Franti was part of the industrial punk band The Beatnigs with DJ Rono Tse, which released a self-titled LP, and an EP Television on Jello Biafra's Alternative Tentacles records. His next project, The Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy, found Franti continuing his collaboration with Tse, and working with jazz guitarist Charlie Hunter, and electronic musicians Mark Pistel (Consolidated) and Jack Dangers (Meat Beat Manifesto). The Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy wrote biting, progressive lyrics that railed against the injustice of the world and yearned for democratic reform, set to a fusion of industrial and hip hop. Their first album won acclaim for its social commentary, and they were chosen by U2 to open for their Zoo TV Tour.
Franti and the Disposable Heroes put together another record of music accompanying novelist William Burroughs' readings for an album entitled Spare Ass Annie and Other Tales. This album diverged greatly from the style of the band's previous work, as they were largely providing musical background and accompaniment to Burroughs' spoken readings from several of his books.
In 1994, Franti formed a new band called Spearhead. While he continued to create politically and socially conscious lyrics, Spearhead's music drew more from funk and soul than the industrial sound of his previous groups. Spearhead released their first album, Home, in September of 1994. Their follow up album Chocolate Supa Highway was released in March of 1997. It should be noted that these two albums were released under the band name "Spearhead", while the name on all subsequent albums would be "Michael Franti & Spearhead".
In 1999, Franti retreated from the major-label grind to explore his music and politics. He returned the following year as an organizer and cultural worker tied to the rising movements against the death penalty, the prison-industrial complex and corporate globalization, voicing his observations through his music.
Stay Human was released in 2000 on his own indie label, Boo Boo Wax and Six Degrees. The album's themes are justice and survival, touching on issues like media monopolization and incarceration.
Everyone Deserves Music was released in 2003. Franti composed many of the songs from his guitar and, like fellow 21st century cultural globalists Manu Chao and Ozomatli, continues to synthesize his eclectic influences. In a departure from the noise of the Beatnigs and Disposable Heroes, and the minimalism of early Spearhead, Franti's affirming lyrics are now set to appropriately swelling rock chords, while keeping a world-wise groove nodding towards reggae, dancehall, bossa nova, Afrobeat, and funk.
On July 25, 2006, Michael Franti & Spearhead released their new album, entitled Yell Fire!, inspired by Franti's trip to war-torn Baghdad, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip. Largely written during that trip and recorded in Jamaica, Yell Fire! contains contributions from Sly & Robby and has a more reggae-influenced vibe than previous work.
Michael Franti has been barefoot since 2000.
HEY HEY HEY
Michael Franti Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
When I wake up in the morning all I do is pray
For some guidance and protection on the streets today
And an answer to the questions I ask everyday
So tell me why do the birds that used to fly here
Tell me why do they come to die here
And all the kids that used to run here
Tell me why did they load their guns here
We were one heart no need to defend
I just wrap my arms around
Don't give up this song is for you
Hey, hey, hey, no matter how life is today
There's just one thing that I got to say
I won't let another moment slip away
I say hey, hey, hey no matter how life is today
There's just one thing that I got to say
I won't let another moment slip away
I hold on, I'm trying to hold on,
I hold on, hold on, hold on
From the tops of the buildings to the streets below
From the Wall Street banks to the empty homes
Between the lines of the people standing all in a row
There's a crack in the gutter where a flower grows
Reminding me that everything is possible
Yeah reminding me that nothing is impossible
You gotta live for the one that you love you know
You gotta love for the life that you live you know
Singin' hey, hey, hey no matter how life is today
There's just one thing that I got to say
I won't let another moment slip away
I say hey, hey, hey no matter how life is today
There's just one thing that I got to say
I won't let another moment slip away
I hold on, I'm trying to hold on,
I hold on, I'm trying to hold on
Until the morning comes again,
I will remain with you my friend
And we will ride until the sun,
Goes to the place where it begun
And we will live to laugh and cry another day
Don't let nobody ever tell you that it couldn't be done
Don't let nobody ever tell you that we couldn't be one
Don't let nobody ever tell you that it shouldn't be sung
Don't let nobody ever tell you you're the only one
Singin' hey, hey, hey no matter how life is today
There's just one thing that I got to say
I won't let another moment slip away
I say hey, hey, hey no matter how life is today
There's just one thing that I got to say
I won't let another moment slip away
Whoa oh oh oh, I hold on
Whoa oh oh oh, I hold on
Whoa oh oh oh, I'm just trying to hold on
Whoa oh oh oh, trying to hold on
Whoa oh oh oh, trying to hold on
I say hey, hey, hey no matter how life is today
There's just one thing that I got to say
I won't let another moment slip away
I say hey, hey, hey no matter how life is today
There's just one thing that I got to say
I won't let another moment slip away
I hold on, trying to hold on,
I hold on, hold on, hold on,
Hold on
I hold on
The lyrics of Michael Franti & Spearhead's song Hey Hey Hey reflect the personal struggles and observations of the singer as he navigates life's hardships and injustices. The opening lines express his need for guidance and protection as he faces the challenges of the day, asking for answers to the questions that weigh on him each day. The following lines paint a picture of a world in turmoil, with birds no longer flying, children loading guns, and buildings standing empty. In the face of these dark realities, the singer offers a message of hope and resilience, urging listeners not to let another moment slip away and to hold on through the tough times.
The chorus of the song is a repetition of the phrase "hey, hey, hey," which serves as a rallying cry for positivity and perseverance. The singer emphasizes that no matter how difficult life may be, there is always something worth holding onto and fighting for. The bridge of the song continues the theme of possibility and growth through adversity, describing a crack in the gutter where a flower grows as a symbol of hope and resilience.
Overall, the lyrics of Hey Hey Hey reflect the struggles and triumphs of the human experience, urging listeners to hold on to hope and love in even the darkest of times.
Line by Line Meaning
It's been a long time coming that I had to say
I have been holding back these thoughts for a while and need to express them
When I wake up in the morning all I do is pray
I pray for safety and guidance throughout the day
For some guidance and protection on the streets today
I am looking for safety and direction as I navigate the streets today
And an answer to the questions I ask everyday
I am searching for answers to the questions that I ask myself daily
So tell me why do the birds that used to fly here
Why have the birds disappeared from this area?
Tell me why do they come to die here
Why do the birds that still fly here end up dying?
And all the kids that used to run here
What has happened to the children who used to play here?
Tell me why did they load their guns here
Why have the children resorted to using guns in this area?
I remember, in the days when,
I recall a time when things were different
We were one heart no need to defend
We were united and didn't have to protect ourselves from each other
I just wrap my arms around
I long for the embrace of community
Don't give up this song is for you
This song is intended to inspire those who listen to it to keep fighting
From the tops of the buildings to the streets below
Every space is filled with people
From the Wall Street banks to the empty homes
Even the most affluent areas have their share of homelessness and poverty
Between the lines of the people standing all in a row
Even standing in a line, people have stories and struggles unique to them
There's a crack in the gutter where a flower grows
Even in bleak and dark spaces there is still potential for beauty and growth
Reminding me that everything is possible
The flower serves as a reminder that anything is achievable
Yeah reminding me that nothing is impossible
There is nothing outside the realm of possibility
You gotta live for the one that you love you know
We must live for those we care about
You gotta love for the life that you live you know
We must cherish the life that we have
Until the morning comes again, I will remain with you my friend
I will stay by your side until the day begins again
And we will ride until the sun, Goes to the place where it begun
We will keep going until the sun rises again where it used to start
And we will live to laugh and cry another day
We will continue to live and experience all emotions each new day
Don't let nobody ever tell you that it couldn't be done
Do not let anyone ever convince you that anything is unattainable
Don't let nobody ever tell you that we couldn't be one
Do not believe those who say that we cannot come together
Don't let nobody ever tell you that it shouldn't be sung
Do not let anyone convince you that you should not speak up
Don't let nobody ever tell you you're the only one
You are not alone and you matter
Whoa oh oh oh, I hold on
I am holding on tight
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: MICHAEL FRANTI
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@whisperingwind7730
Ahhh, I woke up singing this song!!! It gets me thru for sure!!! đđ»đ
I just saw Franti and Spearhead in Asheville, NC on 7/27/18 for the 2nd yr in a row!!! đ Woohooooo!!!!!
I kid u not when I say it will be one of the BEST times of ur life by going to one of his shows!!!
U don't want to miss it!!!
Sooo much FUN!!!! đđ»đ
Amazing man, soul, message, music đ¶
The entire place was feeling it, outside in the wind u could feel the high vibrations, it was incredible!!!
I had the honor of giving his BEAUTIFUL pregnant wife Sunflowers đ» after the show!!
I'm sooo very happy for them both, that they found each other and will be sharing a precious baby soon!!! đđ»đ€ Sooo excited!!!!!
Michael Franti is the BEST, The Shidizzle!!! His music changes hearts, changes lives!!! I should know I am one of many who has been touched...I'm so thankful for him and his music!!!! đ
Sooo much LOVE and RESPECT Michael~
ALWAYS SENDING U THE BEST!!!!
Thank U for playing again in Asheville!!!! đđ»đ
đŹđđ»đđđ»âđ»đ
@RiceHarvester
You and K'naan are the Bob Marley's of today. And i am so grateful to be alive in your hey day.
@NatIonality999
With today's music becoming increasingly about trivial issues like clubbing, drinking, and sex, Michael Franti continues to sing about what is really important. â„
@BillRealmanStella
Every time I hear this song it feels like it's saving my life.
@hazelxtaliahazelxtalia9975
U okay?
@urdad3608
Deez nuts
@laurenhey6623
Me 2! Love Michael.
@Icurious14u
Probably is....Sometimes its just that simple...a smile to someone who needs one...You never know what little positive energy we send out can do
@kristinadalcour1152
I just discovered this song! Love to you ALL my beautiful brothers and sisters! This is My World Here!Love it! Hold On Everyone.đ„°â€ïžđ
@monkeyalmonds
This song fills me with such joy, and i cry because i know somewhere this song is helping others who are going through a rough time in their lives. <3
@Gaiachi
This song, its lyrics, the way it has the power to move one is a true blessing to this world. It's definitely among the truly brilliant songs of our time!