Slave
Ms.D Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Watch your manners and behave
Obey to your master and remain to your cave
Moving like a tidal wave
Just prepare for the battle you will never be a slave
Now pay attention
It was an ordinary day of perfection
When people without a feeling took the power of the nation
With the hatred in their soul, iron weapons in their hands

Left behind responsibilities and gave people commands
And they believed it was their fault, nobody tell them who to blame
Yes, they believed it was their fault, it was a shame
Only the flower left to smell
To remind people and tell them
That life is something else than what is now
Citizens worked in crooked ways
They had no nights and days
Until they die they had to be slaves
And those who were born were slaves
Those who were born were slaves
Those who were born were slaves
Those who were born were slaves
Those who were born were slaves
Slaves
Slaves
Slaves
Slaves
Slaves
Slaves
Slaves
Slaves
Watch your manners and behave
Obey to your master and remain to your cave
Moving like a tidal wave
Just prepare for the battle you will never be a slave
And all of us
We lived in bubbles
Without my mouth I'm having zero troubles
I live to work and work to live I don't want to believe
That anyone would take my freedom in the kingdom
That they told me to live
(And whose the fault?)
It is your fault
And we must blame you by default
In my hands your head I want to hold
I know your heart is cold
I know your soul is sold
You have to know that our passion for freedom is hundred years old
And we will never be slaves
We will never be slaves
We will never be slaves
We will never be slaves
We will never be slaves
We will never be slaves
We will never be slaves
We will never be slaves
And if there's hope in your eyes they shoot you
And if there's song in your mouth they shoot you
And if there're dreams in your sleep they shoot you
And if there's will to survive they shoot you
And if there's hope in your eyes they shoot you
And if there's song in your mouth they shoot you
And if there're dreams in your sleep they shoot you
And if there's will to survive, well, could you?
Watch your manners and behave
Obey to your master and remain to your cave

Moving like a tidal wave
Just prepare for the battle you will never be a slave

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Ms.D's song "Slave" convey a powerful message about oppression, rebellion, and the yearning for freedom. The song's title, "Slave," represents a metaphorical state of being controlled and manipulated by those in power.

The first verse sets the tone by urging people to watch their manners and behave, emphasizing the need to comply with the demands of their masters and remain subservient in their caves. The mention of moving like a tidal wave suggests that the oppressed masses are gaining strength and momentum, preparing for a battle that will break their chains and ensure they will never be slaves again.

The second verse delves into the origins of the oppressive regime. It describes an ordinary day turned into one of perfection, marred by soulless people seizing power over the nation. These individuals wield iron weapons, symbolizing their ruthlessness and lack of empathy. As they shirked their responsibilities and issued commands, the people believed that it was their own fault, internalizing the shame and blame placed upon them.

The repetition of the phrase "Those who were born were slaves" reinforces the idea that the cycle of oppression continues, with new generations inheriting the burden of servitude. This repetition creates a sense of hopelessness and emphasizes the enduring nature of the struggle for freedom. The word "slaves" is repeated multiple times, almost like a chant, amplifying the significance of the word and the collective experience of the oppressed.

The third verse shifts focus to the perspective of the singer, who resides in a bubble where they have no troubles as long as they remain silent. The lyrics convey a frustration with the mindset of living only to work and surrendering one's freedom in the so-called kingdom. The blame for this loss of freedom is placed on those in power, and the singer expresses a desire to hold their head in their hands, exposing their cold hearts and sold souls.

The repeated assertion that "we will never be slaves" represents the collective defiance and determination of the people to break free from their oppressive chains. They refuse to be silenced, even in the face of violence. The lyrics paint a poignant picture of the consequences faced for showing any sign of hope, song, dreams, or a will to survive, as the oppressors respond with brutality.

Overall, "Slave" by Ms.D is a rallying cry against oppression and a declaration of the inherent human desire for freedom. The lyrics are a reminder that even in the darkest times, there is always a spark of resistance waiting to ignite a revolution.

Line by Line Meaning

Watch your manners and behave
Be careful of your actions and conduct yourself properly

Obey to your master and remain to your cave
Follow your authorities and stay confined to your limited existence

Moving like a tidal wave
Taking action with great force and impact

Just prepare for the battle you will never be a slave
Be ready to fight against oppression and refuse to be subjugated

Now pay attention
Listen closely and focus

It was an ordinary day of perfection
Everything seemed normal and flawless

When people without a feeling took the power of the nation
Emotionless individuals seized control of the country

With the hatred in their soul, iron weapons in their hands
Driven by deep resentment, armed with destructive force

Left behind responsibilities and gave people commands
Neglecting their duties, they imposed their authority on others

And they believed it was their fault, nobody tell them who to blame
They internalized guilt and refused to find the true culprits

Yes, they believed it was their fault, it was a shame
They carried the burden of responsibility, causing deep sorrow

Only the flower left to smell
The last remaining hope and beauty to cherish

To remind people and tell them
To serve as a reminder and deliver a message

That life is something else than what is now
Life should be different from its current state

Citizens worked in crooked ways
People engaged in deceitful and corrupt practices

They had no nights and days
They lacked rest and were constantly toiling

Until they die they had to be slaves
They were destined to be enslaved until their death

And those who were born were slaves
Even those who were born into this world were condemned to slavery

And all of us
Every one of us

We lived in bubbles
We existed in isolated and sheltered environments

Without my mouth I'm having zero troubles
Without expressing my opinions, I avoid facing any problems

I live to work and work to live I don't want to believe
I prioritize work over everything else and refuse to question

That anyone would take my freedom in the kingdom
That someone could strip away my liberty in this supposed utopia

(And whose the fault?)
(And who is to blame?)

It is your fault
You are responsible

And we must blame you by default
We have no choice but to assign blame to you automatically

In my hands your head I want to hold
I desire to possess control over your fate

I know your heart is cold
I understand that you lack compassion

I know your soul is sold
I am aware that you have given up your integrity

You have to know that our passion for freedom is hundred years old
You must understand that our desire for freedom has endured for a century

And we will never be slaves
We will forever resist being subjugated

And if there's hope in your eyes they shoot you
If you show any signs of hope, they will suppress you

And if there's song in your mouth they shoot you
If you express any melodies of liberation, they will silence you

And if there're dreams in your sleep they shoot you
If your dreams during slumber inspire freedom, they will eliminate you

And if there's will to survive they shoot you
If you possess a determination to survive, they will extinguish you

And if there's hope in your eyes they shoot you
If you show any signs of hope, they will suppress you

And if there's song in your mouth they shoot you
If you express any melodies of liberation, they will silence you

And if there're dreams in your sleep they shoot you
If your dreams during slumber inspire freedom, they will eliminate you

And if there's will to survive, well, could you?
And if you have the determination to survive, are you capable of doing so?

Watch your manners and behave
Be careful of your actions and conduct yourself properly

Obey to your master and remain to your cave
Follow your authorities and stay confined to your limited existence

Moving like a tidal wave
Taking action with great force and impact

Just prepare for the battle you will never be a slave
Be ready to fight against oppression and refuse to be subjugated

Lyrics © O/B/O DistroKid
Written by: Diamantis Adamantidis

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@bobryant9923

@@OM-ph9he I grew up in the only white family on our street and the most important thing that taught to me by my black brothers was that "you're not a n*****r because you're black, you're a n*****r because of how you act". What is your behavior showing?

I'm going to give references but you will refuse to accept them.

The percentage varies depending on which census you use but if you want some video proof, black intellectual, Dr. Thomas Sowell will enlighten you. He has multiple channels on YouTube.

If you're willing to do yourself a favor to learn real history by reading, historian Joel A. Rogers, author of the 1934 book 100 Amazing Facts About the Negro will give you complete proof.

In his essay, " 'The Known World' of Free Black Slaveholders," Thomas J. Pressly, using Woodson's statistics, calculated that 54 (or about 1 percent) of these black slave owners in 1830 owned between 20 and 84 slaves; 172 (about 4 percent) owned between 10 to 19 slaves; and 3,550 (about 94 percent) each owned between 1 and 9 slaves. Crucially, 42 percent owned just one slave.

Pressly also shows that the percentage of free black slave owners as the total number of free black heads of families was quite high in several states, namely 43 percent in South Carolina, 40 percent in Louisiana, 26 percent in Mississippi, 25 percent in Alabama and 20 percent in Georgia.

All comments from YouTube:

@rikuak2383

2y↑325

Not gonna lie, he sounds like detective void

@kingspike8458

2y↑5

Same voice actor most likely

@figurez5779

2y↑1

So do I!

@theaverageblueberry

2y↑1

@@figurez5779 proof?🤨🤨🤨

@figurez5779

2y↑2

@@theaverageblueberry uh, I said that because im agreeing with Riku

@checcmac8693

2y↑3

Who is detective void?

4 More Replies...

@harrysoutham3398

2y↑233

i belive this is also the tree where Django killed the three brothers in ‘Django Unchained’

@PicklebeanZarf

2y↑14

Fucking great scene

@cyaniderap721

Poetic justice

@cyaniderap721

Both in context of the movie and irl

@MatthewSparkman-bc9gq

32w

Well ones a movie that certainly not historically accurate, this is fairly accurate.

@ashleysmith9516

2y↑43

That has to be terrifying to work with

@curtissimmons2287

36w↑3

Yeah I would feel weird on set to play a slave smh while im on the land

@jawless7616

2y↑21

I grew up on what I thought was just a dairy farm. Turns out it was plantation in the past, I figured it out when the Texas historical society showed up and removed a shack and transported it to a museum. Obviously it wasn't a shack it was their slave courters. There was also a large Eastern cottonwood tree that hung over our driveway. I know now they also call those Poplar tress.

@andrique1

21w

I bet that land is haunted

@normaanderson6676

2y↑3

Strange fruit hanging from the poplar tree 🌳 🐑🐑🐑🐑🐑

@goofyahtack

2y↑84

It’s really depressing how bad America was those many years ago. We enslaved and killed Native Americans, then called them Indians and ruined their way of life. Then we go and enslave Africans (to be fair we never actually stole the people, it was other African tribes that fought them and took them into slavery) and discriminate both for years. It’s amazing how the natives still are friends with America, and even helped us in WW1 and WW2 (Navajo native code talkers)

@llama2852

2y↑23

and surprisingly,America isnt the worst compared to other places in current days. More slaves in the world now than ever

@bukhosonjica117

2y↑8

Still bought them though. I get you. A lot of other tribes sold off those that looked like them for trinkets. Libya is fucked up rn in the 21st century when it comes to the slaves trade due to certain parties deciding Gadaffi needed to die. I blame no one though. We move nonetheless

@johnevergreen8019

2y↑1

It’s still pretty bad

@somethingfunny208

2y↑9

I agree with all of this, but there is one thing I'd like to say.
(for prior clarification, I'm native) while it is true that we didn't choose to be called indians, it's never sat right with me how a lot of people refuse to call us that. From what I've seen, calling ourselves indians always felt like a way to take back the power, to turn a name born from confusion and sustained by prejudice into something positive.
likewise, the overuse of 'native american' and aversion to anything else almost feels like a denial of our freedom to choose the name we want, and the term itself seems as if it's implying that even though we were here first, the land isn't ours (which is true but nobody likes being reminded of it)

36 More Replies...

@PH_RB

44w

He sounded like he was very happy about the tragedies that were taking place at that time

@greaterdoggo5163

2y↑29

Damn

@tmpterrostone8337

2y↑2

This tree is just vibing

@rwstuart9272

2y↑11

As fucked up as it is, it hurts to say that without slavery the world wouldn't be what we have today. It makes me sick thinking of how many people suffered slavery for so long and only very recently in history we've changed it. Humanity is fucked up.

@magicman3163

2y↑6

I wish the USA never did slavery

@ezrazentor7725

2y↑2

@@magicman3163 it be like that

@controlman7490

38w↑2

Yes, it would. Humanity could've easily achieved the same level of technological development we have today without enslaving each other.

3 More Replies...

@AnthonyfukinMacias

51w↑1

Thats crazy its almost like Solomon was a real person

@Zaka_sama4393

2y↑16

Same thing with my ancestors burial grounds, after our defeats the sacred lands of our peoples were sold and alot of the burial grounds of great chiefs are on settler owned lands.

@somebodynow_6731

2y↑4

1 More Replies...

@elegancy8265

2y↑30

HOLY SHIT YOU DIDNT SAY "BUT" THANK YOU SO MUCH MY PRAYERS HAVE BEEN HEARDDDDD

@ididsomeunspeakablethingsa4899

2y↑1

It really bothers you huh next time wind is gonna bother you too

@elegancy8265

2y↑3

@@ididsomeunspeakablethingsa4899 it has bothered a bunch of people because it's very incorrect English and it sounds very idiotic to attempt a loop with a "but"

@cartersmom0629

21w

That scene that they hung him was a long scene. It was at least 4 minutes long, and it was so hard watching it

@nonyabiness4023

32w

I’m not surprised. I wonder so often how many trees are still standing with the blood of my ancestors! I know the energy was strong there!

@ReactionTherapyWithBiggClay

46w

THAT tree and including all the other ones that been used to hang slaves need to be cut down.
When I was in Texarkana there was this railroad track and next to it is a grave yard where slaves lay and by it is huge tree and it was used for hanging. Literally tuck away in the woods

@beamxs2016

Those tree are also found in south or north carolina nail salons

@Aether803

36w

This explains I had flashbacks😢

@miguelvidalmartinez9456

2y↑10

It's pretty ironic that "the land of free" was founded on slavery.

@KnuttyEntertainment

2y↑3

But it wasn’t.

@miguelvidalmartinez9456

2y↑5

@@KnuttyEntertainment No? Because I read that some 600,000 slaves were transported to US.

@KnuttyEntertainment

2y↑3

@@miguelvidalmartinez9456 You’ve added an extra 0, you mean 60k, not 600k. And I don’t think that’s a very applicable number either. Of the approximately 11 million Africans sold in the African slave trade, about 390k weee sent to the America. The other ~10.5 million or so went to other countries. Far more Africans were sent to Arabian countries. Of course, most of these slaves were bought and sold before the United States existed, the colonies only becoming independent from Britain in 1776, the war ending in 1783. Efforts to end slavery and the slave trade continued to happen starting during the war with individual states banning the practice. With the end of the war and the United States regime officially beginning in 1789 with the ratified constitution and inauguration of George Washington. Many more efforts to end slavery and the slave trade were then made in the following years, with all northern states abolishing it by 1805. By 1808 South Carolina was the only state to allow slavery. The slave trade finally being ended across the whole country by Jefferson in the same year, a mere 19 years into the country’s history. I couldn’t find the number of slaves sold during those 19 years, but I seriously doubt it’s anywhere close to 60,000.

@Ry_TSG

2y↑4

@@KnuttyEntertainment The slave trade wasn’t the worst problem, the issue is the millions of slaves who propped up the economy of the south and as a result, the north.

@magicman3163

Us Slavery lasted a human life time about 80 years

16 More Replies...

@kevinsocool18

2y↑21

Thanks for this knowledge?

@bruhbruhderson9595

You’re welcome white boyb

@jasonsmith2439

45w

I love that movie

@decim161

No doubt an important monument for new orleans of which the locals are very proud of and celebrate regularly

@pocketslpc

Why is this the longest did you know clip

@jimfleming3975

2y↑2

No it wasn't.
Charleston was the slave trading center.

@johnjames7289

2y↑1

The movie is based off a true story

@LexiDango

2y↑6

Isn’t that messed up

@magicman3163

Slaves were very expensive

@brunogrubb4425

2y↑1

@williamforster9015

2y↑2

Thank you for saying hanged instead of hung, peoples grammar really needs to improve

@llathrum

2y↑1

New Orleans was the second largest. Massachusetts had the largest slave market

@OM-ph9he

2y↑4

This is why FBA's deserve REPARATIONS.

@bobryant9923

From who? The 33% of free blacks that owned slaves in Louisiana?

@OM-ph9he

2y↑2

@@bobryant9923 No. From you, Bo. Also from the U.S. government who told you that 33% lie.

@bobryant9923

@@OM-ph9he FYI: I have proof that my 2nd great grandfather fought with the 72nd Infantry of Indiana to free your ass... You're welcome. In fact, you owe me for your freedom.

4 More Replies...

@vivelaresistance2526

Hmm so should Dr Bright nuke New Orleans detective void?

@justinhill6023

1y↑1

I cant wait till we get our revenge its over dew 🎉

@sammartain2454

What made them to do this

@gregcarlson8438

2y↑1

I wonder if the current slaves of North Korea will get as much recognition as the slaves of more than a century ago?

@ezrazentor7725

If you actually cared instead of drawing away from this tragedy you would uplift the other one

@gregcarlson8438

@@ezrazentor7725 I agree that you don’t care

@pHixiq

48w

When you want to sweep shit under the rug lmao

1 More Replies...

@beef2clutch449

2y↑1

Wait slavery ended

@hazemetz7896

2y↑5

America didn't release the last of its slaves until 1954. Imagine fighting for freedom in Europe in the 40's and it taking another decade to do the same at home.

@benimcool5070

PAUL DANO IN THIS MOVIE

@weigley7710

2y↑4

Is it weird I wanna visit it

@creeper326.

2y↑1

@s0.diviine

if ur white then no if ur black then yed

@weigley7710

@@s0.diviine oh I'm white but I don't wanna visit it bc I feel bad

@boostergold20

2y↑6

@@weigley7710 It depends why, not really on race. Going because you're interested in the history is okay no matter what race you are

@weigley7710

Holy shit it was satire I dont actually want answers

3 More Replies...

@hazemetz7896

2y↑2

America didn't release the last until 1954

@polpan3759

Sucks to be them

@thedawg8109

2y↑2

French?

@riothecat7696

Miss those times.

@baronwaffles391

Charleston was the slave market

@godkingbosssavage7877

49w

How tf do u know This ????

@Grumpy_Panda1001

2y↑5

And it's still pushed on every one of us people today that had absolutely nothing to do with slavery. Seems like a cop out and a way of getting attention.

@bukhosonjica117

2y↑3

I won’t assume your race but you didn’t which I fully agree with. Having said that how many families are extremely successful because of slavery and America has the largest economy on the world mainly due to slavery. Now who benefits the least from it? Descendants of slaves or everyone else?

@magicman3163

2y↑3

@@bukhosonjica117 no it doesn’t our current economy has nothing to do with slavery and it isn’t the biggest China is the biggest economy and US slavery was all agricultural based and private it didn’t build shit besides person profits that were mostly lost during the war and most people could not afford slaves

@haks7111

2y↑3

@@magicman3163 Theorically speaking, Asians had at least 5 times as much slaves and they didn't even care about race, and even in today's world there are child slave labor all over India and other third world countries.

@somebodynow_6731

2y↑1

@@bukhosonjica117 what does OPs race have to do with this?

5 More Replies...

@sonofyah8650

The big payback is here

@jonnymak1079

Did u know who owned the most slaves ???

@fernivore

So why aren't we tearing down the tree? We've destroyed plenty of statues that didn't actively participate in hangings

@Vigortic

Not the tree's fault

@fernivore

@@Vigortic yeah well it wasn't inanimate stone objects faults either

@Vigortic

@@fernivore exactly, what's your point..?

@ezrazentor7725

@@Vigortic slow brain

7 More Replies...

@myegotisticaura3778

U sound a lil too excited bro 😒

@_.J._.

2y↑1

Ah yes the based tree

@strawhatboy4360

Mordo?

@MinerKendra

Lets legalise slaves

@calebroman6426

Have you seen someone work from 9 to 5? Yup there you have it.

@brianwilson9501

Did you know that those wanting us divided finance atleast two movies showing the days of slavery just to make sure it stays fresh in everyone's minds that want to blame and hate orhers.......

@blackrecruitFlt

2y↑2

Or or we know our history for we can see how far we are progressing and moving forward

@ezrazentor7725

2y↑2

Wants us to stop talking about history so he can make us repeat it

1 More Replies...

@awphooey2u519

2y↑1

And that's one reason my city is haunted. As well as many houses.... the city itself seems to be cursed.

@johnbarron4843

2y↑1

Nice 👍🏼

@mikehawk320

Not so fun fact

@RoboLobster3000

Did you know that the majority of the free black population in New Orleans owned slaves, somewere family members but many were commercial slaves.

@ezrazentor7725

2y↑1

Did you know that's fucking cap

@bobryant9923

Yep, a fact they don't like to talk about. Not a majority but 33% is still staggering.

@truthorbounce

Why do you only show black slaves when all races have suffered under slavery... maybe not in the youngest country today(usa) but in a country nonetheless

@uqubs7

“Hanged”

Me:its hung-

@iTsBlue2

2y↑2

Republican wants this days back

@AerialEscape

Let’s not forget to very important points.. Number one is the slaves were sold to us by people of their own color.
Number two the north gave up their slaves far later than the south did.

@Mikael___

@@AerialEscape Nice that's great, it's good to know who your enemies are. If you hate me just know I hate you 1000 times more

@AerialEscape

@@Mikael___ Why would i hate you? See, thats the difference between guys like you and I. I have no reason to hate you, even though you may think black power is a good thing. Are we not allowed to love our own race without getting shade thrown at us from the other side? even if the other side is doing the exact same thing, but with a slightly lighter or darker shade of pale?... You lack critical thinking my guy. Stop letting your emotions rule your thought process.

7 More Replies...

@seangambone8534

2y↑2

A visceral part of history, one to remembered and acknowledged. Not supposed to be the foundation of an entire racial identity.

@somebodynow_6731

Facts

@ezrazentor7725

I get what your saying however its stupid when you forget that it was a major part of history
Also your racist

@seangambone8534

@@ezrazentor7725 okay

@stalwartteakettlepotato9879

2y↑1

Did you know in real life slavery, a slave lived in much better conditions then a lower working class person.

@ezrazentor7725

2y↑1

That's not true

@_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_

2y↑1

There was never a "good" slave owner

1 More Replies...

@Rising_Steel

My great grandpa was strung up onto that tree. Had it done to him after his own slaves hung him for refusing to set them free after traitor Abe made the compromise

@bobryant9923

Good

1 More Replies...

@sandman5679

It’s all fun and games till the plantation owners actors use method acting

@gyphryphobia

2y↑2

Murder only counts against humans. Can’t murder property.

@johannesisaksson7842

2y↑2

Only if you have no morals

@blackrecruitFlt

2y↑4

We have a badass edgelord

@gyphryphobia

@@blackrecruitFlt This was an extremely wholesome and light hearted poke at the mindset of individuals from that time era. Nothing edgy about it plebeian.

1 More Replies...

@rafaelpozo9962

America wooo!!

@hitokiridm

African.

@burnies7912

2y↑1

Good tree💪🏻

@somebodynow_6731

Wonder if this’ll go unrecognized

@burnies7912

@@somebodynow_6731 🤣 why something wrong 🤣

@johannesisaksson7842

2y↑2

👦good tree

@_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_

Wow so edgy

@somebodynow_6731

@@_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_ coming from someone with a name and pfp like that

2 More Replies...

@joshw8555

He he he ha

@zashe7861

2y↑1

It's not murder if it's legal

@johannesisaksson7842

2y↑1

If you have no morals

@johannesisaksson7842

@@zashe7861 Gays always had the moral high ground on conservatives, and they still do.

1 More Replies...

@Cyobrg_____

Oof

@JohnJones-ep7of

Why do these people keep trying to push this into the present ! It's the damn past .

@johannesisaksson7842

This is a short about a movie.

@ezrazentor7725

2y↑1

You can read right
That's you bringing the past into the present in order to move forward 🤡

@blvktonybeats

2y↑3

You must feel ashamed and want the whole thing covered up, so you can sleep peacefully at night.

1 More Replies...

@a-10brrrrrrrrrrr72

Did you know very few people care.

@hayabusa4uall

Wish I had that tree on my property
BLM
LMFAO 🤣

@senpai704

Correction they were enslaved africans

@diobrando7704

2y↑1

"I miss the old times"🧓🏻

@thelambsauce7307

@godsson2259

See that red sheet? Used to be All white!

@hazemetz7896

2y↑1

America didn't release the last of its slaves until 1954. Imagine fighting for freedom in Europe in the 40's and it taking another decade to do the same at home.