Retribution
Max Roach & Abbey Lincoln Lyrics

The lyrics of "Retribution" by Max Roach and Abbey Lincoln convey a strong sense of independence and self-reliance. The opening lines "Never was a child, Living life since I was ten" suggest that the singer has experienced hardships and struggles from a young age, forcing them to mature and grow up quickly. This sets the tone for the rest of the song, highlighting a sense of resilience and determination.

The lines "Heard every story told, Been everywhere but in" imply that the singer has been exposed to various narratives and experiences, possibly through their travels or encounters with different people. Despite this, they feel a sense of detachment or disconnection within themselves. It could be interpreted as feeling like an outsider or someone who has yet to discover their true identity and purpose.

The repetition of "Don't want no silver spoon, Ain't asking for the moon, Give me nothing, Don't want no favors done" emphasizes the singer's desire for independence and self-sufficiency. They don't want any handouts or preferential treatment. Instead, they urge for retribution to match their own contribution. This could be seen as a call for fairness and justice, wanting to be acknowledged and rewarded for their efforts and hard work.

The lines "No street that's paved with gold, Don't need no hand to hold, Hand me nothing, Don't want no sad song sung" further emphasize the singer's rejection of materialistic or sentimental desires. They recognize that life isn't always glamorous or easy, but they don't need any external validation or comfort. They emphasize the importance of actions matching consequences, seeking a fair and just retribution that reflects their own efforts and contributions.

In summary, the lyrics of "Retribution" convey themes of independence, resilience, and the pursuit of fairness. The singer expresses a strong desire for self-reliance, rejecting any form of privilege or assistance. They assert their right to be recognized and rewarded based on their own efforts and contributions, while acknowledging the complexities and hardships of life. Ultimately, they ask for retribution to match the contribution, valuing fairness and justice above all else.