Mecca
K´naan Lyrics

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Getting shot is easy, tried it 7 times
Now I'm just a solo poet workin on my rhymes
Killer used to think he was
Wise to the system
Prince of the street always do things his way
But he had a case of conventional wisdom
Never say nothing the others don't say
Threat of dawn that wakes the east to the cry

My souls unfolding, oh God, oh man
Livin high at last sucking the tit milk
Of prayer and fast
Man gave the news in a slanted room
And it felt like a sliver of icy truth
Felt my sad ass soul
Flying out the mouth would
Go to splitting down
To the root, let me be who I was
I'm round through that loss but living

Coming from the streets to Mecca (Mecca)
Death no matter where you go, come and get ya
(get ya)
Coming from the streets to Mecca (Mecca)
Death no matter where you go, come and get ya
(get ya)

Coming from the streets to Mecca (Mecca)
Death no matter where you go, come and get ya
(get ya)
Coming from the streets to Mecca (Mecca)

Death no matter where you go, come and get ya
(get ya)

Overall Meaning

In the first verse of "Mecca," K'naan opens up about the harsh realities of life in the streets, as he reflects on his near-death experiences, having been shot seven times. Despite facing such violent encounters, he chooses to move forward as a solo poet, focusing on his craft of creating rhymes. The killer he references is someone who once believed he was wise to the system but ultimately fell victim to conventional wisdom, following the established norms and not voicing anything new or daring. K'naan contrasts this rigid mindset with his own approach of embracing his authenticity and individuality, choosing to speak truths that others may shy away from. He paints a vivid picture of the struggle and resilience that define his existence.

The chorus of "Mecca" serves as a poignant reminder of the inevitability of death, regardless of where one may find themselves. K'naan uses the journey from the streets to Mecca symbolically, highlighting the constant presence of danger and mortality in all aspects of life. Death is portrayed as a relentless force that can strike no matter where one may be, drawing attention to the fragility and uncertainty of human existence. The repetition of the phrase "come and get ya" underscores this sense of looming threat, creating a sense of urgency and inevitability that permeates the song's message.

Throughout the song, K'naan delves into themes of spiritual awakening and personal transformation. He describes his soul as unfolding, reaching towards a higher state of being through prayer and fasting. This spiritual journey contrasts with the violence and chaos of the streets, offering a glimpse of hope and redemption amidst the darkness. The imagery of sucking the "tit milk of prayer and fast" conveys a sense of nourishment and sustenance derived from spiritual practices, providing strength and solace in the face of adversity.

In the final verse, K'naan reflects on the power of truth and self-discovery. He recounts a moment where he felt the icy truth pierce through his being, causing his soul to unravel and seek its true essence. Despite facing loss and hardship, he embraces his authentic self, determined to remain true to who he is. The imagery of his soul flying out of his mouth and splitting down to the root signifies a deep introspection and introspective journey towards self-realization. Through his introspective and evocative lyrics, K'naan invites listeners to contemplate the complexities of life, the inevitability of death, and the transformative power of staying true to oneself amidst adversity.

Line by Line Meaning

Getting shot is easy, tried it 7 times
Experiencing violence is commonplace, I have survived multiple instances of it

Now I'm just a solo poet workin on my rhymes
I now focus on my art of poetry as an individual, honing my craft

Killer used to think he was
The criminal believed he was invincible

Wise to the system
Knowledgeable about the workings of society

Prince of the street always do things his way
A leader in the streets who follows his own path

But he had a case of conventional wisdom
He eventually succumbed to common beliefs and ideas

Never say nothing the others don't say
Only speaks what is already known and accepted by society

Threat of dawn that wakes the east to the cry
The impending light of dawn signals a new beginning in the east

My souls unfolding, oh God, oh man
My inner self is evolving, reflecting on both spirituality and humanity

Livin high at last sucking the tit milk
Finally experiencing a sense of elevation and comfort, like nourishment from sacred sources

Of prayer and fast
From the practice of devotion and self-discipline

Man gave the news in a slanted room
The information was delivered in a biased or distorted manner

And it felt like a sliver of icy truth
The revelation seemed like a cold, harsh reality

Felt my sad ass soul
I felt the depth of my sorrowful self

Flying out the mouth would
As though my essence was escaping

Go to splitting down
Breaking down and unraveling

To the root, let me be who I was
Returning to my core identity and authenticity

I'm round through that loss but living
Despite enduring hardships and setbacks, I continue to survive

Coming from the streets to Mecca (Mecca)
Transitioning from a tumultuous environment to a place of spiritual significance

Death no matter where you go, come and get ya
Mortality is inevitable, it can find you anywhere