Just Blaze samples Little Boy Blues' “Seed of Love”, which was used in the intro to O.C.’s 1994 song “Point O' Viewz”
Interlude
Jay-Z Lyrics
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While I was uh researchin' what were goin' to be discussin' today
I came across a passage in a book that um
I think it uh really simplifies
What the human administrative is talkin' about
And I learned that all things must come to an end
It is an inevitable part of the cycle of resistance
All things must conclude
Take the analogy of a tree that grows in Brooklyn
Among the steel and the concrete
With all its glorious branches and leaves
One day it too will pass on its legacy
Through the seeds it dropped to the ground
And as the wind carries these seeds throughout wherever they might move
A new life will begin for each one of them
As they stand as a monument to the one that came before
That came before that came before
That came before that came before
In Jay-Z's song Interlude, he comes across a book that talks about the inevitability of endings in life. He uses the analogy of a tree growing in Brooklyn amongst the steel and concrete. The tree with all its branches and leaves will one day pass on its legacy by dropping seeds to the ground. The wind then carries these seeds, and new lives will begin for each one of them, standing as a monument to the tree that came before it.
Jay-Z's lyrics symbolize that everything in life has a beginning and an end. The tree's life cycle represents a metaphor for how we too can pass our legacy onto the next generation. Life is continuous, constantly moving on, and creating new experiences. We can't hold onto the past, but we can learn from it and use it to shape our future. The Interlude is a reminder that change is inevitable and that we must adapt to it, just like the trees in Brooklyn.
Overall, Jay-Z's lyrics in Interlude convey the importance of embracing change and letting go of the past. Similar to how a tree drops its seeds, we too must find ways to leave a legacy and embrace new beginnings as we move through life.
Line by Line Meaning
The other night
Jay-Z begins his interlude by setting the stage for his discussion.
While I was uh researchin' what were goin' to be discussin' today
Jay-Z is implying that he did some research to prepare for his discussion.
I came across a passage in a book that um
Jay-Z found a valuable quote in a book.
I think it uh really simplifies
Jay-Z believes the quote offers a clear and concise explanation.
What the human administrative is talkin' about
Jay-Z is referring to the concept of 'change' or 'ending.'
And I learned that all things must come to an end
Jay-Z shares the knowledge he gained from the quote - that everything must come to an end eventually.
It is an inevitable part of the cycle of resistance
Jay-Z believes that ending is an inevitable part of the push-pull between progress and resistance.
All things must conclude
Jay-Z repeats the idea that everything must come to an end.
Take the analogy of a tree that grows in Brooklyn
Jay-Z uses a metaphor to explain the concept of passing on a legacy.
Among the steel and the concrete
Jay-Z describes the environment that the tree exists in.
With all its glorious branches and leaves
Jay-Z celebrates the beauty of the tree and its growth.
One day it too will pass on its legacy
Jay-Z returns to the theme of passing on a legacy amidst change or ending.
Through the seeds it dropped to the ground
Jay-Z explains how the tree's legacy is passed on - through the seeds it produces.
And as the wind carries these seeds throughout wherever they might move
Jay-Z imagines how the seeds might scatter and take root in various environments.
A new life will begin for each one of them
Jay-Z sees the potential for new growth and opportunity in the seeds produced by the tree.
As they stand as a monument to the one that came before
Jay-Z imagines how the new growth will honor and continue the legacy of the original tree.
That came before that came before
Jay-Z emphasizes the long line of predecessors that ultimately led to this new growth.
That came before that came before that came before
Jay-Z reinforces the idea of a lineage that stretches back through multiple generations.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Reservoir Media Management, Inc., Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Justin Smith, Shawn Carter
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind