Born in Bay Shore, New York, and raised between St. Albans, New York and Hollis, New York in the borough of Queens. The only child of Ondrea (née Griffith) and James Smith, Jr. Smith is of both African American and Native American descent. He spent his youth singing in the church choir, participating in the Boy Scouts and delivering newspapers.
Def Jam released his first record, the 12" single "I Need a Beat" in 1983. The single sold over 100,000 copies. The success of "I Need a Beat" helped lead to a distribution deal with Def Jam and Columbia Records in 1985. Soon after, he dropped out of Andrew Jackson High School to record his debut album.
He is known for romantic ballads such as I Need Love and Hey Lover as well as pioneering hip-hop such as I Can't Live Without My Radio, I'm Bad, The Boomin' System, Mama Said Knock You Out, and 4, 3, 2, 1. L has also appeared in several films. LL Cool J is one of a few hip-hop stars of his era to sustain a successful recording career for more than two decades. He has released 12 albums and a greatest hits compilation so far, with his next album, Exit 13, set to be released in September, 2008. The album will be the last for LL's record deal with Def Jam Recordings, a deal which has lasted for over twenty two years, making it the longest single hip hop deal to date. He now resides in Manhasset, NY with his wife and four children.
Mr. President
LL Cool J Lyrics
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I wish we can have a conversation
I'll take a trip done to the residents
We can talk about the state of the nation
Mr. President
I will ask you about the war
Really and truly what is it for?
When an I-E-D mix soldier form dyeing for stuff above us all
Is the pledge of allegiance is something say?
I hope not cause I love The USA
In spite of all drama we have today
Mr. President are you aware
Our Flesh and blood is dying over there
When the coffins come back
Do you care?
When only the poor kids die
Is it fair?
If I can talk to the President
Would he pay attention really listen?
If talk something intelligent
Would he be willing to change his position?
Now it's Time time time
To speak my mind mind mind
Don't get me wrong
I respect the flag
But it hurts to see a kid in a body bag
He fought for his country with all he had
Now we have a family without a dad
Lil mama crying and the kids are scared
9/11 why we were unprepared
Mr. President,
Are you aware unless you're rich, you have poor health care
It makes you scream and want to pull out your hair
Discharged from the hospital soon as you get there.
Mr. President Truth or dare
Terrorist is hiding do you know where
Illegal immigrants is everywhere
Isn't really fought they want to come here
I respect you pleased be clear
Talk with me
Show people you care
If I can talk to the President
Would he pay attention really listen?
If talk something intelligent
Would he be willing to change his position?
Now it's Time time time
To speak my mind mind mind
What I'm to do
I can wait here with you
Tell me something that make sense
You sent off for war
Pleased be honesty what it's for
Doesn't matter is life or death
Yeah
I'm not republican or democratic
I'm independent I want the facts
When are the soldiers come back?
Are we prepared for a terrorist attack?
Late at night I watch CNN
It so bad I'm stop leaving
Middle East hates us
What's the reason?
Mr. President
My heart is bleeding
I tuck my kids end every evening
Try to teach them keep believe
Hoping my government want deceive them
Tell 'em Set some goals you can achieve them
Mr. President
I have to know if die for you
What will have to show?
How really truly how our country grow
Waiting for your answer Let me know
If I can talk to the President
Would he pay attention really listen?
If talk something intelligent
Would he be willing to change his position?
Now it's Time time time
To speak my mind mind mind
Now it's Time time time
To speak my mind mind mind
To speak my mind mind mind
LL Cool J's song "Mr. President" addresses the President of the United States with respect, but also with a lot of tough questions about the state of the nation. The opening verses set the tone for the rest of the song. LL Cool J expresses his desire to speak with the President about the war, which he questions whether it is worth the loss of American soldiers' lives, and asks whether it is all about oil. He then turns his attention to social issues such as healthcare and immigration, questioning why poorer Americans receive substandard healthcare and why there is such widespread tension around immigration in the country. He then closes the song by asking what it all means - what will be gained if one dies for their country, and how will the country grow as a result of such sacrifice.
The song, released in 2008, was written by LL Cool J and produced by the Neptunes. It features a sample of Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit" and draws attention to issues that were prevalent during the presidency of George W. Bush, such as the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq and concerns around healthcare and immigration. The song reflects both the anxiety and disillusionment felt by many Americans during this time period. Interestingly, although the song specifically addresses the President, the name "George W." is never mentioned in the lyrics.
Line by Line Meaning
Dear Mr. President with all due respect
I am addressing the President with politeness.
I wish we can have a conversation
I hope to talk with the President.
I'll take a trip done to the residents
I'll travel to the citizens of the country.
We can talk about the state of the nation
We can discuss how the country is currently faring.
Mr. President
Addressing the President.
I will ask you about the war
I'd like to ask about the ongoing conflict.
Really and truly what is it for?
What's the true purpose for the war?
When an I-E-D mix soldier form dyeing for stuff above us all
Why are soldiers dying for a cause that seems unrelated?
Is it all about oil at end of the day?
Is the war solely about obtaining oil?
Is the pledge of allegiance is something say?
Is the pledge of allegiance just empty words?
I hope not cause I love The USA
I hope not, because I love my country.
In spite of all drama we have today
Despite the turmoil of the present.
Mr. President are you aware
Asking the President if they are informed.
Our Flesh and blood is dying over there
Our people are dying in the conflict.
When the coffins come back
When the bodies return.
Do you care?
Do you feel any empathy?
When only the poor kids die
Why are only the less fortunate dying?
Is it fair?
Is it just and equitable?
If I can talk to the President
Expressing a desire to speak with the President.
Would he pay attention really listen?
Will the President really pay attention and listen?
If talk something intelligent
If I say something smart.
Would he be willing to change his position?
Is the President open to altering their stance?
Now it's Time time time
Now is the time to speak out.
Don't get me wrong
Don't misunderstand me.
I respect the flag
I have reverence for the flag.
But it hurts to see a kid in a body bag
It's painful to see a young person dead and wrapped up.
He fought for his country with all he had
He gave everything to defend his country.
Now we have a family without a dad
Now his family is without a father.
Lil mama crying and the kids are scared
The mother is crying and the children are fearful.
9/11 why we were unprepared
The country was caught off guard by 9/11.
Mr. President,
Addressing the President.
Are you aware unless you're rich, you have poor health care
If you're not wealthy, you have inadequate healthcare.
It makes you scream and want to pull out your hair
It's a frustrating and maddening situation.
Discharged from the hospital soon as you get there.
Patients are released from the hospital too soon.
Mr. President Truth or dare
Playing a childhood game with the President to encourage honesty.
Terrorist is hiding do you know where
Do you know where terrorists are hiding?
Illegal immigrants is everywhere
Illegal immigrants are all over the country.
Isn't really fought they want to come here
They just want to be here, not start trouble.
I respect you pleased be clear
I respect you and wish for clarity.
Talk with me
Open communication.
Show people you care
Demonstrate that you have empathy.
What I'm to do
What should I do?
I can wait here with you
I can be patient and wait here.
Tell me something that make sense
Speak to me logically.
You sent off for war
You sent others to fight a war.
Pleased be honesty what it's for
Please be truthful about the reasons for the war.
Doesn't matter is life or death
It's a matter of life and death.
Yeah
An affirmative exclamation.
I'm not republican or democratic
Not being attached to either political party.
I'm independent I want the facts
I'm objective and value the truth.
When are the soldiers come back?
When will the troops return home?
Are we prepared for a terrorist attack?
Is the country prepared for a terrorist strike?
Late at night I watch CNN
I watch CNN at night.
It so bad I'm stop leaving
The situation is so dire I'm considering leaving the country.
Middle East hates us
The Middle East holds resentment towards the US.
What's the reason?
What's the cause of the animosity?
Mr. President
Addressing the President.
My heart is bleeding
I'm deeply affected and saddened.
I tuck my kids end every evening
I put my children to bed every night.
Try to teach them keep believe
I instruct them to keep holding onto hope.
Hoping my government want deceive them
I hope the government doesn't mislead them.
Tell 'em Set some goals you can achieve them
Encouraging children to set achievable goals.
I have to know if die for you
I need to know if I'm willing to die for my country.
What will have to show?
What will I have accomplished?
How really truly how our country grow
How will the country progress and flourish?
Waiting for your answer Let me know
Anticipating a response from the President and asking for a reply.
Now it's Time time time
Now is the moment to speak up.
To speak my mind mind mind
In order to express my thoughts and opinions.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: DARLISA BLACKSHERE, JAMES SMITH, JAMES TODD SMITH, JUSTIN CARTISANO, RAY BURGHARDT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind