almost cartoon-like version of urban deprivation in Detroit", according to author Sara Cohen. Bruce and Utsler describe many of their lyrics as being tongue-in-cheek. The group's early work features a raw, minimalistic sound, which later evolved into a more rock-oriented style. The group's lyrics serve as morality tales, with songs focusing on subjects such as cannibalism, murder and necrophilia. Insane Clown Posse's debut album, Carnival of Carnage, features a politically-oriented focus, criticizing elitism and prejudice against those who live in the ghetto, while the album's liner notes criticize the Gulf War. The group's lyrics have opposed racism, bigotry, domestic violence, and child abuse.
Insane Clown Posse has covered songs by Geto Boys, Sly Fox, and Above the Law. Bruce and Utsler refer to Ice Cube, Awesome Dre, Geto Boys, and Esham as influences on their own music, while Bruce has expressed admiration for Gong, Pearl Jam, and Michael Jackson. Mike E. Clark's production for the group incorporates elements such as "carnival organ riffs, power chords and shotgun blasts...banjolike plucking and Van Halen-esque guitar squeals", while Bruce and Utsler sometimes alternate between rapping and screaming. Bruce has credited pop music as an influence on some of the group's material, even terming the music "Wicked Pop". Bruce has also stated "We do our own genre of music". In his review of The Tempest, Allmusic's David Jeffries writes that Bruce and Utsler "[rap] in a carnival barker fashion that fits with their circus motif, their Insane Clown disguises, and Mike E. Clark's big top-inspired production." Insane Clown Posse has influenced similar acts, such as Axe Murder Boyz, Blaze Ya Dead Homie and Boondox.
Ringmaster's Word
Insane Clown Posse Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I have a purpose, I have a purpose
I have a purpose, I have a purpose
I have a purpose, I have a purpose
I have a purpose
Take your little knife, stab me
Go, strike my heart
Go, strike my heart
I have a purpose, I have a purpose
I have a purpose, I have a purpose
Such things can't exist
Such things can't exist
I have a purpose, I have a purpose
I have a purpose, I have a purpose
I have a purpose
You will tell them of me
And how one day I shall come for them
You will tell them of me
And how one day I shall come for them
I have a purpose, I have a purpose
I have a purpose
Quietly, I will come over your bed
I will lean over and gently bite your neck
Ringmaster, ringmaster
Ringmaster, ringmaster
Ringmaster, ringmaster
Ringmaster
Ringmaster
I have a purpose, I have a purpose
I have a purpose, I have a purpose
I have a purpose, I have a purpose
I have a purpose
You will tell them of me
And how one day I shall come for them
The lyrics to Insane Clown Posse's "Ringmaster's Word" seem to describe a being with a definite purpose, who states this purpose repeatedly throughout the song. The being asks to be stabbed, suggesting a kind of invincibility or sense of purpose which even the most violent human rage cannot disrupt. The being plans to come for the listener one day, suggesting the listener is either important or in danger.
There are a few interpretations that have been suggested about the meaning of the song. Some people suggest that the "Ringmaster" is a reference to God or some other divine being, and the song is about submitting to a higher authority. The Ringmaster appears to be quite confident in their abilities, implying that they are in control. If this interpretation is correct, the song could be seen as a warning to listeners to submit to a higher power, lest they suffer the consequences of rebelling against it.
Other people suggest that the "Ringmaster" is actually meant to represent the artists themselves, and the song is a sort of anthem indicating their confidence in their own abilities. In this interpretation, the song could be seen as a reflection of the artists' desire to be seen as powerful and important.
Line by Line Meaning
I have a purpose, I have a purpose
I am driven by a higher calling and a sense of meaning in my life
Take your little knife, stab me
I am willing to endure pain and suffering to fulfill my purpose
Go, strike my heart
I am willing to make sacrifices for what I believe in
Such things can't exist
I reject the norms of society and embrace the unconventional
You will tell them of me
I seek to leave a lasting impact and legacy in the world
And how one day I shall come for them
I will not rest until my purpose is fulfilled and those who oppose me are brought to justice
Quietly, I will come over your bed
I am a force to be reckoned with, even in the darkness and shadows
I will lean over and gently bite your neck
I am unafraid to use unconventional and even violent methods to achieve my goals
Ringmaster, ringmaster
I am in control of my own destiny and seek to lead others towards their own sense of purpose
Ringmaster
I am the master of my own fate and will not be held back by the expectations of others
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
cans of swine
To this day i cannot BELIEVE insane clown posse sampled GONG...They have mad taste
John
The pothead pixies. I couldn’t peg what song was being sampled and finally put a finger on it. I swear they sampled that song on something else too
cacophonousAntiquarian
Violent J is a huge Gong fan.
SaintLulzington
Man this is the ultimate ending to the ultimate album.
Patterson Jones
It was cool how you replied to your own comment almost ten years after initial comment. Very ring master ish
SaintLulzington
mind blown
Grell Sutcliff
"i have a purpos....take your little knife, stab me go! strike my heart! HAHA HAHAHA!" RINGMASTER=FUCKING EPICNESS!!!! WHOOP WHOOP MMFWCL HOMIES! LETTE4LYFE!!!!
king djack3000
who the hell voices the ringmaster it's been 23 years since the album been released it time to unveil him.
cane d.
Gabriel dell
chris billig
Well if you were born under the full moon you would know the answer to your ?