Auditorium w/ The Ruler
Mos Def Lyrics

The way I feel sometimes its too hard to sit still
Sometimes I'm so passionate that it's hard for me to be calm and still.

Things are so passionate times are so real
Everything is so real and authentic that it ignites my passion.

Sometimes I try an chill mellow down blowin smoke
Sometimes I attempt to relax and calm down by smoking.

Smile on my face but its really no joke
I may seem happy, but the situation is serious.

You feel it in the streets people breathe without hope
People are hopeless and defeated, and you can see and feel it in the streets.

They goin' through the motion, they dimmin' down they focus
People are just going through the motions of life, losing their focus and drive.

The focus gettin' clear and the light turn sharp
Despite the loss of focus, the situation is becoming clearer and more focused.

And the eyes go teary, the mind grow weary
This realization can be overwhelming and exhausting.

I speak it so clearly sometimes ya don't hear me
I speak about the situation clearly, but people may not listen or understand.

I push it past the bass no nations gotta feel me
My music speaks louder than the bass, and is not limited to any particular nation or group.

I feel it in my bones, black, I'm so wide awake
I feel the situation deeply and intensely, and it keeps me wide awake.

That I hardly ever sleep, my flows forever deep
I rarely sleep because I am constantly thinking and creating profound music.

And its volumes or scriptures when I breath on a beat
My music is like sacred scriptures, expressing deep truths and emotions.

My presence speak volumes before I say a word
My presence and reputation as an artist say a lot about me before I even perform or speak.

I'm every where penthouse pavement and curb
I can be found in every place, from the fanciest penthouse to the most destitute curb.

Cradle to the grave tall lead you onna shell
My music accompanies people throughout their entire lives, leading them forward and empowering them.

Universal ghetto life holla black you know it well
This is a universal experience, particularly for those who grew up in the ghetto.

Quiet storm vital form pen pushed it right across
My music is like a quiet storm, but it has a vital, important message.

Mind is a vital force, high level right across
Our minds are powerful, and we have a lot of potential to create positive change and make an impact.

Shoulders the lions raw voice is the siren
I am carrying heavy responsibilities and speaking out boldly, like a lion's roar or a warning siren.

I swing round ring out and bring down the tyrant
I am using my voice and influence to take down oppressive systems and people in power.

Shocked a small act could knock a giant lopsided
Small acts of resistance can have a big impact on those in power, even if it seems unlikely.

The world is so dangerous there's no need for fightin'
The world is already full of danger and conflict, so we don't need to create more by fighting amongst ourselves.

Suttins tryna hide like the struggle won't find 'em
Some people are trying to hide from the struggle and its impact, but it will eventually catch up with them.

And the sun bust through the clouds to clearly remind him
Sometimes a moment of clarity can break through the clouds of confusion and remind us of the truth.

Buying apples I'm breakin' on
Even when doing a simple task like buying apples, I am still deep in thought about the state of the world and the struggle.

You take everything why not just take the damn food like
People are taking everything, so why not just take the food too? It's a reflection of desperation and despair.

I don't understand it, on another planet?
The situation seems so otherworldly and strange that it's hard to comprehend.

Fifty months of this stuff how I'm gunna manage?
The situation has been going on for so long that it's hard to see a way out or make sense of it.

And increasing the sentiment gentlemen
Despite the negative situation, we can still strive to be good, decent people.

Gettin' down on that middle eastern instruments
Celebrating the culture and music of the Middle East, which is often underrepresented and misunderstood.

Realized trappin' is crap
I have come to the realization that hustling and selling drugs is not a productive or fulfilling way to live.

Walk over kicked one of my fabulous raps (la dee da dee)
Even in the midst of danger and uncertainty, I am still confident and proud of my music and creative abilities.

Arab pure drop it well wished they Glad Wrap
Sharing my music with a different culture or language can be difficult, but I hope it can still be appreciated and enjoyed.

Now the kid considered like an Elvis of Baghdad
My music has reached people even in dangerous parts of the world, and I am proud to have made an impact.