Raised in Washington, D.C., Meshell Suhaila Bashir Shakur (as she became known) adopted the surname Ndegéocello, which means "free like a bird", while still in her teens. She has been hailed in the music press as a redeemer of soul music. Her music incorporates funk, soul, hip-hop, reggae, rock and jazz. She has been nominated for 9 Grammys. She has frequently toured with Lilith Fair.
Ndegeocello honed her chops on the D.C. Go-go circuit in the late 1980s before venturing out as a solo artist. She emerged as a recording artist in 1993 on Maverick Records/Sire Records with her debut, Plantation Lullabies. This recording presented a distinctly androgynous persona. Her music has been featured in a number of film soundtracks including How Stella Got Her Groove Back and Batman and Robin. She has also appeared on recordings by Basement Jaxx and The Blind Boys of Alabama, among others. Her biggest hit is a duet with John Cougar Mellencamp, a cover version of Van Morrison's Wild Night, which reached #3 on the Billboard charts.
Her singles If That's Your Boyfriend (He Wasn't Last Night), Leviticus: Faggot, and her cover of Bill Withers Who Is He and What Is He To You? have all charted in the Billboard top 20. She sang background vocals on the song I'd Rather be Your Lover by Madonna, on her album Bedtime Stories. She also sang with Chaka Khan on the single Never Miss the Water, as well as providing her typical solid bass skills.
Sites: YouTube, Deezer, SoundCloud, Wikipedia, Discogs, MusicBrainz, Twitter and Google+
GOD.FEAR.MONEY
Me'Shell Ndegéocello Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
God shinin' the light
He just turned on the spotlight
Yo, check it
The devil
Put you on display
Yeah
I used to believe
Everything I read
& see on tv
I was way down for the revolution
Until I found out
It was contingent upon some
Corporate sponsorship
And if Jesus was alive today
He'd be incarcerated
With the rest of the brothers
While uh
The devil would have a great apartment
On the upper east side
Be a guest v.j.
On total request live
God, fear and money
Make the world go 'round and 'round
God, fear and money
I say god, fear and money
Make the world go 'round and 'round
God, fear and money
Yes you do, Lord
I say Mary don't you weep
Mary don't you moan
Lord have mercy
Come carry me home
And my brother up in heaven
Hallow by thy name
And if you truly are the Shepherd
Why do they want, destroy
Slaughter all in your name?
Tell me
God, fear and money
Make the world go 'round and 'round
God, fear and money
Yes you do
God, fear and money
Make the world go 'round and 'round
God, fear and money
God, fear and money
Make the world go 'round and 'round
God, fear and money
Walk the walk
If you gonna talk that talk
Politicians...
God, fear and money
The devil's work is never done
God
The devil's work is never done
The devil's work is never done
God
The devil's work is never done
The devil's work is never done
Free yourself from the chains
Of envy
The devil's work is never done
Yeah
God, fear and money.
The song "GOD.FEAR.MONEY" by Me'Shell Ndegéocello is a commentary on the power dynamics and politics that exist between the church, government, and corporations. The lyrics are open to multiple interpretations, but one way to look at them is as a criticism of how religion, fear, and greed are used to control and manipulate people. The lyrics begin by referencing God and the devil, with God "shinin' the light" and the devil "putting you on display." This juxtaposition sets up the rest of the song, which explores how the three themes of God, fear, and money interact to influence society.
The lyricist questions the efficacy of the "revolution" that they had previously believed in, realizing that it was influenced by corporate interests. The mention of Jesus being "incarcerated" is a nod to the historical oppression of people who challenged the status quo. The next verse alludes to the hypocrisy of those who claim to follow God but commit heinous acts of violence in His name. The lyricist asks why this is allowed to happen if God truly is a shepherd, and how religion can be used to justify atrocities.
The chorus repeats the trio of God, fear, and money, emphasizing how they are interconnected and influence the world around us. The verses that follow offer commentary on the social and political issues of the time, calling out politicians who talk a good game but do not follow through, and urging people to free themselves from the chains of envy.
Overall, the song is a critique of the power structures that exist in society, highlighting how religion and fear can be used to maintain the status quo, while corporations profit off of it. It encourages listeners to think critically about the systems that govern our lives and to strive for freedom and justice.
Line by Line Meaning
God shinin' the light
Drawing attention to the spotlight being turned on God and what he represents.
He just turned on the spotlight
Suggesting that God has just made himself known and wants to be recognized.
Yo, check it
Calling for attention and drawing focus to what is going to be said next.
The devil
Suggesting that the devil is a vivid presence who is always watching and looking for opportunities.
Put you on display
Referring to how the devil likes to make mistakes and wrong doings noticeable to others in order to shame you.
I used to believe
A reflection on past beliefs and how they have since changed.
Everything I read
Referring to how people used to blindly believe in what was presented to them without much question.
& see on tv
Suggesting that television was a source of information and influence for people and their beliefs.
I was way down for the revolution
Talking about being very supportive of a movement for change and progress.
Until I found out
Reflecting a moment of realization or discovery for the artist.
It was contingent upon some
Revealing that the movement for change was not as pure and genuine as it was believed to be.
Corporate sponsorship
Referring to big businesses and companies who are believed to manipulate and control movements for their own gain.
And if Jesus was alive today
An imagined scenario suggesting that Jesus would not be accepted in society as he once was.
He'd be incarcerated
Referring to how he may be imprisoned or treated as an outcast for his beliefs in today's society.
With the rest of the brothers
Suggesting that Jesus would be in the same situation as others who are also incarcerated or persecuted for their beliefs.
While uh
A moment of hesitation or uncertainty before continuing to speak.
The devil would have a great apartment
An exaggerated comparison between Jesus and the devil, highlighting the devil's luxuries and worldly possessions.
On the upper east side
Referring to a wealthy and desirable neighbourhood, portraying the devil as someone who has everything they desire.
Be a guest v.j.
A guest video jockey, portraying the devil as someone who is well-known and liked on television for their personality and character.
On total request live
A well-known MTV show, portraying the devil as someone who is always in the public eye and a popular figure in society.
Make the world go 'round and 'round
Referring to how the presence of God, fear, and money are what keep the world moving and functioning as it is.
I say god, fear and money
An affirmation and repetition of the idea that God, fear, and money are vital aspects of the world and how it operates.
Yes you do, Lord
A moment of recognition and respect for God's place in the world.
Mary don't you weep
Referring to the traditional African American spiritual song and its lyrics, bringing up themes of hardship and perseverance.
Mary don't you moan
Suggesting that there should be strength in faith during difficult times, rather than despair.
Lord have mercy
An invocation for mercy and help during troubling times.
Come carry me home
A prayer to be taken to a better place, whether that be physically or spiritually.
And my brother up in heaven
Referring to others who are no longer on earth and instead reside in heaven with God.
Hallow by thy name
An invocation of God's name and a sign of respect and worship towards him.
Why do they want, destroy
Questioning why there is so much destruction and violence committed in the name of religion and spiritual beliefs.
Slaughter all in your name?
Highlighting how believers can commit atrocities in the name of God, despite teachings of love and compassion.
Walk the walk
A call to action, implying that talk is not enough and real change must be made.
If you gonna talk that talk
Suggesting that words and promises must be backed up by genuine action in order for change to occur.
Politicians...
A reference to those in positions of power and how they can often make empty promises or speak without real action behind it.
The devil's work is never done
Highlighting how the devil is an ever-present force which is always causing chaos and destruction.
Free yourself from the chains
Encouraging listeners to break free from a cycle of negativity and despair, and to take their own path and make positive changes in their own lives.
Of envy
Referring to how feelings of jealousy and envy can hold people back and prevent them from making positive changes.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: MESHELL NDEGEOCELLO
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind