Mr. Lif (born Jeffrey Haynes) is a Boston rapper who is currently signed to… Read Full Bio ↴Mr. Lif (born Jeffrey Haynes) is a Boston rapper who is currently signed to New York independent label Definitive Jux. Besides his solo career, Lif is also a member of the hip hop group The Perceptionists with long-time friends and collaborators Akrobatik and DJ Fakts One. Mr. Lif grew up in the neighbourhood of Brighton in Boston, MA. For two years he attended Colgate University, dropping out after becoming enamored with the hip hop music being produced at the time. He became a performer in 1994. In 2000 and 2001 he won the Kahlua Boston Music Awards for Outstanding Rap/Hip Hop Act. Mr. Lif's family ancestry is Barbadian, and his faith Rasta.

New Man Theme
Mr. Lif Lyrics

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Now this is my escape from many things on many levels
I couldn't settle the pedal these are words of a rebel
Come and dance with the devil in the bloody meadow
The ground is metal from the armor of a soldier's medal
I used to revel in the ways that were before me
Go to school get a job c'mon you know the usual story
I was 18 and just about to hit the college scene
On to Colgate, considered it prestigious and pristine

What I mean I was told that in life there's a goal
And this goal, those without it die unhappy and cold
Another unwritten code, a savage story that's told
By the media, the medium by which were controlled
It doesn't benefit the spirit or the soul so when I enrolled I went bold
Here's the list of things I wanted to know: MYSELF
And a list yet the jest professors are pissed tally up the classes I missed
But I did read books, opened up my mind, took a look within
Noticed hip hop was oozing through my skin
Cut my demo at the end of '94
After hustling to get loot, troopin' far and sleepin' on floors
Went to college as an athlete, was feedin' a fade
And came home as a dread who used his pen as a blade
Did I make the right decision; well my folks don't think so
I let them down I'm in my room I'm locking my door

(Hook)
New man
I'm black, strong, intelligent man you ain't steering me wrong
New man
I got heart, skill; follow my collar drop knowledge and build
New man
They can't hold me back, they can't hold me back

My once beloved room became hell; burning flesh is the smell
The temperature rose, my self esteem fell
In the morning I would rise to get some cereal
Then return to my torture quarters for my slaughtering burial
Paralyzed by the tears from my fathers eyes
Couldn't even raise my head to know the somber skies
Mom and I would sit and chat about me getting "back on track"
She'd leave, then I'd crawl into my lack of confidence trap
What a vicious format
The system sets parameters for livin'
By using tunnel vision funneled to the money system
Ads are dads, sitcoms are moms
Dollars are our legs and arms, and our heart is a bomb
Detonate if you hesitate to slave or matriculate
You'd better participate, survivals your interest rate
Financin' is Manson, hopes are held for ransom
Powers dance and sorrows the anthem
Well, let's return to this point in time where I'm
Standing next to my ex job's "Help wanted" sign, you'll find
My mind overflowin' with adrenalin and energy
I infuriated my enemy with my integrity
Essentially, if you want to work there, don't mention me
They'll cut in half your pay and punch your face as a penalty
I'm self empowered hit the showers, I'm on the road
I'm goin' to the club, I'm out my crib, I'm lockin' my door

(Hook)

Overall Meaning

In Mr. Lif's song "New Man Theme," the singer expresses his desire to escape societal norms and expectations. He initially planned to attend college like any other teenager, but he quickly became disillusioned with the "goal" that society had set for him. Instead, he wanted to learn more about himself and his passions, which happened to involve hip hop. He cut his demo and pursued his dreams, despite disappointing his parents and facing self-doubt.

As the song progresses, the singer becomes more confident in his new identity as a "black, strong, intelligent man" who can't be held back by society's expectations. He rejects the notion that success is defined by financial gain and instead advocates for self-empowerment and integrity.

The hook of the song repeats "New man" as a mantra, emphasizing the singer's newfound sense of self and his refusal to be constrained by societal expectations.

Line by Line Meaning

Now this is my escape from many things on many levels
This song and my music are my escape from the many challenges and hardships in my life on various levels.

I couldn't settle the pedal these are words of a rebel
I couldn't settle for mediocrity or conformity, so I rebel through my words and music.

Come and dance with the devil in the bloody meadow
I invite you to join me in the struggles of life, where things can get bloody and chaotic, but also where we can create something beautiful and meaningful.

The ground is metal from the armor of a soldier's medal
The ground is tough and unyielding like metal, as if it was fortified by the armor of soldiers who have fought and died for their cause.

I used to revel in the ways that were before me
I used to enjoy the conventional path that was laid out for me, such as going to school, getting a job, and living a conventional lifestyle.

Go to school get a job c'mon you know the usual story
The usual story in life for most people is to go to school, get a job, and follow the conventional path without questioning the status quo.

What I mean I was told that in life there's a goal
I was taught that there is a specific goal or destination to reach in order to be happy and successful in life.

By the media, the medium by which were controlled
The media controls our thoughts, beliefs, and actions by shaping the way we perceive the world and ourselves.

Here's the list of things I wanted to know: MYSELF
Instead of blindly following the conventional path, I wanted to learn more about myself, my passions, and my purpose in life.

Went to college as an athlete, was feedin' a fade
I went to college as an athlete, achieving success and recognition for my physical abilities and skills.

And came home as a dread who used his pen as a blade
After exploring my own identity and interests, I came back home as a different person who expressed myself through my music and lyrics, using my pen like a sword.

My once beloved room became hell; burning flesh is the smell
My room, which was once a safe haven for me, turned into a mental and emotional prison, where I suffered through anxiety, depression, and self-doubt.

The system sets parameters for livin'
The societal system restricts our choices and options for living, forcing us to follow a specific path and conform to certain norms and values.

Ads are dads, sitcoms are moms
The media and advertising shape and influence our perceptions of family roles and dynamics, with TV shows and commercials acting as substitutes for parents and caregivers.

Financin' is Manson, hopes are held for ransom
The financial system is like Charles Manson, holding our hopes and dreams hostage until we conform to its rules and demands.

Well, let's return to this point in time where I'm
Let's go back to a specific moment in my life where everything changed and I took control of my own destiny.

My mind overflowin' with adrenalin and energy
I was full of excitement, motivation, and passion to pursue my dreams and goals.

I infuriated my enemy with my integrity
I stood up for my values and principles, even if it meant going against those who opposed me or didn't share my views.

If you want to work there, don't mention me
If you want to work at a place where I used to work, don't tell them that you know me, because it might hurt your chances of getting hired or advancing in your career.

They'll cut in half your pay and punch your face as a penalty
The employers might retaliate against you for associating with me or not conforming to their standards, by reducing your pay and even physically harming you.

I'm self empowered hit the showers, I'm on the road
I am taking control of my life and pursuing my dreams, even if it means leaving behind a comfortable or safe environment, and facing new challenges along the way.

They can't hold me back, they can't hold me back
Nothing and no one can stop me from achieving my goals and living my life on my own terms, because I am strong, determined, and resilient.

Contributed by Austin C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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