Slave
J. Hamilton Grandison Lyrics
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Never learned to read so a chain is what they prayed with
Blood is what they paid with
Christ is who they stay with
Yall like to talk alot if it aint freedom then dont say shit
You can fill the ocean with the tears from a slave ship
Never learned to read so a chain is what they prayed with
Blood is what they paid with
Yall like to talk alot if it aint freedom then dont say shit
Its a whole nother feeling when you think you made it
They say the game aint got a price until you pay it
When money drugs and alcohol get overrated
Will you be around when your free will gets emancipated
The answer waiting while time heals our generation
Cause we all fucked side ways no penetration
I prey today to see tomorrow no exaggeration
Yall aint got a recollection of the pain im facing
Im running out of patience
Supposed to work together when it feels like we racing
Protect and serve when I serve to protect
400 yrs of struggle and we still aint seen respect
Go and cut the check
I hate to reminisce
But it feels guilty this day and age to be innocent
We sending messages and they give no reply
Yall can give them a by
Yall can let it ride
While our ancestors cry
You can fill the ocean with the tears from a slave ship
Never learned to read so a chain is what they prayed with
Blood is what they paid with
Christ is who they stay with
Yall like to talk alot if it aint freedom then dont say shit
You can fill the ocean with the tears from a slave ship
Never learned to read so a chain is what they prayed with
Blood is what they paid with
Christ is who they stay with
Yall like to talk alot if it aint freedom then dont say shit
I pray to god that we dont suffer like they did
Bond by chains getting whipped for being brave kids
They know the truth but they seem hesitent to say shit
Mocking us with pull over masks on some ape shit
Just to resemble the same hoods we came with on these slave ships
Showing bere ribs
That some cage shit
We show our gratitude by wearing clothes made from the same cotton they paid with
Everyday shit
You can fill the ocean with the tears from a slave ship
Never learned to read so a chain is what they prayed with
Blood is what they paid with
Christ is who they stay with
Yall like to talk alot if it aint freedom then dont say shit
You can fill the ocean with the tears from a slave ship
Never learned to read so a chain is what they prayed with
Blood is what they paid with
Christ is who they stay with
Yall like to talk alot if it aint freedom then dont say shit
Just run a couple days in the shoes of your oppressor
Youlll realise that their struggles and problems are alot lesser
Silver spoon feed society that will dress up
Owning human beings would the rest of you like to catch up
Their singing slave songs in hopes of receiving blessings
As history plays on were steadily learning lessons
Black on black crime our ancesters never resting
Yall cant remember pain according to recollection
Cause king had a dream Malcolm had a dream
Colin had a team this is what it seems
Freedoms just a thing people like to sing
They woke in this world just go and dream
If yall want shit to change yall better be willing to work for it
Cause dreaming is where it starts
Its time to wake up and do something about it
You can fill the ocean with the tears from a slave ship
Never learned to read so a chain is what they prayed with
Blood is what they paid with
Christ is who they stay with
Yall like to talk alot if it aint freedom then dont say shit
You can fill the ocean with the tears from a slave ship
Never learned to read so a chain is what they prayed with
Blood is what they paid with
Christ is who they stay with
Yall like to talk alot if it aint freedom then dont say shit
The lyrics in J. Hamilton Grandison's song "Slave" delve deep into the historical and ongoing struggles faced by individuals who have been oppressed and enslaved. The repeated refrain of filling the ocean with the tears from a slave ship emphasizes the immense suffering and pain endured by those who were forced into bondage. The imagery of never learning to read and praying with chains symbolizes the dehumanization and suppression of knowledge and freedom that slaves experienced. The mention of blood being the currency they paid with alludes to the violence and sacrifice that characterized their existence.
Furthermore, the mention of staying with Christ amidst all the hardships speaks to the enduring faith and spiritual resilience that provided some solace and strength to the enslaved individuals. The lyrics also criticize hollow words and actions that do not align with the true concept of freedom. There is a call for authenticity and meaningful change rather than empty rhetoric or superficial gestures.
The song also reflects on the complexities of achieving success and the true cost of the "game" society plays. It questions societal values that prioritize material wealth and vices over genuine human connection and emancipation. The lyrics provoke contemplation on the price of freedom and the challenges faced in breaking free from historical cycles of oppression and exploitation.
In addition, the lyrics touch on themes of solidarity, justice, and the ongoing struggles for equality. References to the need for collective efforts and the lack of recognition or respect for the enduring struggles of marginalized communities underscore the importance of acknowledging and addressing systemic injustices. The song serves as a powerful reminder of the legacy of slavery, the ongoing repercussions of historical trauma, and the imperative of active engagement and advocacy for a more equitable future.
Line by Line Meaning
You can fill the ocean with the tears from a slave ship
The depth of pain and suffering experienced by slaves is immeasurable, as their tears could fill entire oceans
Never learned to read so a chain is what they prayed with
Being denied education and basic freedoms led slaves to seek solace in religion, even as they were bound by chains
Blood is what they paid with
Slaves paid for their freedom with blood, sacrifice, and suffering
Christ is who they stay with
Amidst their hardships, slaves found comfort and strength in their faith in Christ
Yall like to talk alot if it aint freedom then dont say shit
Empty words and promises mean nothing if they do not lead to true freedom and equality
Its a whole nother feeling when you think you made it
The sense of accomplishment is different when you realize the price paid for success
They say the game aint got a price until you pay it
Success and progress come at a cost that must be paid to achieve true change
When money drugs and alcohol get overrated
Material pursuits lose their value when compared to the pursuit of freedom and justice
Will you be around when your free will gets emancipated
Will you stand up for freedom and justice when the opportunity arises to fight for it
Lyrics © O/B/O DistroKid
Written by: Jordan Malone
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind