America
K'naan Lyrics

Uh-huh, uh-huh, uh-huh
Introduction to the song, expressing agreement and affirmation

Oh this takes me home
The song takes the artist back to his memories of home

It makes me think about sitting outside of my old home
The song brings back memories of sitting outside his old home

When I was younger and singing something like
The artist reminisces his childhood when he used to sing Somali songs

Gabaryaray shuxaano
Somali lyrics expressing admiration for a woman's beauty

Maro Shabeel eh xirato
Somali lyrics referring to the Shabelle river in Somalia

Maro qafiif eh huwato
Somali lyrics which could be interpreted to reference camels

Magacaaga ii sheeg?
Somali lyrics asking for someone's name

Magacayga waa Sharaf
Somali lyrics meaning 'my name is Sharaf'

Sharaf, Xaaji weyaan
Somali lyrics meaning 'Sharaf, sir, I am present'

Aqalada xiriirta
Somali lyrics meaning 'gentleman of the well-built house'

Dhinac baa ka jooga
Somali lyrics referring to a person's location

Ala yaa usheega?
Somali lyrics asking if something tastes good

Tinta ushaleeya?
Somali lyrics asking for a cigarette

Naa hoey Zamzamey!
Somali expression of surprise or exclamation

Sabaax nuurey!
Somali lyrics meaning 'the morning has come'

Adoo kilkiley
Somali lyrics referring to going out somewhere

Iyo Kaloon badanay!
Somali lyrics meaning 'and many other things'

Adoo xajka jira
Somali lyrics referring to someone being upset

Xasuus badhanay!
Somali lyrics meaning 'awesome surprise'

Saxiibtaa
Somali lyrics meaning 'my friend'

Caasho, cashaq baa dhilay
Somali lyrics meaning 'love, affection has taken over'

Ugu dhambaystina
Somali lyrics meaning 'most importantly'

Aniga iyo geel uba
Somali lyrics meaning 'me and the camel'

Ugu banaan bixin
Somali lyrics meaning 'to have victory'

Waa aniga orodneey!
Somali lyrics meaning 'I'm the one who enters'

Nabad dheynee!
Somali lyrics meaning 'let there be peace'

Mareekan waa laga soo waayey
Somali lyrics meaning 'we got America'

There are certain things fresh
The artist reflects on things that are new and exciting

And certain things mesh
Some things go well together

I got my own sound I don't sound like the rest
The artist is unique and has his own style

And even my attire and my choice of dress
The artist's clothing and style is also distinct

And not long ago I don't spoke English
The artist did not speak English until recently

My point is police pull me over a lot
The artist is often stopped by the police

They wonder what kind of rap sheet I got
The police suspect the artist of having a criminal record

And sometimes I take a young girl out to eat
The artist is often seen with younger women

And hold the door open oh, you're so sweet
The artist is polite to women and holds doors open for them

Of course my affection's super illustrated
The artist's love for women is very obvious

And I like to give don't reciprocate it
The artist enjoys giving affection without expecting anything in return

Unless you could give me someone innovated
The artist wants someone who is special and unique

Well lets cook it up we dont refrigerate it
The artist wants to act on his affections immediately without waiting

But back to the country of the educated
The artist returns to the theme of education in his country

Where people get robbed and they celebrate it
The artist reflects on how stealing and crime is often glorified in his country

Maraken,
The artist repeats the Somali word for America

My country tis of thee
The artist references the first line of the American patriotic song 'America'

Sweet land for robberies
The artist gives a cynical interpretation of America

Dos smokin' S-U-V's
The artist references drug dealers who drive SUVs in America

Grab me an army green
The artist refers to wanting to get an army green SUV

Fat and frills
The artist admires the excess and extravagance of America

Thrills and spills
The artist references the excitement and danger in America

Eat and sleep
The artist references the American lifestyles of excess and indulgence

Hump and kill
The artist references the sexuality and violence in America

Shop til you drop
The artist references the consumerism in America

Work til you dead
The artist references the hard-working culture of America

Get all you can
The artist references the 'American Dream' of achieving success and wealth

Then get in the wear
The artist uses a Somali expression meaning 'then become relaxed'

Outta my face
The artist is dismissive of someone or something

On your knees
The artist references the submission and obedience in America

Sleep in the mansion
The artist references the wealth and luxury in America

Shut out the streets
The artist refers to isolating oneself from the realities of America

Make that cake
The artist references making money in America

Woop that trick
The artist references a popular American song

Lick my swagger
The artist references his confidence and style

Suck my sick
The artist references the unpleasant and disgusting aspects of America

Get high get low get sticky get rich
The artist references the various ways people can achieve success and wealth in America

Get yo own show get down get quick
The artist references the entertainment industry in America

You slow you blow you broke your fix
The artist references the pitfalls and failures in America

Terror dome, home swag home
The artist references the harsh and dangerous reality of America

Home swag home
The song ends with a play on the phrase 'home sweet home', referencing America as the artist's new home

There are some things pure while certain things blur
The artist reflects on the balance between good and evil in the world

Dilute it with the lie and you believe when it occur
The artist warns against being deceived by lies

Falsified information got my people in the stir
The artist reflects on the impact of propaganda and false information

We have to be in search of something equal to the cure
The artist encourages the pursuit of knowledge and truth as the remedy to societal ills

Straight out the door, I come to give you more
The artist declares his intent to speak truth and share his message

Lay the law keep it raw, when I speak it from the core
The artist aims to deliver his message with conviction and honesty

Get underneath your skin like especially with the claw
The artist aims to evoke a strong emotional response with his message

Conflicted with the rich 'cause I kick it with the poor
The artist identifies with and supports those who are marginalized in society

I laugh in the face of adversity
The artist is confident and resilient when facing challenges

Sound clashed with the bass 'cause it's natural to me
The artist's music represents his natural expression and identity

But if you pay attention to the past you will see
The artist encourages reflection on history to understand the present

Not long ago you black they'd hang your ass from a tree
The artist reflects on the historical oppression and violence towards black people in America

Certain things things change, while some stay the same
The artist acknowledges the complexity of social change

Some are recluse others are lovers of the game
The artist acknowledges the diversity of human nature

I'm trying to walk the lane, the siratul mustaqim was the cane
The artist references an Islamic concept of walking the straight path towards righteousness

Instead of doing things they keep you covered in the flame
The artist criticizes those who cause harm and destruction in the name of progress or ideology

Nanananana that shit was cool in English
The artist references the previous English language lyrics and finds them enjoyable

But let me get that Somali verse
The artist switches back to Somali language and expression