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.
DRILL MUSIC IN ZION
Lupe Fiasco Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The August symphonic, power of ablonic
To heal still, medical bill trill harmonics
Silver sonnets from the Bonyuesian bonnets
I leave a whole sleeve down in Condoleezza comments
Cop a reebonix, competent and gannet
Godzilla's economics rock gondolas 'til you vomit
Great Wall of China climber and Bonny will call respond it
Opera onyx, populars for convicts
Stay below the doppler, turn robotics into sonics
Positioned jostlers, monitor hegemonics
Robots make the robots that's out of the electronics
Nostradamus couldn't bother to keep a promise
Logic's on the rocket, what profit defeats a conscience
Somebody's daughter is contemplatin' the convent
But a man with a dollar is slobbering for her honchos
Mouth is just waterin' for some nonsense
And this might be the moment her modelling probably launches
Gobbling collard greens through the rumpus
Washin' gasoline, watch hollerin', replace a congress
Golden gossipin' auditing through my content
Runnin' out of water, just wonderin' where the pond went
World's hottest summer, we're wonderin' if they pawned it
Desperate for the credits to come tumblin' through the conflict, yeah
These episodes of the soul
Make me go past emote control
Can we make a ho' fold?
All the drill music in Zion
These episodes of the soul
Make me go past emote control
Can we make a ho' fold?
All the drill music in Zion
Now there are those that resoluted to wreck
Got caught, fought, lost, electrocuted to death
Came a little late for the rescue and the flesh
DNA exonerates posthumously whatever's left
No resurrection but reputation's correct
The revelation brings decorated regrets
All do respect, it's not really about fair
Collective sigh 'cause the real killer's still out there
Probably callin' up police
Complainin' 'bout his neighbors or just walkin' on the beach
Why should he have such views of the ocean?
And not be hangin' from the gallows with his neck neatly broken?
I let it soak in, then I put the soap in
Then I put the boats in, then I play with both them
The hot tub's now lookin' like a yacht club
Makin' sure I get all of the shoes like a bot does, neighbor is pissed
Tells the cops if he wants to bathe like him a sailor
Live on the container ship
I party all night and the bangin' is intense
'Cause I know exactly what you did
And you gon' pay for it, you bitch
These episodes of the soul
Make me go past emote control
Can we make a ho' fold?
All the drill music in Zion
These episodes of the soul
Make me go past emote control
Can we make a ho' fold?
All the drill music in Zion
We'll end this shortly, story moral is the same
You either fly into the portal or put the portal over the plane
Corellin' mortals is nothing short of insane
Let's try and turn this quarter water to a quarter bottles in Janes, haha
These episodes of the soul
Make me go past emote control
Can we make a ho' fold?
All the drill music in Zion
These episodes of the soul
Make me go past emote control
Can we make a ho' fold?
All the drill music in Zion
The lyrics to "Drill Music in Zion" by Lupe Fiasco are filled with complex wordplay and metaphors, making the interpretation challenging. In the first verse, Lupe Fiasco showcases his lyrical prowess and tackles various subject matters. He references the power of music ("August symphonic"), the healing effects of harmonics, and the financial burden of medical bills. He also mentions leaving a lasting impression through his words ("silver sonnets") and the influence he has over public opinion ("Condoleezza comments"). Lupe Fiasco's use of wordplay and imagery creates a vivid and thought-provoking atmosphere.
The second verse delves into the societal issues and the complexities of power. Lupe Fiasco criticizes the economic system and how it can be used to exploit others ("Godzilla's economics rock gondolas 'til you vomit"). He questions the morals of those in positions of authority and the consequences of their actions. The lyrics also allude to the exploitation of women in the modeling industry, juxtaposing the pursuit of money with the potential loss of innocence ("a man with a dollar is slobbering for her honchos"). Lupe Fiasco's lyrics highlight the contradictions and injustices within society.
The chorus reflects on the inner struggles of individuals. The "episodes of the soul" refer to emotional turmoil and a sense of losing control. Lupe Fiasco poses a rhetorical question: can one find solace or redemption in music or through a change in perspective? The mention of "drill music" hints at the aggressive and introspective nature of the genre, which may provide an outlet for personal expression in a spiritual sense.
The third verse explores themes of guilt, justice, and the desire for revenge. Lupe Fiasco brings attention to individuals who were wrongfully convicted or executed, desiring justice even after death ("DNA exonerates posthumously"). He criticizes the flawed justice system, acknowledging that the real culprits often go free. Lupe Fiasco's lyrics question why those who commit terrible acts seem to escape punishment, while innocents suffer.
The final verse includes a play on words and serves as a call to action. Lupe Fiasco emphasizes the need to create change, whether through defiance or finding alternative solutions ("fly into the portal or put the portal over the plane"). He encourages listeners to challenge societal norms and work towards transforming their circumstances. The mention of "quarter water" represents a cheap drink, symbolizing the struggle for survival and the aspiration to overcome adversity.
In summary, Lupe Fiasco's "Drill Music in Zion" addresses a wide array of social, political, and personal issues. The song's intricate wordplay and metaphors encourage listeners to reflect on the complexities of the world and consider alternative perspectives.
Line by Line Meaning
The August symphonic, power of ablonic
The majestic power and beauty of August
To heal still, medical bill trill harmonics
Using music as a healing force to soothe the pain caused by medical bills
Silver sonnets from the Bonyuesian bonnets
Poetic verses flowing from the heads of those who have faced adversity
I leave a whole sleeve down in Condoleezza comments
Expressing one's thoughts and opinions through social media commentary
Cop a reebonix, competent and gannet
Obtaining innovative technology and being skilled and resourceful
Godzilla's economics rock gondolas 'til you vomit
The unstoppable force of economic power causing extreme financial instability
Bigger than the tongue and write signatures with a tonics
Having immense influence and using words to make a lasting impact
Great Wall of China climber and Bonny will call respond it
Facing great challenges and overcoming them like a skilled climber
Opera onyx, populars for convicts
Creating captivating performances that resonate even with those who are imprisoned
Stay below the doppler, turn robotics into sonics
Operating discreetly and transforming technology into a form of artistic expression
Positioned jostlers, monitor hegemonics
Observing and studying those who hold significant power and control
Robots make the robots that's out of the electronics
Artificial beings creating more artificial beings, surpassing the limitations of electronics
Nostradamus couldn't bother to keep a promise
Even the renowned prophet Nostradamus failed to fulfill his promises
Logic's on the rocket, what profit defeats a conscience
The pursuit of profit often compromises one's moral compass
Somebody's daughter is contemplatin' the convent
A young woman is considering joining a religious order
But a man with a dollar is slobbering for her honchos
A wealthy man is eagerly pursuing her with his financial power
Mouth is just waterin' for some nonsense
Craving meaningless and trivial conversations
And this might be the moment her modelling probably launches
This could be the opportunity for her modeling career to take off
Gobbling collard greens through the rumpus
Indulging in food and enjoying the chaos and excitement
Washin' gasoline, watch hollerin', replace a congress
Cleansing oneself from harmful influences and seeking political change
Golden gossipin' auditing through my content
Valuable information being carefully examined in my work
Runnin' out of water, just wonderin' where the pond went
Running out of resources and questioning their disappearance
World's hottest summer, we're wonderin' if they pawned it
Experiencing an extremely intense summer and suspecting manipulation behind it
Desperate for the credits to come tumblin' through the conflict
Eagerly awaiting recognition and rewards amidst the chaos and struggle
These episodes of the soul
Intense experiences that deeply affect the inner self
Make me go past emote control
Pushing beyond emotional limitations and expressing oneself freely
Can we make a ho' fold?
Can we overcome and transform negativity?
All the drill music in Zion
The powerful and impactful music that originates from a place of struggle
Now there are those that resoluted to wreck
Some individuals are determined to cause destruction
Got caught, fought, lost, electrocuted to death
Facing consequences, engaging in battles, and ultimately meeting a fatal end
Came a little late for the rescue and the flesh
Arrived too late to save someone physically
DNA exonerates posthumously whatever's left
Even after death, DNA evidence can prove innocence or shed light on the truth
No resurrection but reputation's correct
While there might not be a literal resurrection, one's reputation can be restored
The revelation brings decorated regrets
Realizing the truth may lead to feelings of remorse and guilt
All do respect, it's not really about fair
Respecting others but acknowledging that fairness is not always prioritized
Collective sigh 'cause the real killer's still out there
Feeling a sense of frustration and disappointment as the true culprit remains at large
Probably callin' up police
Likely reaching out to the authorities
Complainin' 'bout his neighbors or just walkin' on the beach
Either making complaints about neighbors or enjoying a leisurely walk by the shore
Why should he have such views of the ocean?
Questioning why someone with questionable motives can enjoy the beauty of the ocean
And not be hangin' from the gallows with his neck neatly broken?
Expressing the desire for justice to be served and for the guilty to face punishment
I let it soak in, then I put the soap in
Reflecting on the situation and then taking action to cleanse and rectify it
Then I put the boats in, then I play with both them
Engaging in activities and enjoying the luxuries of life
The hot tub's now lookin' like a yacht club
The lavishness and extravagance of the hot tub now resembles a exclusive yacht club
Makin' sure I get all of the shoes like a bot does, neighbor is pissed
Acquiring numerous pairs of shoes like an automated bot would, causing annoyance to the neighbor
Tells the cops if he wants to bathe like him a sailor
Reporting to the police if he desires to enjoy a bath similar to that of a sailor
Live on the container ship
Residing on a large ship used for transporting goods in containers
I party all night and the bangin' is intense
Engaging in lively and energetic parties that last throughout the night
'Cause I know exactly what you did
Having knowledge of someone's misdeeds
And you gon' pay for it, you bitch
Ensuring that they will face the consequences for their actions
We'll end this shortly, story moral is the same
This will conclude shortly, and the lesson or message of the story remains unchanged
You either fly into the portal or put the portal over the plane
Either embracing a transformative experience or using one's imagination and creativity to transcend ordinary limits
Corellin' mortals is nothing short of insane
Trying to control or manipulate individuals is an irrational and futile endeavor
Let's try and turn this quarter water to a quarter bottles in Janes, haha
Let's attempt to transform a modest amount of liquid into a collection of valuable bottles
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Wasalu Jaco
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind