Most notably Mr. Green and Sam Lipman-Stern's web series "Live from the Streets" has been picked up by VICE and is currently airing on their music channel Noisey. Green has performed at the Flagship Apple Store (Manhattan) and shared stages with the likes of Lee Scratch Perry and Black Thought of the Roots. Aaron currently resides in Brooklyn where he is actively composing and recording in the studio on his solo material, filming for his VICE web series and a collaborative album with Malik B of the Roots.
All Ima Need
Mr. Green Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
On the mental, don't want to depend on the ganja to keep
Calm and restful, I suck as Superman so quest for peace ain't
Flopping gentle, the kryptonite is being broken hearted,
Consequential, toll on my brain, drove me insane from shaking
Off my devils, trying new strains to numb the pain, they scraping
Off my petals, a rose damaged, trying to save myself,
Soundscape stripping away burdens to naked shell
Before the game became a popularity contest
The art of rhythmic talking like your deep and beyond debt
When going for broke meant more than getting shit off chest
Call it complex, wordplay's where the heart's at
When bull catches the eye, I gotta stay on target
Hard to market wordy puzzles for remedies
But honestly it's the only thing helping me find some inner peace
I love the ladies but they're not "all I need"
Dollars need making but that ain't "all I need"
Weed gives me relief but that ain't "all I need"
Just give me music and some peace and that is "all I need"
I love cars but that ain't "all I need"
Houses that's large ain't really "all I need"
Want to travel but I feel "all I need"
Is a chance for me to heal, that is "all I need"
Lashed out my aggression, been borderline too offensive
But also afraid to show the roots of my true depression
No voices in my head, but with myself, have conversations
Trying to tell myself every day, I'm worth saving
The thoughts hurt brain, confidence unreliable
When being yourself means being labeled maniacal
Touchy subjects, wish I had a Midas hold
Yet it helped in trying to keep striving til the vitals go
Wish my great abuela seen how much I have grown
And every bit of strength gained with each line I wrote
The devil tried to call for me but got the dial tone
For angel's in the underground shit on top his vile throne
I was asked to keep personal biz to myself
I said telling my stories is giving me the right help
If peeling layers on ya now makes you cry, recognize
It's just a taste of years of pain gained from life
That's why
I love the ladies but they're not "all I need"
Dollars need making but that ain't "all I need"
Weed gives me relief but that ain't "all I need"
Just give me music and some peace and that is "all I need"
I love cars but that ain't "all I need"
Houses that's large ain't really "all I need"
Want to travel but I feel "all I need"
Is a chance for me to heal, that is "all I need"
In Mr. Green's song "All Ima Need," the lyrics explore the artist's inner struggles and search for peace and contentment amidst the challenges of life. The opening lines express the stress and anticipation of waiting for something significant to happen, while also acknowledging the desire to find inner calm without relying solely on substances like marijuana. The reference to Superman and kryptonite symbolizes the weight of emotional pain and heartbreak that has taken a toll on the artist's mental state. The search for peace is likened to trying different strains of marijuana to numb the pain. Metaphorically, the artist sees himself as a damaged rose, seeking a way to save himself and strip away the burdens that have consumed him.
The song then delves into the artist's reflection on the music industry and the transformation it has undergone. He pines for a return to the days when the focus was on the art itself rather than becoming a popularity contest. The artist appreciates the complex wordplay and lyrics that expose emotions and struggles deeper than surface level. These puzzles provide a kind of remedy and help him find inner peace amidst the chaos. The chorus emphasizes that while there may be various distractions and desires in life, what truly fills the artist's soul is music and inner peace.
Moving forward, the lyrics touch upon the artist's personal struggles with aggression and depression. He admits to facing internal conversations and battles with himself, constantly trying to convince himself of his own worth and value. The artist acknowledges the fragile nature of his confidence, as being true to himself often leads to being labeled as "maniacal" or misunderstood. Despite these challenges, he finds solace and strength in music, acknowledging the growth he has experienced and the healing process that comes with it.
Overall, "All Ima Need" is a deeply introspective song that explores the artist's desire for peace, the challenges he faces within himself, and the healing power of music and self-expression.
Line by Line Meaning
Times are stressful, waiting for something monumental to climb
Living in challenging times, anticipating a significant achievement to strive for
On the mental, don't want to depend on the ganja to keep
Concerned about mental health, not relying on marijuana to find inner peace
Calm and restful, I suck as Superman so quest for peace ain't
Desiring serenity, acknowledging personal limitations in achieving complete peace
Flopping gentle, the kryptonite is being broken hearted
Feeling vulnerable and weak when experiencing heartbreak
Consequential, toll on my brain, drove me insane from shaking
Significant impact on mental well-being, causing distress and instability
Off my devils, trying new strains to numb the pain, they scraping
Attempting to escape emotional pain by experimenting with different solutions
Off my petals, a rose damaged, trying to save myself
Feeling damaged and attempting self-preservation, like a wounded rose
Soundscape stripping away burdens to naked shell
Through the power of music, releasing emotional burdens and becoming vulnerable
Let's bring it back before the days of who's signed next
Reflecting on a time when talent mattered more than competition in the music industry
Before the game became a popularity contest
Before music became solely focused on popularity rather than artistry
The art of rhythmic talking like your deep and beyond debt
Appreciating the art of rap that involves profound subjects and emotions
When going for broke meant more than getting shit off chest
Taking risks in pursuit of success had greater significance than expressing oneself
Call it complex, wordplay's where the heart's at
Acknowledging the complexity of clever wordplay in lyrics, which expresses true emotions
When bull catches the eye, I gotta stay on target
When distractions arise, staying focused on personal goals and aspirations
Hard to market wordy puzzles for remedies
Facing challenges in promoting intricate, introspective lyrics as a source of healing
But honestly it's the only thing helping me find some inner peace
Admitting that music is the only thing providing solace and tranquility
I love the ladies but they're not "all I need"
Expressing appreciation for women, but recognizing they are not the sole source of fulfillment
Dollars need making but that ain't "all I need"
Understanding the importance of financial stability, but realizing money alone does not bring happiness
Weed gives me relief but that ain't "all I need"
Acknowledging the temporary relief provided by marijuana, but understanding it is not a complete solution
Just give me music and some peace and that is "all I need"
Seeking comfort and tranquility through music, which is the ultimate necessity
I love cars but that ain't "all I need"
Enjoying cars, but recognizing they are not the ultimate source of fulfillment
Houses that's large ain't really "all I need"
Understanding that a large house does not bring true contentment
Want to travel but I feel "all I need"
Having a desire to explore the world, but realizing that it is not the solution to happiness
Is a chance for me to heal, that is "all I need"
Believing that an opportunity for personal healing is the essential requirement for fulfillment
Lashed out my aggression, been borderline too offensive
Expressing anger and frustration in an aggressive manner, sometimes pushing boundaries
But also afraid to show the roots of my true depression
Hiding the underlying causes of deep sadness and anxiety
No voices in my head, but with myself, have conversations
Not experiencing auditory hallucinations, but engaging in internal dialogues
Trying to tell myself every day, I'm worth saving
Struggling to remind oneself of personal value and the importance of self-preservation
The thoughts hurt brain, confidence unreliable
Negative thoughts cause mental anguish, leading to a lack of confidence
When being yourself means being labeled maniacal
Feeling judged and stigmatized when embracing one's true identity
Touchy subjects, wish I had a Midas hold
Sensitive topics, longing for the ability to effortlessly handle them
Yet it helped in trying to keep striving til the vitals go
Despite the difficulties, persevering and working towards success until the last breath
Wish my great abuela seen how much I have grown
Desiring for the deceased great-grandmother to witness personal growth and accomplishments
And every bit of strength gained with each line I wrote
Recognizing personal growth and resilience through the process of writing lyrics
The devil tried to call for me but got the dial tone
Resisting temptation and negative influences, leaving the devil unheard
For angel's in the underground shit on top his vile throne
Acknowledging talented individuals in the underground music scene who surpass mainstream artists
I was asked to keep personal biz to myself
Requested to keep personal affairs private
I said telling my stories is giving me the right help
Explaining that sharing personal experiences through music is beneficial and therapeutic
If peeling layers on ya now makes you cry, recognize
If revealing vulnerability in lyrics causes emotional response, understand
It's just a taste of years of pain gained from life
Suggesting that the emotional intensity experienced through lyrics is only a glimpse of a lifetime of pain
Lyrics © JELLYBEAN MUSIC GROUP, O/B/O DistroKid
Written by: Jarred Rivas
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@shaunesseyfruean
She's absolutely BREATHTAKING. Stunning Island Beauty <3
@stephanie1840
Songs like these are the ones that make you appreciate culture, people, connection, and of course reggae. Such a beautiful ray of diversity brought together by one song.
@RO-pg9hw
Visited Hawaii on one of my trips and listened to this son on local radio. Much love and respect for the Polynesian culture .
@J.Nworld
Oh to be close to your culture and know it as well as this, this song is wonderful to listen to lift up your mood or just remind you of your culture. 🇬🇺❤️
@goldberg4710
Kanaka maoli’s wya???
🇦🇺 Hawaiian Ancestors may be with you❗️ If you are having a bad day just pray to god to have one bettah one.
To all my Samoans Fa!🇼🇸
@crisco2111
Been in Texas oilfields for 18 years. I miss my home! Island boy forever! Chahwoooo
@retratosariel
This video is so well done, I really like it, I admire the Hawaiian and Polynesian culture, No doubt one of the most beautiful native cultures.
@marshymellow_gacha8748
Mahalo me ke aloha!
@unkotravi8513
Marshy Mellow _Gacha o
@jyoko5499
l haved a girl friend name miss jean