Often credited as "DJ Krome & Mr Time".
The License
Krome & Time Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The forces from outside won't even let me think
See all the people pass, but no one looks my way
It's hard to realize that we're all just the same
We're all to blame
Into chaos we glide
Social suicide
The world is full of those, who think that they have rights
The world is full of those, who yearn and long to bite
I'm crammed inside my mind, there's nothing I can use
Only a document that lets me be abused
But I refuse
Confusion worldwide
Social suicide
Breaking Down
Breaking Out
From this tyranny and doubt
Breaking through
Breaking in
Right under your skin
Breaking down
Breaking out
From what this is all about
Breaking through
Breaking in
No discipline
The lyrics of Krome & Time's song, "The License," appear to be describing the experience of an individual in prison, reflecting on the forces that have led them to this point. The first verse explains how the singer is spending their time in a cell, feeling trapped and overwhelmed by the external forces that have brought them there. They see other people pass by, but no one pays them any attention, leading to a realization that we're all alike in our suffering. The following line "We're all to blame" suggests that the problems that have led to imprisonment might be more systemic than individual.
In the chorus, the lyrics suggest that the world is a harsh place, with some people believing they have more power or rights than others. The singer laments their own lack of agency, being trapped in their mind and only having a document (presumably their license) that allows them to be controlled and abused. The lines "But I refuse/Confusion worldwide/Social suicide" indicate that while the singer might not be able to change their situation, they refuse to conform to social norms that they see as perpetuating the problem.
The second half of the song emphasizes the need for change, with the repeated refrain of "Breaking down/Breaking out/Breaking through/Breaking in" suggesting a desire to overcome barriers and limitations. The final line, "No discipline," might be interpreted as a rejection of the systems that control and restrain individuals, and a plea for greater freedom and agency.
Overall, "The License" is a powerful commentary on the systemic problems that lead to imprisonment and social inequality, and a call for change and greater individual agency.
Line by Line Meaning
In a cell, I spend my time, while my life slowly sinks
I am confined and my life is passing by slowly without any hope for the future.
The forces from outside won't even let me think
External factors are overwhelming me and making it impossible to focus or have clarity of thought.
See all the people pass, but no one looks my way
I am being ignored by society and feel invisible to those around me.
It's hard to realize that we're all just the same
Despite our perceived differences, we are all human beings and share many common experiences and emotions.
We're all to blame
We must take responsibility for our actions and their impact on those around us.
Into chaos we glide
Our society is descending into disorder and uncertainty.
Social suicide
The actions of individuals and society as a whole are leading to their own destruction.
The world is full of those, who think that they have rights
Many individuals believe that they are entitled to certain privileges or freedoms simply because of who they are.
The world is full of those, who yearn and long to bite
Some people are consumed by their desire to dominate or harm others.
I'm crammed inside my mind, there's nothing I can use
My mental state is cluttered and unproductive, and I feel unable to utilize my potential.
Only a document that lets me be abused
My legal rights are being exploited by those in power, leaving me vulnerable and powerless.
But I refuse
Even though the odds are stacked against me, I will not give up or surrender my values.
Confusion worldwide
The world is becoming more complex and difficult to understand.
Breaking Down
The status quo is no longer sustainable and is collapsing.
Breaking Out
Individuals are seeking new paths and challenging established norms and institutions.
From this tyranny and doubt
The oppressive forces that have held us back in the past are now being questioned and challenged.
Breaking through
A new era of progress and change is emerging.
Breaking in
Individuals are asserting their power and influence in new ways.
Right under your skin
Change is happening at a fundamental and visceral level, affecting individuals and society as a whole.
No discipline
Without self-regulation and restraint, society is becoming increasingly chaotic and unpredictable.
Lyrics © O/B/O DistroKid
Written by: Philip Kolarov
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@MrTwon1610
I haven't heard this track in so long but it stays forever in my head rent free and will do for all times.
True JUNGLE
@breakfreak3181
Real talk, bro!
90s was the next peak of UK music after the 60s.
Now, 30 years after the 90s, I teach my little daughter about these riddims. She likes 'em!
@breakfreak3181
Getting old hits different (as the kids would say!)
@breakfreak3181
November 2023. 46 y/o junglist.
Still, and will always , love this riddim!
Rewiiiiiiind!
@raulballesteros990
Iam 45 now and I still listen to Drum and Base. I get nostalgic and remember my rave days from
1996 - 2001. 1998 being the best year
@breakfreak3181
Same, turned 45 this year! I'm still raving occasionally though. Watch out for Innersense 30th Birthday at Peckham Audio on 10 September. Should be rinsing riddims like this for us old headz!
@jamiestewart139
You missed out on 1993...by far the best year for jungle drum and bass in my opinion
@DnBphanatik
I still haven't gotten round to get a licence to play this
@ACR909
do you wan get lock up ?
@DJAndeKarmaRecordings
imaK I tell ya, ya dangerous enough?