Promised Land
Kanye West Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Now what y'all finna hear is an update
On what we been on as of late
See I was reading a late notice on the date that I wrote this, you hear
Time flies in the Leer
And you wonder where the day went
See I'm a leader in my field, but I'm behind on my truck payments
So this is something that could help you raise your head like hello
See this is not brown red or yellow
Not a white or black poem
This is a prayer to a guardian angel
To protect our fathers, mothers, sisters, brothers, sons and daughters
Until we bring our troops back home
'Cause it feel like we all in the same platoon
And we'll all be extinct soon
If we continue to suffer from other people's crimes
I think we well overdo for change
This time
And I know they don't wanna see me cooped up in a Benz
They'd rather see me cooped up these pens
Therefore I release the ink that's cooped up in these pens
And let my art-ticulate
People are so slow to love, but so quick to hate
Now some things finna change because we say so
Lets stop looking at how bad things are
And focus on how well they may go
And this is a declaration
That we'll be fair again
Especially to those Americans
Who were Americans, before there were Americans
This is to a small young family that's booming out of space
There's room in outer space
This is to my people
The human race

I need you to take us to the promised land
Don't just make us promises
It's too late to let go of our hand

They say we need a prophet that can touch on the topics
And make it hot as the tropics
Well you got it (you got it)

Take us to the promise land
Don't just make us promises
It's too late to let go of our hand

Everybody saying please don't let go
I hear it over and over and over like a echo
I see it in my dreams, I feel the effect though
People drowning in debt
Somebody to the rescue
Everybody's saying we need something special
Nah man, we need something extra terrestrial
Outta this world, speak for us
Be the vessel
Outta the box, reach for it through the threshold
Uh, through all of the stress though
What's best of all, people screaming like a festival
Just applaud, this moment is special y'all

I need you to
And I need you to
And I need you to




I need you to
I need you to

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Promised Land" by Kanye West and Malik Yusef are a reflection of the various issues plaguing society, and the need for change. The artists begin by discussing the passage of time and the urgency of making progress. They speak to the idea that they are leaders in their field, but are still struggling to make ends meet, just like regular people. This is an acknowledgment that despite success, there are still real-world problems that need to be addressed.


The song also addresses issues related to the military and the ongoing war efforts that have caused worldwide unrest. The artists call for bringing the troops back home and for all parties to work together towards change. The song ultimately becomes a declaration for a call to action, one that emphasizes the need for everyone to work together to create a better future.


Additionally, the lyrics to "Promised Land" speak to the power of words and the role of art in catalyzing social progress. The song highlights the importance of creating solutions that speak to the inherent human decency in all of us, and the need to embrace and care for those who are vulnerable or marginalized. Overall, Kanye West and Malik Yusef's "Promised Land" promotes a message of hope, unity, and change, emphasizing the need for all people to work together towards a brighter future.


Line by Line Meaning

Now what y'all finna hear is an update
I am about to share with you the latest information about what we have been working on recently.


On what we been on as of late
I am going to give you an update on what we have been doing lately.


See I was reading a late notice on the date that I wrote this, you hear
At the time of writing this song, I noticed that time seems to fly by quickly.


Time flies in the Leer
Time passes very quickly.


And you wonder where the day went
It is easy to lose track of time and not realize how quickly the day has passed.


See I'm a leader in my field, but I'm behind on my truck payments
Although I am successful in my career, I am still struggling with financial issues.


So this is something that could help you raise your head like hello
Through this song, I hope to inspire and encourage you to look up and overcome your hardships.


See this is not brown red or yellow
This is not about race or skin color.


Not a white or black poem
This poem is not specifically about white or black people either.


This is a prayer to a guardian angel
This is a plea and a hope for protection from a higher power.


To protect our fathers, mothers, sisters, brothers, sons and daughters
To safeguard our loved ones and family members from harm and danger.


Until we bring our troops back home
I hope that our soldiers will return home safely and that we will end all conflicts in the world.


'Cause it feel like we all in the same platoon
We all feel like we are fighting the same battle against the struggles of life.


And we'll all be extinct soon
If we do not address the issues facing our world, we will all suffer the consequences and perish.


If we continue to suffer from other people's crimes
If we do not hold people accountable for their actions, we will continue to bear the consequences of their wrongdoing.


I think we well overdo for change
It is high time for us to make a change and work towards a better future.


This time
Now is the time to take action and create positive change.


And I know they don't wanna see me cooped up in a Benz
People do not want to see me trapped in a luxurious car but separated from the rest of society.


They'd rather see me cooped up these pens
People would much prefer to see me using my talent and voice to make a difference.


Therefore I release the ink that's cooped up in these pens
I am using my writing talents to speak out and raise awareness about pressing social issues.


And let my art-ticulate
I am letting my poetry and art speak for itself and convey my message.


People are so slow to love, but so quick to hate
It is unfortunate that people are often hesitant to show love and understanding while being quick to judge and hate others.


Now some things finna change because we say so
Through our voices and actions, we can bring about positive changes and create a better future for ourselves and others.


Lets stop looking at how bad things are
Instead of focusing on the negative aspects of life, we should shift our attention towards what is possible and how things can get better.


And focus on how well they may go
We should be optimistic and hopeful about the future, and focus our energy towards creating positive change.


And this is a declaration
This is a statement and a call to action.


That we'll be fair again
We will work towards restoring equality and fairness for all individuals.


Especially to those Americans
This applies in particular to those in the United States.


Who were Americans, before there were Americans
This is a reference to Native Americans and their status as the original inhabitants of North America.


This is to a small young family that's booming out of space
This is dedicated to the growing community of humans who are venturing into space and exploring beyond our planet.


There's room in outer space
There is a vast and infinite amount of space beyond Earth that can be explored and utilized for the betterment of humanity.


This is to my people
This message is directed towards all people, regardless of race, gender, or nationality.


The human race
This is a reminder that we are all members of the same species and should work together towards a common goal.


I need you to take us to the promised land
I am asking for someone to lead us towards a better future and create positive change.


Don't just make us promises
I am tired of empty promises and want to see concrete actions and results.


It's too late to let go of our hand
We are in this together and cannot afford to abandon each other or our goal of creating a better future.


They say we need a prophet that can touch on the topics
People are looking for someone who can accurately and effectively address the issues facing society.


And make it hot as the tropics
This prophet should be dynamic and passionate in their delivery and approach.


Well you got it (you got it)
I believe that I am the one who can fulfill this prophetic role and make a meaningful impact.


Everybody saying please don't let go
We all need each other and cannot afford to lose hope or give up.


I hear it over and over and over like a echo
This message is being repeated because it is important and needs to be heard.


I see it in my dreams, I feel the effect though
This message resonates deeply with me and affects me on a personal level.


People drowning in debt
Many individuals and families are struggling with financial difficulties and debt.


Somebody to the rescue
They need help and support to overcome their challenges.


Everybody's saying we need something special
People recognize that we need something extraordinary to make a difference and create a better future.


Nah man, we need something extra terrestrial
We need something beyond the ordinary and usual to create lasting change and make a significant impact.


Outta this world, speak for us
We need a voice that is powerful and unique, something that stands out and is different from the norm to convey our message.


Be the vessel
Be the means through which our message and aspirations are conveyed and realized.


Outta the box, reach for it through the threshold
We need to think creatively and outside of established norms and boundaries to achieve our goals.


Uh, through all of the stress though
Despite the challenges and difficulties we face, we must persevere and push forward with determination.


What's best of all, people screaming like a festival
When we achieve our goals and create positive change, it will feel like a celebration and bring people together in joy and happiness.


Just applaud, this moment is special y'all
We should take a moment to recognize and celebrate when we achieve our goals and create meaningful change for the betterment of all.


I need you to
I am asking for your help and support.


And I need you to
I cannot achieve this alone and need your participation.


And I need you to
Together, we can make a meaningful impact and create a better future.


I need you to
This call to action is directed towards everyone, regardless of identity or affiliation.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: MALIK YUSEF EL SHABBAZ JONES, STEVE MCKEEVER

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

T-REAL

Now this is what I call music.That's why Kanye is my favorite rapper because I love his music.

john

You need to give 808's another listen. He is still GENIUS with that whole album!

AndroElements

this comment aged sensationally

marcus styles

im kanye wests biggest fan and this is my first time hearing this damn im slacking good ass job i cant wait

Ace _mg

@BtsWithED same

BtsWithED

@Anthony Locascio waiting for DONDA

Anthony Locascio

unfortunately we are still waiting

CLASS ACTION

Same dude, I CANNOT wait

David Ziegler

I love when music turns me emotional!

yungrager22

This song is insane! It's incredible! I can't get over it. Kanye at his finest.

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