Disasters
Non-Prophets Lyrics


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While emcees were burning ism I earned degrees in journalism
Learning the system and about how freedom of speech is worth killing for
But watch what you say in all those interviews!
You're in limbo? WELL WE'RE IN LIMBO TOO!

Contact the dead to get advice from Anne Landers
Transmit personal problems like head lice in bandanas
The big man on campus has delusions of grandure
Doing a thesis on ebonics, unconsciously using poor grammar

Your mannerisms are suitable to cancer victims
How much opposition does it take for your stance or position
To dance to this rhythm? (you're jignorant, baby!)
Dance to this rhythm. (Go ahead, baby!)

Ah, forget it. It's actually accepted for rappers to have no ethics
Their albums would benefit if they put in half the effort
I attended candle light vigils for Matthew Sheppard
While you put out another "fuck you, faggot" record

That Ain't Right
I blame my hate mail on typographical errors
Correct the mispellings and then send out thank you notes for the love letters
Accept rejection when I get a return to sender
Reject acceptance when the girl's got an agenda

I've entered this Brave New World of true cowards
Talkin' 'bout, "No one goes to shows no more. They're too crowded."
So they stay home and burn shit
Then they say, "I downloaded your life off the net. Totally worth it."

It's 2003. Time to stop acting like assholes
It ain't about backpackers or cash flow
Fashionable afros, salon style dreds or frat clothes
And it ain't about these fuckin' loud mouths shoutin, "BATTLE!"

African medalions didn't sell platinum albums
That's part of the reason why you think hiphop died
It was here before you were. It'll be here in the future
Life's not a bitch, she's just sick of being personified

That Ain't Right
This household is filled with the half-deads
They've got a mouthfull of pills because they're crack heads
They shout that I'm ill, but they're doubtful of skill
With the type of stabbing that turns my back red

I don't blast lead, I write until my pen explodes
All over fashion dreds and your Echo clothes




I don't listen when they say, "Shit ain't ever gonna change,"
and they say I ain't got no soooooouuuuuul..

Overall Meaning

These lyrics are a commentary on the state of the rap industry and society in general. The first verse discusses the value of education and the importance of freedom of speech. The singer has earned a degree in journalism and understands the power and worth of speech, but is aware of the consequences that come with it. They caution against speaking too freely in interviews, aware of how loose lips can sink ships. The line "Watch what you say in all those interviews! You're in limbo? WELL WE'RE IN LIMBO TOO!" is a reference to the state of limbo in which the rapper finds themselves and their fellow artists.


The second verse of the song moves on to a general critique of society. The lines "Contact the dead to get advice from Anne Landers / Transmit personal problems like head lice in bandanas" speak to people's increasing reliance on technology rather than personal connections. The line "Their albums would benefit if they put in half the effort" speaks to the perceived decline in overall quality of the rap industry. The singer attended candlelight vigils for Matthew Sheppard, a young man who was murdered for being gay, and points out the hypocrisy of some rap artists who use homophobic slurs in their music.


The final verse is a call to action, urging people to stop acting like "assholes" and to move away from the superficial aspects of rap culture. The lines "It ain't about backpackers or cash flow / Fashionable afros, salon style dreds or frat clothes" criticize the focus on image and materialistic values in the industry. The reference to "African medallions" not selling platinum albums speaks to the disconnect between the true roots and purpose of rap music and its current commercialization.


Line by Line Meaning

While emcees were burning ism I earned degrees in journalism
I studied hard and earned a degree in journalism while other rappers were promoting divisive ideologies.


Learning the system and about how freedom of speech is worth killing for
I learned about the value of free speech and how important it is, even to the point of risking one's life for it.


But watch what you say in all those interviews!
Be careful about what you say in interviews, as it can have serious consequences.


You're in limbo? WELL WE'RE IN LIMBO TOO!
I understand the feeling of being stuck in between different situations, as I have experienced it myself.


Contact the dead to get advice from Anne Landers
It is pointless to seek advice from someone who is outdated or irrelevant, like asking a deceased advice columnist.


Transmit personal problems like head lice in bandanas
It is unwise to share personal problems too openly, as it can lead to social stigma or shame.


The big man on campus has delusions of grandure
People with power often overestimate their importance and have unrealistic expectations of themselves.


Doing a thesis on ebonics, unconsciously using poor grammar
It is ironic for someone to study a dialect of African American English while using poor grammar themselves.


Your mannerisms are suitable to cancer victims
Your behavior and attitude are negative and harmful, like how cancer affects people.


How much opposition does it take for your stance or position
Do you have enough conviction to stand up for your beliefs even when they are unpopular or challenged?


To dance to this rhythm? (you're jignorant, baby!)
Do you have the intellect and awareness to understand and appreciate this music, or are you ignorant?


Dance to this rhythm. (Go ahead, baby!)
Enjoy and dance to this music, even if it challenges you intellectually or socially.


Ah, forget it. It's actually accepted for rappers to have no ethics
Unfortunately, it has become commonplace for rappers to promote unethical behavior in their music.


Their albums would benefit if they put in half the effort
Rappers could improve the quality of their music by making more of an effort to write thoughtful and meaningful lyrics.


I attended candle light vigils for Matthew Sheppard
I showed solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community by attending a vigil for a victim of a hate crime.


While you put out another "fuck you, faggot" record
Other rappers continue to release music filled with homophobic and hateful language.


It's 2003. Time to stop acting like assholes
It is time for rappers to mature and stop promoting negative and harmful behavior in their music.


It ain't about backpackers or cash flow
True hip hop is not about commercial success or a specific subculture, but about artistic expression.


Fashionable afros, salon style dreds or frat clothes
One's appearance is not what defines true hip hop culture or authenticity.


And it ain't about these fuckin' loud mouths shoutin, "BATTLE!"
Hip hop is not simply about competition or proving oneself superior to others.


African medalions didn't sell platinum albums
Authentic and cultural expressions of hip hop, like African-inspired jewelry, do not typically achieve commercial success.


That's part of the reason why you think hiphop died
Narrow and commercialized notions of hip hop have contributed to the misconception that the genre is in decline or has lost its original vitality.


It was here before you were. It'll be here in the future
Hip hop has a rich history and will likely continue to have cultural significance in the future.


Life's not a bitch, she's just sick of being personified
The metaphorical representation of life as a woman who is mistreated and abused is tired and no longer relevant.


This household is filled with the half-deads
This environment is full of people who are emotionally or mentally dead and have lost their zest for life.


They've got a mouthfull of pills because they're crack heads
These people have turned to drugs to escape their problems or cope with their mental health issues.


They shout that I'm ill, but they're doubtful of skill
Others may criticize me, but they are not confident in their own abilities to create something meaningful or artistic.


With the type of stabbing that turns my back red
The criticism I receive can be harsh and cutting, like being stabbed in the back with a knife.


I don't blast lead, I write until my pen explodes
I do not resort to violence, but express myself through my writing until I am emotionally spent.


All over fashion dreds and your Echo clothes
My writing is everywhere, affecting even those who may have superficial or trendy style choices.


I don't listen when they say, "Shit ain't ever gonna change,"
I do not accept the status quo or believe change is impossible.


and they say I ain't got no soooooouuuuuul..
Others may question my authenticity or artistic worth, but I know my soul is embedded in my music.


That Ain't Right
This situation or behavior is morally incorrect and unjust.


I blame my hate mail on typographical errors
I find humor in the negative feedback I receive and attribute it to simple mistakes or oversights.


Correct the mispellings and then send out thank you notes for the love letters
I take the negative feedback I receive, correct any errors, and use it as motivation to improve while also appreciating the positive feedback I receive.


Accept rejection when I get a return to sender
I am okay with rejection and do not let it affect my sense of self-worth.


Reject acceptance when the girl's got an agenda
I am wary of others who may have hidden motivations or ulterior motives for accepting me or my work.


I've entered this Brave New World of true cowards
I have stepped into a new world full of those who lack courage or integrity.


Talkin' 'bout, "No one goes to shows no more. They're too crowded."
Some people use excuses to avoid attending shows or events, like claiming they are too crowded.


So they stay home and burn shit
These individuals opt to stay home and engage in destructive or negative behavior instead of engaging with the community.


Then they say, "I downloaded your life off the net. Totally worth it."
These people claim to have consumed and appreciated my work, but in reality, they have not engaged with it in a meaningful way.




Lyrics © EMI Music Publishing, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: STUART CRICHTON, ROBIN TAYLOR-FIRTH, ROB DAVIES, GEORGE EVELYN, CHRISTOPHER TOSNEY

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@chrisdickey4641

The Van full of Pakistans reference isn't racist you whole foods passerby.

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