Classic
J. Dilla & Nas Lyrics
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High on it, 37,000 that's the altitude
They be dropping that on designer shoes
Just to pull up and then go on to skip the queues
You built from reputation, I'm built from repitition
We not the same, I gotta set a date
Heavy delay, sorry for the weight
I'm still hungry, given the chance, I'll lick the plate
I need the point to stay on top like I do
You think being passive, we don't see you
I'm from the city where they drown the statue
She telling me baby keep it classic
She telling me baby keep it classic
She telling me baby keep it classic
She telling me baby keep it classic
Going crazy rip it out the plastic
Under spells, this a different magic
She telling me baby keep it classic
She telling me baby keep it classic
You could be blood and still mistaken, that's type o
I'm the fattest cat, call me Garfield, I need lipo
Spoke with Compton crips, blue story, no Shiro
Tales that would turn your heart cold
Cowards want to tower over you, no Eiffel
He don't take pictures, but loves to make an op tick
Wounded last summer so he drives automatic
The way I lift 'em to the light, gave me carpal tunnel
The troubles kept his mind working, always staying subtle
Went from blood stains to steady, sipping vino
Had to start from somewhere, go ahead hit that C note
Grams in your socks if you forgot your pea coat
Conflicted, inbetween like a TV remote
Working all night, you know they do the most
We can't burn bread, but they raise a toast
She telling me baby keep it classic
She telling me baby keep it classic
She telling me baby keep it classic
She telling me baby keep it classic
Going crazy rip it out the plastic
Under spells, this a different magic
She telling me baby keep it classic
She telling me baby keep it classic
It was 24/7 like it's clock work
They move the keys because the lock work
Throw away the key, heavy time, for them it's light work
Reality painted permanent for them
Skip words, different sentences if you foreign
Tired of those who prefer the reoccurance
The government want it, they stripping us and lining their pocket
We all tighten our own noose
Please don't struggle, I'm trying to cut you loose
26 years, conscious boy, still woke up
This jungle turning kids into grown ups
The orangutan out here, I just go nuts
She telling me baby keep it classic
She telling me baby keep it classic
She telling me baby keep it classic
She telling me baby keep it classic
Going crazy rip it out the plastic
Under spells, this a different magic
She telling me baby keep it classic
She telling me baby keep it classic
The lyrics to J. Dilla & Nas's song Classic is a reinterpretation of Phil Collins' "Another Day In Paradise." The rappers use the song to bring attention to homelessness and societal neglect. The first verse talks about a homeless woman asking for help from a man on the street. The man, ignoring her, walks on without helping. The chorus, "Oh think twice, it's another day for you and me in paradise," is a reminder that while we're living in paradise, there are others who don't share the same luxury.
In the second verse, the woman is crying, and the man can see that she's been walking a lot. Yet, he still pretends not to hear her. The repeated cries of "Oh Lord, is there nothing more anybody can do?" serve as a plea for help from a higher power or society at large. The third verse likely refers to the woman's struggle to fit into society as homelessness makes it difficult to maintain a conventional image. The song is a cautionary tale reminding us that while we are living in paradise, others are struggling to find basic necessities.
Line by Line Meaning
She calls out to the man on the street
A homeless woman cries for help from a stranger
'Sir, can you help me?
The woman begs for assistance
It's cold and I've nowhere to sleep,
She explains her situation to the stranger
Is there somewhere you can tell me?'
She pleads for a safe place to rest
He walks on, doesn't look back
The man ignores the homeless woman
He pretends he can't hear her
The man feigns indifference
Starts to whistle as he crosses the street
He tries to ignore the woman by distracting himself
Seems embarrassed to be there
He feels ashamed of his own inaction
Oh think twice, it's another day for
The chorus signals a reminder that every day is a new chance to help others
You and me in paradise
Paradise refers to a better world where people help each other
She calls out to the man on the street
The woman tries again to receive help
He can see she's been crying
The man can see her distress
She's got blisters on the soles of her feet
The woman's feet hurt from walking
She can't walk but she's trying
The woman is determined despite her pain
Oh think twice
The chorus repeats as a call to action
Oh Lord, is there nothing more anybody can do
A plea for help from a higher power
Oh Lord, there must be something you can say
Hope for divine intervention
You can tell from the lines on her face
The woman's face reflects hardship and struggle
You can see that she's been there
The woman has been through difficult times
Probably been moved on from every place
Society has forced her to leave everywhere she's been
Cause she didn't fit in there
The woman is marginalized by society
Oh think twice
A final reminder to consider others
Lyrics © DistroKid, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: James Perring
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
alban4doom
theres on life to live so live it the best u can
Without A Boat
surprised no one posted this up yet
Mark Coulthard
Is this a Dilla beat I really want to know where it's from?! Don't like this remix but the beat is sick...
MC Sherm
one of the best songs ever recorded in hip hop remixed to an even doper beat bruh