In 2001 K'naan performed in Geneva at the 50th anniversary of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.
In 2005, he performed with DobaCaracol during the Live 8 concert in Barrie, Ontario. His full-length debut album, The Dusty Foot Philosopher, was released in 2005.
His song "Soobax" (pronounced "So-Bah") is now featured in the best selling video game FIFA Football 2006, made by Electronic Arts and he has toured the world with the cup.
K'naan participated in the Breedlove Odyssey Tour with Mos Def, Talib Kweli, Pharoahe Monch and Jean Grae. He also participated in the "Welcome To Jamrock" tour along with Damian Marley.
The Dusty Foot Philosopher received a 2006 Juno Award for Rap Recording of the Year, and was nominated for the inaugural Polaris Music Prize. He also featured in a song by M1, titled "Till We Get There".
The song "In the Beginning" from the album The Dusty Foot Philosopher was featured in the 2008 Comedy "Harold and Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay"
He also toured with Stephen Marley on Stephen's "Mind Control" tour.
His latest album "Troubadour" was released in 2009 featuring guests artists such as Damian Marley, Adam Levine, Kirk Hammett, Mos Def, and Chali 2NA.
A remixed version of K'naan's single "Wavin' Flag" was chosen as the Coca-Cola anthem for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.
K'naan won the 2010 Juno Awards for Canada's Artist of the Year and Songwriter of the Year.
The Seed
K'naan Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
That I am here today
Life has been difficult
But I'm not typical
I mean a long long time
Ago I should have died
But see my blood's on fire
I can't help but survive
I never ran away
I done being afraid
Put it on my name
No matter what the stakes
Look it in the face of danger
'Cause struggles never been a stranger
I was the seed planted by lovers
In a refugee camping and over seas
I grew free I grew more roots
And became a tree
So now they never gonna cut me down
Oh no, they never gonna cut me down
Oh no, they never gonna cut me down
Oh no, they never gonna ,never gonna
My skin is black and green
Nothing you haven't seen
You know my history I stand for victory
They turn their backs to me
They taking x to me
I got my wait up now
Nothing can knock me down
I never ran away
I done being afraid
Put it on my name
No matter what the stakes
Look it in the face of danger
'Cause struggles never been a stranger
I was the seed planted by lovers
In a refugee camping over seas
I grew free I grew more roots
And became a tree
So now they never gonna cut me down
Oh no, they never gonna cut me down
Oh no, they never gonna cut me down
Oh no, they never gonna , never gonna
Oh a oh e I know how
Oh a oh e I survive now
(Oh a oh e I know how
Oh a oh e I survive now)
Oh a oh e I know how
Oh a oh e I survive now
(Oh a oh e I know how
Oh a oh e I survive now)
I was the seed planted by lovers
In a refugee camping over seas
I grew free I grew more roots
And became a tree
So now they never gonna cut me down
Oh no, they never gonna cut me down
Oh no, they never gonna cut me down
Oh no, they never gonna , never gonna
In K'naan's song "The Seed," the singer reflects on his difficult journey through life and how he has persevered despite challenges. He acknowledges that he should have died a long time ago, but there's something about his spirit that keeps him going. K'naan sees himself as a seed planted by lovers in a refugee camp overseas, and he has grown to be strong like a tree with many roots. He sings confidently that they will never cut him down, no matter what.
The lyrics are a powerful tribute to resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity. K'naan's words encourage listeners to face danger and struggle with equal fervor, to never give up on themselves or their dreams. K'naan's identity as a black man is also recognized through his mention of his "black and green" skin color, and his recognition of the struggles that he has faced that are unique to his experience as a refugee.
Overall, "The Seed" is a powerful song that speaks to the indomitable human spirit, regardless of one's background or circumstances. It encourages individuals to embrace their own struggles and to never give up on their dreams, even when the odds may be against them.
Line by Line Meaning
It's not a miracle
Despite what people may believe, my survival and success are not based on luck or divine intervention.
That I am here today
I have overcome many hardships and obstacles to arrive at my current point in life.
Life has been difficult
I have faced many challenges and struggles throughout my existence.
But I'm not typical
I am not like everyone else; I have unique experiences and characteristics that make me different.
I mean a long long time
This struggle has been going on for a very long time.
Ago I should have died
I have faced many near-death experiences throughout my life.
But see my blood's on fire
Despite my challenges, I am full of passion and energy, which fuels me to keep moving forward.
I can't help but survive
My will to live and succeed is so strong that I cannot help but overcome any obstacles in my way.
I never ran away
I have never backed down from a challenge or run away from my problems.
I done being afraid
I have overcome my fears and no longer let them control me.
Put it on my name
I stand behind my actions and decisions, and I am proud of who I am and what I have accomplished.
No matter what the stakes
Regardless of the consequences or risks, I will continue to pursue my goals and dreams.
Look it in the face of danger
I face danger and adversity head-on, without hesitation or fear.
'Cause struggles never been a stranger
I am all too familiar with struggles and adversity; they have been a part of my life for a long time.
I was the seed planted by lovers
I was born from the love between my parents.
In a refugee camping and over seas
My early life was spent in a refugee camp overseas, where I faced many challenges and hardships.
I grew free I grew more roots
Despite my challenges, I was able to grow and expand my horizons, building a solid foundation for my future.
And became a tree
Through hard work and perseverance, I have grown into a strong and resilient individual.
So now they never gonna cut me down
No one will be able to hold me back or bring me down, because I am too strong and resilient.
My skin is black and green
My race and ethnicity are a part of who I am, but they do not define me or limit my potential.
Nothing you haven't seen
There is nothing about me or my experiences that are so unique that others can't relate or understand.
You know my history I stand for victory
Despite my challenges, I have a strong history of resilience and perseverance, and I will continue to fight for victory.
They turn their backs to me
Some people have rejected me or turned away from me in the past.
They taking x to me
Others have tried to bring me down or undermine my success and accomplishments.
I got my wait up now
Despite these challenges, I am now strong and capable enough to stand up for myself and overcome any obstacles in my way.
Nothing can knock me down
I am too strong and resilient to be knocked down by any challenges or obstacles.
Oh a oh e I know how
I have the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to succeed.
Oh a oh e I survive now
I am now thriving and overcoming any adversity in my way.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: DENARIUS MOTES, EDWIN SERRANO, HASHAM HUSSAIN, KEINAN WARSAME
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind