E.T.
OutKast Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Peep what I say
Everyday the sun sets just like clockwork
To put the Glock to work
And putting the body to standstills
Man, it kills me
Taking that life is like taking a shit
Hit or miss, niggas are playing God
Trying to rob and steal
That's why ya gotta guard your grill
Like a barbecue 'cause them harming you
Are just like honeybees swarming you
Vocally arming you was my responsibility
It's killing me thinking that all these niggas see they flauging
Thinking they Steven Seagal and balling
Falling to the wayside when ya try to call, I've fallen
When we was little nappy headed niggas in the projects
But now they carjacks, wait on income tax and unsafe sex
Still yet they tend to flex like solo for tha lo-lo
Smoke same thing no-no, not this time
Niggas around my way can rhyme
So fuck that country shit we done a bunch of shit
And yes ya heard of this out of this world like E.T
Coming across your T.V
Extraterrestrial straight from ATL (know what I'm sayin'?)

Out of this world
Are you alien?
Out of this world
Are you alien?
Out of this world
Are you alien?
Out of this world

Right now I'm smiling, taking advantage of this moment
'Cause there might not be another soon
Holding on to memories like roller coaster handle bars
Tightly 'cause I'm slightly off my rocker
But to you, I may appear to be your average Joe
But little do you know that even Joe got problems that he gots to joust with
Floating in this game of life despite how out of place you may feel
In this race, oh, you just can't quit
Ain't that a bitch that be in heat
I'm on the beat like cops
Only cultivate the stable dirt when I skeet my drops
No concentrating knocking other niggas out the box
Why? 'Cause in a sense see we all be kind of fly
Just can't be scared to spread your wings, head to better things
Maybe the mockingbird and nightingale they want to sing
Keeping this thing alive, to the table's what we bring
We like hailstorms and blizzards in the middle of the spring
Extraterrestrial

Out of this world
Are you alien?
Out of this world
Are you alien?
Out of this world




Are you alien?
Out of this world

Overall Meaning

In the song "E.T.", Outkast explores themes of violence, mortality, and the struggle to maintain a sense of self in a world that can feel alien. The lyrics describe the daily realities of life in the rapper's hometown of Atlanta, where gun violence and crime are rampant. The chorus, "Out of this world, are you alien?" asks whether there is a way to survive in such a world without losing touch with one's own humanity.


The first verse describes the cycle of violence that plagues the community. The singer compares taking a life to taking a shit – something that is all too commonplace and mundane. He also notes the existential crisis that comes with the realization that "niggas are playing God" by attempting to rob and steal. The lyric "gotta guard ya grill like a barbecue" is a reference to protecting oneself from harm, while "them harming you are just like honeybees swarming you" paints a vivid picture of the relentless nature of violence.


The second verse takes a more introspective tone, with the singer reflecting on his own struggles with mental health and identity. Though he may appear to be an "average Joe", he is dealing with his own problems and anxieties. The lyric "floating in this game of life despite how out of place you may feel" speaks to the universal struggle to find meaning and purpose in life, even in the face of adversity. Ultimately, whether or not the singer is an extraterrestrial, the question of what it means to be human in a brutal, chaotic world remains at the heart of the song.


Line by Line Meaning

Peep what I say
Listen to what I'm about to say


Everyday the sun sets just like clockwork
The sun sets everyday without fail


To put the Glock to work
To use a gun to kill someone


And putting the body to standstills
Killing someone brings their body to a standstill


Man it kills me
It saddens me


Taking that life is like taking a shit
Killing someone is as easy as taking a dump


Hit or miss, niggas are playing God
Killing someone is like playing God, but with uncertain outcomes


Trying to rob and steal
Attempting to steal from others


That's why ya gotta guard ya grill
You need to protect yourself


Like a barbecue cause them harming you
People who want to cause you harm are like bees at a cookout


Are just like honeybees swarming you
People who want to harm you will come at you in a group


Vocally arming you was my responsibility
As a rapper, it was my duty to provide you with knowledge and opinions


It's killing me thinking that all these niggas see they flauging
It upsets me that many people are pretending to be something they're not


Thinking they Steven Seagal and balling
Thinking they are tough and successful like Steven Seagal


Falling to the wayside when ya try to call, I've fallen
When people try to reach out to me, I may not always be available


When we was little nappy headed niggas in the projects
When we were young poor kids living in public housing


But now they carjacks, wait on income tax and unsafe sex
Now they commit car theft, wait for tax refunds, and have unprotected sex


Still yet they tend to flex like solo for tha lo-lo
Despite their struggles, they still like to show off their possessions


Smoke same thing no-no, not this time
Using the same drugs as before, but with different consequences


Niggas around my way can rhyme
People in my neighborhood are talented rappers


So fuck that country shit we done a bunch of shit
We have accomplished a lot and moved beyond our humble country roots


And yes ya heard of this out of this world like E.T
Our music has become famous and otherworldly like the character E.T.


Coming across ya T.V
Our music is on television for everyone to see


Extraterrestrial straight from ATL
Our music is otherworldly and comes from Atlanta


Right now I'm smiling, taking advantage of this moment
I'm happy and enjoying this current moment


Cause there might not be another soon
Because this happiness may not last


Holding on to memories like roller coaster handle bars
Holding onto memories tightly, like holding onto a roller coaster handlebar


Tightly cause I'm slightly off my rocker
Holding on tightly because I feel a little crazy


But to you I may appear to be your average Joe
To others, I may look like a normal person


But little do you know that even Joe got problems that he gots to joust with
Even normal people have struggles and battles to fight


Floating in this game of life despite how out of place you may feel
Trying to succeed and survive in life, even if you feel like you don't belong


In this race oh you just can't quit
In this competition, you can't give up


Ain't that a bitch that be in heat
It's frustrating like a female dog in heat


I'm on the beat like cops
I'm keeping up with the rhythm like a police officer


Only cultivate the stable dirt when I skeet my drops
I only focus on important things when I release my music


No concentrating knocking other niggas out the box
I'm not focused on competing or overtaking other rappers


Why? Cause in a sense see we all be kind of fly
Because we are all unique and special in our own way


Just can't be scared to spread your wings, head to better things
Don't be afraid to take risks and aim for a better future


Maybe the mockingbird and nightingale they want to sing
Even birds want to share their voice and be heard


Keeping this thing alive, to the table's what we bring
We keep this creative community alive and contribute to its growth


We like hailstorms and blizzards in the middle of the spring
We bring unexpected and powerful influence, like a storm in the middle of the season


Extraterrestrial
Otherworldly and unique


Out of this world
Something that is extraordinary and beyond the norm


Are you alien?
Are you different from what is typically known or understood?




Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Andre Benjamin, Antwan Patton, Erin Johnson

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comments from YouTube:

@janepatton8100

@@durterebelz
Adrenalines's leakin, hearts are beating, your life's a Rollercoaster speeding
What a thrill when you head over hills
In love with life, it's good fruit
just don't swallow the peels (pills)
Sometimes they digest (die just) before starting to live
What can I say
Life is worthy of a double entendre
Will going deep make these kids wander
When the goal is to make our kids wonder
Old heads All summer
Try their best to embrace the hip, becuz the falls comin
It's always been the same, they want us to stop our reign they hate we flooded the world with urban culture
Animals and black folks they put in the same boat, claiming we were two of a kind like they know us
Wait don't let it throw ya... rain, floods, animals, boats, two of a kind, Noah's the arc but slavery's the motive, or motif
We spit slick, you believe
without this, we concede
We couldn't grip the minds of the culture
Consider it the sugar to the medicine
The choir to the reverend
The promise of free medical to the veteran
It's all bait just to get'em in, we grab their minds then jettison outtadisworld like ATLiens.
Extraterrestrial, keep it sweat with no
Cholesterol

No harmful additives or preservatives y'all

🎶Outtadisworld, are you aliens🎶



@janepatton8100

Adrenalines's leakin, hearts are beating, your life's a Rollercoaster speeding
What a thrill when you head over hills
In love with life, it's good fruit
just don't swallow the peels (pills)
Sometimes they digest (die just) before starting to live
What can I say
Life is worthy of a double entendre
Will going deep make these kids wander
When the goal is to make our kids wonder
Old heads All summer
Try their best to embrace the hip, becuz the falls comin
It's always been the same, they want us to stop our reign they hate we flooded the world with urban culture
Animals and black folks they put in the same boat, claiming we were two of a kind like they know us
Wait don't let it throw ya... rain, floods, animals, boats, two of a kind, Noah's the arc but slavery's the motive, or motif
We spit slick, you believe
without this, we concede
We couldn't grip the minds of the culture
Consider it the sugar to the medicine
The choir to the reverend
The promise of free medical to the veteran
It's all bait just to get'em in, we grab their minds then jettison outtadisworld like ATLiens.
Extraterrestrial, keep it sweat with no
Cholesterol

No harmful additives or preservatives y'all

🎶Outtadisworld, are you aliens🎶



@janepatton8100

Adrenalines's leakin, hearts are beating, your life's a Rollercoaster speeding
What a thrill when you head over hills
In love with life, it's good fruit
just don't swallow the peels (pills)
Sometimes they digest (die just) before starting to live
What can I say... Life is worthy of a double entendre
Will going deep make these kids wander
When the goal is to make our kids wonder
Old heads all summer, try their best to embrace the hip, becuz the falls comin
It's always been the same, they want us to stop our reign, they hate we flooded the world with urban culture
Animals and black folks they put in the same boat, claiming we were two of a kind like they know us
Wait, don't let it throw ya... rain, floods, animals, boats, two of a kind, Noah's the arc but slavery's the motive, or motif
We spit slick, and you believe
Without this, we will concede
We couldn't grip the minds of the culture
Consider it the sugar to the medicine
The choir to the reverend
The promise of free medical to the veteran
It's all bait just to get'em in, we grab their minds then jettison outtadisworld like ATLiens.
Extraterrestrial, keep it sweat with no
Cholesterol

No harmful additives or preservatives y'all

🎶Outtadisworld, are you aliens🎶



@janepatton8100

Adrenalines's leakin, hearts are beating, your life's a Rollercoaster speeding
What a thrill when you head over hills
In love with life, it's good fruit
just don't swallow the peels (pills)
Sometimes they digest (die just) before starting to live
What can I say
Life is worthy of a double entendre
Will going deep make these kids wander
When the goal is to make our kids wonder
Old heads All summer
Try their best to embrace the hip, becuz the falls comin
It's always been the same, they want us to stop our reign they hate we flooded the world with urban culture
Animals and black folks they put in the same boat, claiming we were two of a kind like they know us
Wait don't let it throw ya... rain, floods, animals, boats, two of a kind, Noah's the arc but slavery's the motive, or motif
We spit slick, you believe
without this, we concede
We couldn't grip the minds of the culture
Consider it the sugar to the medicine
The choir to the reverend
The promise of free medical to the veteran
It's all bait just to get'em in, we grab their minds then jettison outtadisworld like ATLiens.
Extraterrestrial, keep it sweat with no
Cholesterol

No harmful additives or preservatives y'all

🎶Outtadisworld, are you aliens🎶



@janepatton8100

Adrenalines's leakin, hearts are beating, your life's a Rollercoaster speeding
What a thrill when you head over hills
In love with life, it's good fruit
just don't swallow the peels (pills)
Sometimes they digest (die just) before starting to live
What can I say
Life is worthy of a double entendre
Will going deep make these kids wander
When the goal is to make our kids wonder
Old heads All summer
Try their best to embrace the hip, becuz the falls comin
It's always been the same, they want us to stop our reign they hate we flooded the world with urban culture
Animals and black folks they put in the same boat, claiming we were two of a kind like they know us
Wait don't let it throw ya... rain, floods, animals, boats, two of a kind, Noah's the arc but slavery's the motive, or motif
We spit slick, you believe
without this, we concede
We couldn't grip the minds of the culture
Consider it the sugar to the medicine
The choir to the reverend
The promise of free medical to the veteran
It's all bait just to get'em in, we grab their minds then jettison outtadisworld like ATLiens.
Extraterrestrial, keep it sweat with no
Cholesterol

No harmful additives or preservatives y'all

🎶Outtadisworld, are you aliens🎶



@janepatton8100

The worth and dignity of a soul is measured by what it delights in! And delight/happiness is our highest desire.

Men have killed to have it. Kings have gone mad trying to find it. Wars have served it. Affairs have worshiped it. We all seek it.

Sadly, billions have died without discovering its secret... namely, that joy is not an it, but a He.

The Gospel is the good news that sinners can delight in a Holy God. It's the good news that all of our deepest desires are satisfied in the ONE who sent His Son to bring us to Him. .

God is so valuable and so satisfying that the most loving thing he could do for us is to make Himself gloriously indispensable. He is the only being in the universe for whom self-exaltation is the highest virtue.

Therefore, God's commitment to be glorified and our goal to be satisfied are not at odds but come to simultaneous consumation in the worship of His Son... who took upon Himself the Wrath that God had towards us in our sinful disregard of Him. A wrath that could never be appeased through man-made religion.

Jesus didn't die to turn the world into a paradise, he died so that we could stop seeking paradise in the world...

Temporal things such as beauty, popularity, money, sex, racial identity, gender reassignment... can never truly satisfy. BECAUSE WE WERE MADE FOR SO MUCH MORE!

We were made to gaze intently into the Eternal Beauty of a majestic King, Father, and God... meet Jesus the Christ.

Life is hard, God is good, Glory is coming

😊... Thanks for taking the time to read this comment.

May God bless you with all things necessary for life and goodness.

God Bless!



@janepatton8100

Adrenalines's leakin, hearts are beating, your life's a Rollercoaster speeding
What a thrill when you head over hills
In love with life, it's good fruit
just don't swallow the peels (pills)
Sometimes they digest (die just) before starting to live
What can I say
Life is worthy of a double entendre
Will going deep make these kids wander
When the goal is to make our kids wonder
Old heads All summer
Try their best to embrace the hip, becuz the falls comin
It's always been the same, they want us to stop our reign they hate we flooded the world with urban culture
Animals and black folks they put in the same boat, claiming we were two of a kind like they know us
Wait don't let it throw ya... rain, floods, animals, boats, two of a kind, Noah's the arc but slavery's the motive, or motif
We spit slick, you believe
without this, we concede
We couldn't grip the minds of the culture
Consider it the sugar to the medicine
The choir to the reverend
The promise of free medical to the veteran
It's all bait just to get'em in, we grab their minds then jettison outtadisworld like ATLiens.
Extraterrestrial, keep it sweat with no
Cholesterol

No harmful additives or preservatives y'all

🎶Outtadisworld, are you aliens🎶



@janepatton8100

Adrenalines's leakin, hearts are beating, your life's a Rollercoaster speeding
What a thrill when you head over hills
In love with life, it's good fruit
just don't swallow the peels (pills)
Sometimes they digest (die just) before starting to live
What can I say
Life is worthy of a double entendre
Will going deep make these kids wander
When the goal is to make our kids wonder
Old heads All summer
Try their best to embrace the hip, becuz the falls comin
It's always been the same, they want us to stop our reign they hate we flooded the world with urban culture
Animals and black folks they put in the same boat, claiming we were two of a kind like they know us
Wait don't let it throw ya... rain, floods, animals, boats, two of a kind, Noah's the arc but slavery's the motive, or motif
We spit slick, you believe
without this, we concede
We couldn't grip the minds of the culture
Consider it the sugar to the medicine
The choir to the reverend
The promise of free medical to the veteran
It's all bait just to get'em in, we grab their minds then jettison outtadisworld like ATLiens.
Extraterrestrial, keep it sweat with no
Cholesterol

No harmful additives or preservatives y'all

🎶Outtadisworld, are you aliens🎶



@janepatton8100

Adrenalines's leakin, hearts are beating, your life's a Rollercoaster speeding
What a thrill when you head over hills
In love with life, it's good fruit
just don't swallow the peels (pills)
Sometimes they digest (die just) before starting to live
What can I say
Life is worthy of a double entendre
Will going deep make these kids wander
When the goal is to make our kids wonder
Old heads All summer
Try their best to embrace the hip, becuz the falls comin
It's always been the same, they want us to stop our reign they hate we flooded the world with urban culture
Animals and black folks they put in the same boat, claiming we were two of a kind like they know us
Wait don't let it throw ya... rain, floods, animals, boats, two of a kind, Noah's the arc but slavery's the motive, or motif
We spit slick, you believe
without this, we concede
We couldn't grip the minds of the culture
Consider it the sugar to the medicine
The choir to the reverend
The promise of free medical to the veteran
It's all bait just to get'em in, we grab their minds then jettison outtadisworld like ATLiens.
Extraterrestrial, keep it sweat with no
Cholesterol

No harmful additives or preservatives y'all

🎶Outtadisworld, are you aliens🎶



All comments from YouTube:

@pablotores1647

Big Boi murdered this track . Amazing

@blackezi3

Big Boi killed it on this!!!

@ricerice566

I used one of Andre 3000's lines from this song as my grad quote. Lol, that's how much I respect Outkast.

@cwbyfan93

ricerice Holding onto memories like rollercoaster handles.. Class of ‘11 over here and now I’m feeling nostalgic lmao

@grimyboyp3549

What quote?

@Ty-wd9pz

You can't be scared to spread your wings..
Head to better things..
Maybe the mocking bird and Nightingale want to sing..
Keeping this thing alive to the tables what we bring..
We like hailstorm's and blizzard's the middle of the spring..

Those bars speak to my soul.

@petermckenziejr4125

Rice rice what bars u quoted

@youseehim_official

As soon as BIG BOI said Peep what I say… I knew this song was going to be a problem… Classic

@jhondoe2177

Outkast was ahead of there time. Love this track

@jarbon5

This song is one of the most amazing, most overlooked and underrated songs in hiphop! I was so on to this song when the album came out, and I opened a lot of eyes to how incredible this song is. Still, a lot of cats be just don't ain't feeling this song, and I understand the reason why, it doesn't have a beat. But to me, that, and some other things, make this one of the best tracks that I have ever heard. IMO, this is one of the best tracks that was ever produced in hiphop!

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