Words I Never Said
Lupe Fiasco Lyrics

It's so loud inside my head
My thoughts and feelings are overwhelming and consuming

With words that I should have said
I regret not speaking up or taking action

As I drown in my regrets
My past mistakes and inactions are causing me pain and discomfort

I can't take back the words I never said
I cannot undo the consequences of not speaking out or acting sooner

I really think the war on terror is a bunch of bullshit
The government's justification for war is unfounded and insincere

Just a poor excuse for you to use up all your bullets
The war on terror is simply a means for the government to use up their military resources

How much money does it take to really make a full clip
The government is spending exorbitant amounts of money on war

Nine eleven building seven did they really pull it?
The government's involvement in the events of 9/11 is questionable and potentially conspiratorial

Uh, and a bunch of other cover ups
There are likely many other instances of governmental cover-ups

Your child's future was the first to go with budget cuts
The government's budget cuts are directly affecting the education and future of today's children

If you think that hurts then, wait here comes the uppercut
More harsh consequences are coming if nothing is done to address the issue

The school was garbage in the first place, that's on the up and up
The education system has been failing for a long time and is getting worse

Keep you at the bottom but tease you with the upper crust
The government keeps people in lower socioeconomic classes while dangling the idea of upward mobility

You get it then they move you so you never keeping up enough
The system is designed to keep people in a constant state of struggling and barely getting by

If you turn on TV all you see's a bunch of 'what the fucks'
Media outlets are filled with sensationalized stories that distract from real issues

Dude is dating so and so blabbering bout such and such
The media is filled with pointless gossip and rumors

And that ain't Jersey Shore, homie that's the news
The news is just as superficial and useless as reality TV

And these the same people that supposed to be telling us the truth
Media outlets are not fulfilling their duty to inform the public honestly and accurately

Limbaugh is a racist, Glenn Beck is a racist
Prominent conservative figures have been accused of racism

Gaza strip was getting bombed, Obama didn't say shit
The US government is complicit in acts of violence and destruction in the Gaza Strip

That's why I ain't vote for him, next one either
The artist does not support any political figure or candidate because of their unethical actions and decisions

I'ma part of the problem, my problem is I'm peaceful
The artist acknowledges their role in societal issues but does not believe in violence as a solution

And I believe in the people
The singer has faith in the power of collective action and change

Now you can say it ain't our fault if we never heard it
Ignorance is not an excuse for perpetuating harmful beliefs or societal issues

But if we know better than we probably deserve it
If we know what's wrong and do nothing to fix it, we are allowing the problem to continue

Jihad is not a holy war, wheres that in the worship?
The singer is questioning the idea of holy war and how it is portrayed in religious practices

Murdering is not Islam!
The singer argues against the notion that Islam is inherently violent or promotes acts of murder

And you are not observant
Those who commit violent acts in the name of religion are not truly following their faith

And you are not a Muslim
People who commit violent acts in the name of Islam are not truly practicing their faith

Israel don't take my side 'cause look how far you've pushed them
The Israel-Palestine conflict is complicated and both sides have been pushed to extreme actions

Walk with me into the ghetto, this where all the Kush went
The singer invites the listener to explore impoverished communities and the effects of systemic oppression

Complain about the liquor store but what you drinking liquor for?
People need to take responsibility for their actions and how they contribute to societal issues

Complain about the gloom but when'd you pick a broom up?
People need to take action and contribute to making positive changes in their communities

Just listening to Pac ain't gone make it stop
Simply listening to music or other forms of media is not enough to bring about change

A rebel in your thoughts, ain't gon' make it halt
Thinking rebellious thoughts or attitudes is not enough to bring about change

If you don't become an actor you'll never be a factor
If people do not actively participate in bringing about change, they will not contribute to progress

Pills with million side effects
Prescription drugs can have many negative side effects

Take 'em when the pains felt
People often turn to drugs in times of emotional or physical pain

Wash them down with diet soda
People often consume unhealthy substances in conjunction with other unhealthy habits

Killin' off your brain cells
Unhealthy habits can lead to long-term damage to both physical and mental health

Crooked banks around the World
Many banks engage in unethical and corrupt practices

Would gladly give a loan today
Banks are eager to lend money, even if it is to people who cannot afford to repay it

So if you ever miss a payment
Banks are quick to penalize people who cannot keep up with loan payments

They can take your home away
Defaulting on loans can result in foreclosure and loss of property

I think that all the silence is worse than all the violence
Lack of attention to societal issues and lack of action is more harmful than direct acts of violence

Fear is such a weak emotion that's why I despise it
The artist believes that fear is a useless and unhelpful emotion

We scared of almost everything, afraid to even tell the truth
Society has become overly cautious and fearful, to the point where people are hesitant to speak out or criticize those in power

So scared of what you think of me, I'm scared of even telling you
People are afraid to be honest and vulnerable because of fear of judgment or rejection

Sometimes I'm like the only person I feel safe to tell it to
The singer feels alone and isolated because they do not feel free to express their thoughts and feelings

I'm locked inside a cell in me, I know that there's a jail in you
The singer feels trapped and confined by societal norms and expectations and senses the same in others

Consider this your bailing out, so take a breath, inhale a few
The singer is encouraging the listener to take a moment to reflect and consider their own actions and beliefs

My screams is finally getting free, my thoughts is finally yelling through
The artist is finally able to express their thoughts and feelings, which were previously locked inside