Chris Greenwood (best known as Manafest) is a rapper from Toronto Ontario C… Read Full Bio ↴Chris Greenwood (best known as Manafest) is a rapper from Toronto Ontario Canada.

He is also a skater, which led to his career in hip hop; after an accident in 1998, he took time to focus on rap and was noticed by Trevor McNevan of Ontario-based band Thousand Foot Krutch. This led to his signing to an internationally distributed label, BEC Recordings, and debut release Epiphany, which was made primarily of West Coast hip hop with several rapcore outings in the vein of Limp Bizkit.

He released two independent albums, Mislead Youth (2001) and My Own Thing (2003), prior to Epiphany in 2005. He has toured in Canada, the United States and Ireland to date.

His second album, Glory, emphasized rap-rock elements with more Linkin Park-esque nu metal, and included more authentic hip hop stylings.

Central themes of Manafest's music include nonconformity, hip hop culture, and walking with God.

Manafest says in regards to Glory that: "I wanted to allow all of my influences show on Glory. Musically, I wanted to blend the appeal of Linkin Park, Sum 41, and The Beastie Boys. Vocally, I wanted to merge that with popular hip hop à la Eminem and Kanye West. But beyond musical influence, I wanted to reflect on the issues around me in the most positive way possible. And whether I am talking about the loss of loved ones and abuse, or breakdancing and skate culture, it's all for the glory of heaven. In the end, my prayer is that people would not simply bob their heads to this, but feel a very real sense of healing from the words. However, this record is not all serious. Some of my favorite tracks are the most lighthearted ones."

Cage
Manafest Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I LEFT THE CAGE AND I BROKE THE RULES
KEPT MY NAME AM I A FOOL, I A FOOL
WRONG WAY YOU”D SAY TO ME WON’T MAKE IT WAS JUST THE FUEL JUST THE FUEL
I NEEDED TO PUSH AWAY, WHO’S THE FIRST TO CAVE YOU WERE JUST A SLAVE, I WON’T SUFFOCATE
I JUST CONTEMPLATE, WHO’S HERE TODAY?
(I SIGN MY NAME)
DON’T MESS WITH THE MOSCOT YO I’M LIKE A TESLA NO GAS, PHANTOM AND SOME
FAITH BRED, FAITH ANTHEM FADE AFTER 5 GRANSONS GOT TIME STILL HANDSOME

DON’T KNOW WHO YOUR PLAYING WITH
WHO YOU TALKING TO, WHAT YOU THINK THIS IS I PAY NO MIND TO A SHAKY EYE
IF THE DARKNESS COMES
THEN MY LIGHT WILL SHINE
CHORUS
THIS CAGE IS TOO SMALL TO HOLD ME (TO HOLD ME) NOTHING YOU COULD PAY TO OWN ME ( OWN ME) THIS CAGE IS TOO SMALL TO HOLD ME (HOLD ME) NOTHING YOU COULD PAY TO OWN ME
I’M BREAKING OUT THIS CAGE I’M BREAKING OUT THIS CAGE
I’M BREAKING OUT THIS CAGE I’M BREAKING OUT THIS CAGE I’M BREAKING OUT THIS CAGE
VERSE II

FAST FORWARD AND AM I FREE NOW I’M FREE NOW
PUT YOU FE FE FE FEEET DOWN FREAK OUT
LET MY CHEST BREATHE OUT FEEL HOW
THE LUNGS IN HALE, EXHALE PEACE NOW
BLUE VASE GO GETTER , GOAL SETTER SOUL SAVED, DROP THE VENDATTA
SAID I’D NEVER MAKE IT
CAN’T TRACE THIS FAKE THIS
ALWAYS GONNA MISS IF YOU’RE AIMLESS TAKE TWO LET ME ACE THIS
1BC PLACE NOT VACANT SOME TOOK THE MONEY I WAITED
JUMPED THE BAR THEN I RAISED IT
PAID MY DUES DEJAVU AM I THE FOOL
DON’T KNOW WHO YOUR PLAYING WITH
WHO YOU TALKING TO WHAT YOU THINK THIS IS
I PAY NO MIND TO A SHAKY EYE IF THE DARKNESS COMES THEN MY LIGHT WILL SHINE
CHORUS REPEATS
BRIDGE
DON’T LET YOUR DREAMS DIE OUT IN THE DAY LIGHT WON’T LIVE MY LIFE IN THE SHADOWS

AND IF THERE’S NO WRONG WAY YOU CAN DO RIGHT THEN I WON’T LIVE MY LIFE IN THE SHADOWS
CHORUS REPEATS

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Manafest's song "Cage" express the artist's determination to break free from the limitations and expectations imposed on him. He starts by acknowledging his decision to leave behind the confines of a cage and break the rules. Despite being labeled a fool for doing so, he refuses to conform and be controlled by others. The negativity and doubts thrown his way only serve as fuel to push him further.

Manafest emphasizes his confidence and resilience, stating that he won't suffocate or cave in to the pressures around him. He contemplates who is still supporting him and recognizes the power of his own name and identity. The lyrics convey a sense of defiance and independence, as he asserts his individuality and refuses to let others define him.

In the second verse, the artist reflects on his journey and how far he has come. He declares that he is now free, beyond the limitations of his previous situation. He encourages others to let go of their fears and breathing in peace. Manafest highlights his accomplishments, defying those who believed he would never make it. He is determined to prove them wrong and excel, no matter the odds.

The bridge adds another layer to the song's message, urging listeners not to let their dreams fade away in the light of day. Manafest refuses to live his life in the shadows and embraces his own path, even if there is no universally defined right way to do things.

Overall, the lyrics of "Cage" are about breaking free from societal cages, pushing against expectations, and standing strong in one's own identity and dreams.

Line by Line Meaning

I LEFT THE CAGE AND I BROKE THE RULES
I escaped from my confinement and disregarded the imposed restrictions

KEPT MY NAME AM I A FOOL, I A FOOL
I preserved my identity despite facing ridicule or judgment

WRONG WAY YOU”D SAY TO ME WON’T MAKE IT WAS JUST THE FUEL JUST THE FUEL
Your criticism or negativity only served as motivation to prove you wrong

I NEEDED TO PUSH AWAY, WHO’S THE FIRST TO CAVE YOU WERE JUST A SLAVE, I WON’T SUFFOCATE
I had to create distance from those who easily gave in to pressure, as I refuse to suffocate and lose my freedom

I JUST CONTEMPLATE, WHO’S HERE TODAY?
I ponder on who remains by my side now that I've broken free

(I SIGN MY NAME)
I confidently leave my mark and assert my presence

DON’T MESS WITH THE MOSCOT YO I’M LIKE A TESLA NO GAS, PHANTOM AND SOME
Don't underestimate me, I'm like a Tesla car, powered by my own strength and capabilities

FAITH BRED, FAITH ANTHEM FADE AFTER 5 GRANSONS GOT TIME STILL HANDSOME
My faith is what drives me, a testament to my resilience, even as time passes and I age

DON’T KNOW WHO YOUR PLAYING WITH
You underestimate the person you are dealing with

WHO YOU TALKING TO, WHAT YOU THINK THIS IS I PAY NO MIND TO A SHAKY EYE
I disregard those who doubt me and their lack of confidence

IF THE DARKNESS COMES THEN MY LIGHT WILL SHINE
Even in difficult times, I will persevere and illuminate my path with positivity

THIS CAGE IS TOO SMALL TO HOLD ME (TO HOLD ME) NOTHING YOU COULD PAY TO OWN ME ( OWN ME) THIS CAGE IS TOO SMALL TO HOLD ME (HOLD ME) NOTHING YOU COULD PAY TO OWN ME
The limitations imposed upon me are insignificant and cannot control or possess me, regardless of any monetary compensation

I’M BREAKING OUT THIS CAGE I’M BREAKING OUT THIS CAGE I’M BREAKING OUT THIS CAGE I’M BREAKING OUT THIS CAGE I’M BREAKING OUT THIS CAGE
I am forcefully and definitively liberating myself from this confinement

FAST FORWARD AND AM I FREE NOW I’M FREE NOW
In this moment, I have accelerated my journey towards freedom and now feel truly liberated

PUT YOU FE FE FE FEEET DOWN FREAK OUT
I command you to calm down and regain control of yourself

LET MY CHEST BREATHE OUT FEEL HOW THE LUNGS IN HALE, EXHALE PEACE NOW
I allow myself to relax and experience a sense of tranquility as I breathe deeply

BLUE VASE GO GETTER , GOAL SETTER SOUL SAVED, DROP THE VENDATTA
I possess a strong determination to achieve my goals and have found inner salvation, letting go of any grudges

SAID I’D NEVER MAKE IT CAN’T TRACE THIS FAKE THIS ALWAYS GONNA MISS IF YOU’RE AIMLESS TAKE TWO LET ME ACE THIS
Despite doubters saying I would fail, I have proven them wrong and excel at what I do

1BC PLACE NOT VACANT SOME TOOK THE MONEY I WAITED
I patiently held my ground while others made quick profits, knowing that my time will come

JUMPED THE BAR THEN I RAISED IT
I surpassed the standard expectations and then set even higher standards

PAID MY DUES DEJAVU AM I THE FOOL
I have paid my dues and wonder if I am being deceived by experiencing a recurring situation

DON’T LET YOUR DREAMS DIE OUT IN THE DAY LIGHT WON’T LIVE MY LIFE IN THE SHADOWS
I urge you to preserve and pursue your dreams even in the face of challenges, as I refuse to live in obscurity

AND IF THERE’S NO WRONG WAY YOU CAN DO RIGHT THEN I WON’T LIVE MY LIFE IN THE SHADOWS
If there is no way to do something wrong and still do it right, I choose to live boldly instead of hiding

Lyrics © TUNECORE INC
Written by: Chris Greenwood

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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TRACKS