The Around My Way (Freedom Ain't Free) Songfacts reports that Fiasco’s first single off his fourth studio album, Lupe Fiasco's Food & Liquor II: The Great American Rap Album Pt. 1 debuted on May 21, 2012. On "Around My Way (Freedom Ain't Free)," he spits rhymes about aspects of modern American life he doesn’t like such as "Suicide bombers and prosperity gospels, emaciated models, with cocaine and blood pouring out their nostrils” as well as socio-political problems in Ghana and the invasion of Iraq.
Lupe released his fifth studio album Tetsuo & Youth on January 20, 2015.
Lupe's 8th Studio Album DRILL MUSIC IN ZION was released on June 23rd 2022
Lupe has previously been on label Epic with his group Da Pak and then signed a solo deal with Arista. His years at Arista only led to the 2003 promo single "Pop Pop" as well as guest appearances on singles from Tha' Rayne (2002's "Kiss Me" and 2003's "Didn't You Know") and K Fox (2003's "This Life"), then Arista folded in 2004 and Lupe was signed to Atlantic Records.
Blur My Hands
Lupe Fiasco Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
To a flower outside my grave and oh man
Were you just being polite with your hands?
Take time to learn me like court appointed attorneys
Restore the order, we either join or adjourning
Less you join I'm up performing the journey
In all earnest, I go so Bernie
Get it straight, I ain't late on states
I'm just sternly stating
How what I do, with grace takes another nigga to turn mean
My return means like blockbuster with a tick
And I ain't kind but I don't hit
So you starting at the end, that's the part where you begin
I skip the bullshit so we can start it where we win
Yeah, spoiler alert
I can hear you all saying "boy you're a jerk"
But it's cool though, know we gotta rule yo
Get in, then we win and do it all again, ho
From the floating death, to the fire of death
To a flower outside of my grave and oh man
Were you just being polite with your hands?
And it really means I'm number one, and you're a fan
Well that's cool, cause I think you're number one too
Yeah that's cool, cause I think you're number one too
Yeah that's cool, cause I think you're number one
Now me and words, we made a deal, that I'm gon' keep 'em real
And they show me their secrets, I can even cop a feel
Victorious, can't match wit, with warriors
I match wig with wits, similarly can't mix matchsticks with forests'
Only you can prevent what I do
Only due can prevent what's my view
I match matchsticks with wicks
Wicker man, take a sip of liquor and
Spit the lip off warriors
And spit flames, nigga get in the gang ah
From the floating death, to the fire of death
To a flower outside of my grave and oh man
Were you just being polite with your hands?
And it really means I'm number one, and you're a fan
Well that's cool, cause I think you're number one too
Yeah that's cool, cause I think you're number one too
I think you're number one
It's road rage, without a roll cage
Takes courage to run on these roadways
I know you like "no way", but I'm a full race
All so every soccer Terry Fox moulding, go ahead
Don't stop, go ahead
Sitting in your car, just listening to the bars
And there's traffic all around and you feel like falling down
And the music that I'm spewing out, enough to calm him down
'Fore you know you watch your car with your briefcase walkin' round
And them dollars from the budget that went to S1 Production
And Sebastian on the hook, like being dug by Michael Douglas
So don't start that walk through Echo Park
My life's a one-on-one and you caught up in the jam
Just show some love back to your number one fan
From the floating death, to the fire of death
To a flower outside of my grave and oh man
Were you just being polite with your hands?
And it really means I'm number one, and you're a fan
Well that's cool, cause I think you're number one too
Yeah that's cool, cause I think you're number one too
I think you're number one
The song "Blur My Hands" by Lupe Fiasco featuring Guy Sebastian encapsulates the concept of death, rebirth, and self-discovery. The opening lines "From the floating death, to the fire of death to a flower outside my grave" set the tone for the overall theme of the song, that everything comes in a cycle or circle. The lyrics capture the idea that death and pain are necessary to come to terms with oneself and find one's purpose. The line, "Take time to learn me like court-appointed attorneys, restore the order," speaks to the need for introspection and reflection to discover one's true self.
The lyrics also touch on themes of perseverance and resilience; the line "Takes another nigga to turn me" implies that despite facing adversity, the singer remains strong and determined. The chorus, "And it really means I'm number one, and you're a fan. Well, that's cool, cause I think you're number one too," signifies the idea of mutual respect and admiration, regardless of one's position or status.
Overall, the song carries a powerful message of self-discovery and the importance of facing challenges head-on to reach one's potential.
Line by Line Meaning
From the floating death, to the fire of death
The dangers and uncertainties of life have been present from the start and continue through our existence.
To a flower outside my grave and oh man
Even in death, there is beauty and the promise of rebirth.
Were you just being polite with your hands?
Were your actions sincere or fake?
Take time to learn me like court appointed attorneys
Truly understand and get to know me before making any judgment.
Restore the order, we either join or adjourning
Let's fix what's wrong and work together towards a common goal.
Less you join I'm up performing the journey
I'll be moving forward even without your support.
In all earnest, I go so Bernie
I am genuine and passionate about my beliefs and values.
Takes another nigga to turn me
It takes someone who truly reciprocates my commitment to change my outlook.
Get it straight, I ain't late on states
My message is clear and I'm not holding back.
I'm just sternly stating
I am expressing my opinion in a serious and confident manner.
How what I do, with grace takes another nigga to turn mean
It takes a lot to make me angry or upset because I handle everything with grace.
My return means like blockbuster with a tick
I'm making a comeback that will catch everyone's attention.
And I ain't kind but I don't hit
I may not be the nicest person, but I won't physically harm anyone.
So you starting at the end, that's the part where you begin
Don't focus on the negative, there's always room for improvement.
I skip the bullshit so we can start it where we win
Let's cut out the unnecessary drama and get straight to achieving success.
Yeah, spoiler alert
I'm about to reveal something important.
I can hear you all saying "boy you're a jerk"
I know that some may not agree with or understand my actions/words.
But it's cool though, know we gotta rule yo
But it's all good, we have a plan to follow.
Get in, then we win and do it all again, ho
Let's get started and keep achieving success, we can do it again and again.
And it really means I'm number one, and you're a fan
I am confident in my abilities and you admire what I do.
Well that's cool, cause I think you're number one too
I respect your admiration and consider you important as well.
Now me and words, we made a deal, that I'm gon' keep 'em real
I promise to always speak the truth.
And they show me their secrets, I can even cop a feel
I understand and fully grasp the meanings behind words.
Victorious, can't match wit, with warriors
Intelligence and wit are powerful tools that triumph over brute force.
I match wig with wits, similarly can't mix matchsticks with forests'
I can match my intelligence with others and don't belong with those who are out of their element.
Only you can prevent what I do
Only you have control over your own actions.
Only due can prevent what's my view
Others can't change my perspective or point of view.
I match matchsticks with wicks
I understand how all the pieces fit together.
Wicker man, take a sip of liquor and
I'm confident in myself and not easily rattled by others.
Spit the lip off warriors
I am fearless and will speak my mind.
And spit flames, nigga get in the gang ah
I am passionate and intense in everything I do.
It's road rage, without a roll cage
Life is chaotic and unpredictable.
Takes courage to run on these roadways
It takes bravery to face life's challenges.
I know you like "no way", but I'm a full race
Others may doubt me, but I am fully committed to my goals.
All so every soccer Terry Fox moulding, go ahead
I am determined and inspired by past role models.
Don't stop, go ahead
Keep moving forward and don't give up.
Sitting in your car, just listening to the bars
Listening to my music can be a source of comfort and inspiration.
And there's traffic all around and you feel like falling down
Life can be overwhelming and lead to despair.
And the music that I'm spewing out, enough to calm him down
My music has the power to soothe and heal.
'Fore you know you watch your car with your briefcase walkin' round
Maybe my music will even change your perspective on life.
And them dollars from the budget that went to S1 Production
Investing in my music is a wise choice.
And Sebastian on the hook, like being dug by Michael Douglas
The featured artist (Guy Sebastian) is an integral part of my music.
So don't start that walk through Echo Park
Don't take a negative path in life.
My life's a one-on-one and you caught up in the jam
I am fully in control of my life and you're just stuck in a difficult situation.
Just show some love back to your number one fan
Appreciate and respect those who support and admire you.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Wasalu Jaco, Mark Landon, Larry Darnell Jr. Griffin, Dustin Miles Mclean
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind