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.
Dots
Lupe Fiasco Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Sacred geometry
In a line, in a line, in a line, in a line, in a line
Three angels in kind, on time, go straight, don't sign
You look just like how I'ma be
Sacred geometry
In a line, in a line, in a line, in a line, in a line
Three angels in kind, on time, go straight, don't sign
With a platinum plaque
She like Robin, George, and Jack
The mind fears what the blinds hide
But I'm here on the blind side
Hanging up till the line dies
Then off the hook for the crimes try
Get awful looks from tribe tribe unlawful jux we can climb skies
That's Robin Hood, arrows of the rich'll steal
In Hollywood and featherweight I step by step let it escalate
Till you get it, we'll tell you if I hit it
When you make pie if you don't fidget
Xzibit Pimp My Ride exquisite
We G's coach us back if we die in business
My Lord is my chemist, my sword is some Khemet
Egyptian fonts and ankhs
Scottish write with Montblancs let us stomp
I walk as my father walk, master builder is what I thought
You look just like how I'ma be
Sacred geometry
In a line, in a line, in a line, in a line, in a line
Three angels in kind, on time, go straight, don't sign
You look just like how I'ma be
Sacred geometry
In a line, in a line, in a line, in a line, in a line
Three angels in kind, on time, go straight, don't sign
Yeah
Where the golden means, so the overseer gets overseen
And the over here's are the older things
Can see the bell but don't know the rings
The rings are not sounds, but circles
Wear these on your virtues
See through these circles just live Steve Urkel
Till it's all universal
And it harmonize and like the Porsche into the larger size
And it's dynamic in the high standard
So each degree has a part to price
See big worlds have little worlds that feed on their velocity
And little world have lesser worlds and so on to viscosity
You look just like how I'ma be
Sacred geometry
In a line, in a line, in a line, in a line, in a line
Three angels in kind, on time, go straight, don't sign
You look just like how I'ma be
Sacred geometry
In a line, in a line, in a line, in a line, in a line
Three angels in kind, on time, go straight, don't sign
The applause and patience of the laws in nature
Override lies and the laws of nations
Pilgrims bear witness at all the stations
Sun positions overcome traditions
Numbers govern our young religions
Dead levels making plum decisions
Perpendicular to the undivision
That's bad curricular to the unconditioned
Any love less than unconditional is so under Christian it's unrepentant
The physical part of my church emits the invisible arts of my work
To make gold from garbage is not the unchemical part of this map
But truth be told it's the pursuit of gold
That turns the goal of men into trash
The souls gold and they turning gold into cash
And your reflection is your connection to more collections of more directions and paths
If your reflection is a mask, then you're reflective of mass
To see yourself just look at me then split your reflection in half
You look just like how I'ma be
Sacred geometry
In a line, in a line, in a line, in a line, in a line
Three angels in kind, on time, go straight, don't sign
You look just like how I'ma be
Sacred geometry
In a line, in a line, in a line, in a line, in a line
Three angels in kind, on time, go straight, don't sign
Lupe Fiasco's "Dots & Lines" is a song with deep and layered lyrics that explore themes of sacred geometry, numerology, spirituality, and societal norms. The opening lines, "You look just like how I'ma be, Sacred geometry", suggest that the singer and the listener are connected in a mystical and spiritual way, perhaps through the principles of sacred geometry which holds that certain geometric shapes and patterns have divine significance. The repeated line "Three angels in kind, on time, go straight, don't sign" could be interpreted as a reference to the Holy Trinity, but also emphasizes the importance of staying true to oneself and not deviating from one's moral compass.
The song also touches on the themes of social inequality and injustice as Lupe raps about Robin Hood, an outlaw who stole from the rich and gave to the poor. He suggests that the rich can be seen as the villains in society and the poor as the heroes who are fighting against oppression. The lines "The applause and patience of the laws in nature, Override lies and the laws of nations, Pilgrims bear witness at all the stations, Sun positions overcome traditions, Numbers govern our young religions" seem to underline the idea that there is a higher order to the universe that transcends the human-created systems that govern our lives.
Overall, "Dots & Lines" is a complex and layered song that requires careful listening and interpretation to fully appreciate. It touches on themes of spirituality, societal norms, and social injustice and invites the listener to reflect on their place in the world.
Line by Line Meaning
You look just like how I'ma be
I see myself in you and your existence reflects mine.
Sacred geometry
The beauty and harmony in nature's shapes and patterns.
In a line, in a line, in a line, in a line, in a line
Emphasis on how everything is interconnected and in perfect alignment.
Three angels in kind, on time, go straight, don't sign
Three guiding spirits, in perfect timing, taking the straight path without deviation.
With a platinum plaque
Indicates success and recognition in the music industry.
She like Robin, George, and Jack
Comparison of a woman to legendary figures, symbolizing her immense value and influence.
The mind fears what the blinds hide
Our imagination worries about things it can't see or understand.
But I'm here on the blind side
Lupe is aware of the hidden side and seeks to reveal the truth.
Hanging up till the line dies
Persisting and waiting until the right opportunity presents itself.
Get awful looks from tribe tribe unlawful jux we can climb skies
Lupe has overcome obstacles and defied expectations in his rise to success.
That's Robin Hood, arrows of the rich'll steal
Inspired by Robin Hood's justice, Lupe believes in using his success to help others.
In Hollywood and featherweight I step by step let it escalate
Slowly but surely climbing to greater heights and influence, despite any opposing forces.
Till you get it, we'll tell you if I hit it
Continuing to work towards success and recognition, until it is undeniable and evident to everyone.
When you make pie if you don't fidget
Being patient and focused when working towards a goal, without getting distracted or second-guessing oneself.
Xzibit Pimp My Ride exquisite
A reference to the MTV show that involved modifying cars, indicating Lupe's ability to transform and improve anything.
We G's coach us back if we die in business
Even in the cut-throat world of the music industry, there is a sense of camaraderie and support among peers.
My Lord is my chemist, my sword is some Khemet
Lupe's faith and spirituality guide him, and he considers words and language to be powerful weapons.
Egyptian fonts and ankhs
Incorporating imagery and symbolism from ancient cultures, suggesting that their wisdom and influence are still relevant today.
Scottish write with Montblancs let us stomp
Regardless of one's background, everyone has a unique voice and can make an impact.
I walk as my father walk, master builder is what I thought
Lupe looks up to and emulates his father's example, striving to create something lasting and impactful.
Where the golden means, so the overseer gets overseen
The powerful and corrupt are eventually held accountable and brought down by the truth.
And the over here's are the older things
The physical world is temporary and transient, while the spiritual and intangible are more meaningful and lasting.
Can see the bell but don't know the rings
We can observe the effects of something without truly understanding its root causes or underlying essence.
The rings are not sounds, but circles
The true essence of something lies beyond its surface-level features, such as its appearance or sound.
Wear these on your virtues
Emphasizes the importance of aligning one's actions and morals with what they truly value.
See through these circles just live Steve Urkel
View the world with an open mind and see beyond any preconceived notions or expectations.
Till it's all universal
Working towards a world that is unified and harmonious, transcending boundaries and divisions.
And it harmonize and like the Porsche into the larger size
When things align and work together, they can create something greater and more impactful than they would alone.
And it's dynamic in the high standard
Aiming for excellence and always pushing to do better, while also being adaptable and flexible to change.
So each degree has a part to price
Every individual has a role to play and can contribute to creating positive change and progress.
See big worlds have little worlds that feed on their velocity
There is interconnectedness and interdependence among all living beings and systems in the world.
And little world have lesser worlds and so on to viscosity
This interconnectedness extends to every level of society and nature, from the smallest microorganisms to the largest ecosystems.
The applause and patience of the laws in nature
Nature has its own rhythms and patterns, and true success requires respecting and working within them.
Override lies and the laws of nations
Sometimes, societal norms or laws can be deceptive or counterproductive, and it's important to challenge and change them.
Pilgrims bear witness at all the stations
People from all walks of life are observing and experiencing the world, and can learn from one another's perspectives.
Sun positions overcome traditions
The natural cycles and patterns of the world can challenge and disrupt even the most longstanding societal norms and customs.
Numbers govern our young religions
Religion and spirituality can be understood and interpreted through the lens of logic, mathematics, and reason.
Dead levels making plum decisions
Sometimes, decisions can be made based on surface-level appearances or arbitrary standards, without considering the deeper context or implications.
Perpendicular to the undivision
Working towards unity and harmony, without being divided by arbitrary boundaries or categories.
That's bad curricular to the unconditioned
The societal norms and expectations that are imposed on us can be harmful and limiting, with little regard for individual experience or potential.
Any love less than unconditional is so under Christian it's unrepentant
True love should be unconditional and forgiving, regardless of religious or cultural backgrounds.
The physical part of my church emits the invisible arts of my work
The tangible or visible components of one's work or passion are merely a small part of the larger, intangible influence and impact it can have.
To make gold from garbage is not the unchemical part of this map
Turning something seemingly worthless into something valuable is not a miracle, but a result of hard work and creative thinking.
But truth be told it's the pursuit of gold
The pursuit of wealth or success can transform one's morals and values, and can even turn their noble intentions into something corrupt or destructive.
That turns the goal of men into trash
The pursuit of material success can blind us to what truly matters in life, and can lead to moral degradation and spiritual emptiness.
The souls gold and they turning gold into cash
The true value and worth of a person lies in their soul and character, not in their material possessions or wealth.
And your reflection is your connection to more collections of more directions and paths
One's own inner reflection can unlock new possibilities and potential, leading to new opportunities and paths forward in life.
If your reflection is a mask, then you're reflective of mass
Dishonesty or insincerity in one's own self-reflection can lead to conformity and complicity with larger societal pressures and expectations.
To see yourself just look at me then split your reflection in half
Lupe is an example of someone who embraces his own individuality and does not conform to societal norms or expectations. To truly understand oneself, one must first embrace their own unique qualities and perspective.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Jack London, Simon Morel, Wasalu Jaco
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind