The Flow
Prince and the New Power Generation Lyrics
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Is it really important where I take my naps? (No)
Or who I sleep with? People with a real mind
Will peep this out (yo, out)
Then there goes your clout
Another fool don't know what she's talkin' about
Like the woman who tried to approach and attempt
To roast and even boast about (what?)
You never went to school as far as I know
And now you're tryin' to say that you're writing a bio about me? (Kick their ass)
Girl, I hate to say this, "Nigga please" (tell 'em)
I go places that you never go
Ask what I'm kickin', I'm kickin' the flow (yo)
Rock to the F-L-O-W (wait a minute, Minneapolis, Minneapolis)
Just like you're supposed to do (Minneapolis, Minneapolis)
Rock to the F-L-O-W (wait a minute, don't kill me please)
No, no, I ain't gonna kill you man (just like you're supposed to do)
Tony, shoot that piece of shit
Just give me the beat and something to flow on and before long
I have 'em bobbin' their jugheads to this funky song
Yeah, we're watching people scatter to the dance floor
Slammin' and shakin' their booties, screamin' yo T, give me more (more)
So more is what I give 'em
Npg's rockin' the track, yo tell me how we're livin' (livin' large, T)
You damn right, that's how it be (I see)
Gotta keep it that way so that 5-0 can't find me
And I'm sneakin' up the back of a pack of rats
They thought I was asleep, but I'm sayin' it ain't all that (no)
Yeah, not with a 9 fadin' my back
I don't hang with the hat pack (bang), yo, I'm runnin' silent, solo black
Sleek neat creepin' gangk peepin' (uh)
Known to put a damn fool to sleep wwho pulls a cheap one (whatcha do?)
That's when I change my speed and flow on
Then I start slippin' and skippin' and jumpin' around so much
I say bring it on
Rock to the F-L-O-W (wait a minute, Minneapolis, Minneapolis)
Just like you're supposed to do (Minneapolis, Minneapolis, too many neighbors)
Rock to the F-L-O-W (wait a minute, Minneapolis, Minneapolis)
Just like you're supposed to do (speak English)
(To the bridge)
Rock to the F-L-O-W
Just like you're supposed to do
Rock to the F-L-O-W
Just like you're supposed to do
Rock, rock, rock, rock
In "The Flow," Prince and the New Power Generation touch on the theme of contradiction and how it affects their lives. They suggest that people tend to focus too much on unnecessary details that have little bearing on who they are as individuals. They call out those who try to claim they know Prince personally, pointing out their lack of credibility and experience in his world. A bigger picture comes into focus as the song progresses, with Prince declaring that what truly matters is keeping the music flowing and the people dancing. The lyrics suggest that Prince is content to keep his secrets safe and out of reach, running silent and solo black, all while keeping the beat and the flow going.
"The Flow" has a playful, upbeat rhythm that invites the listener to move along with the lyrics. The chants of "rock to the F-L-O-W" reinforce the idea of keeping the party going, while the bright horns and punchy percussion drive the track forward. This song is a strong representation of Prince's versatility as a musician, displaying his ability to merge funk, R&B, and rock elements into a cohesive sound that gets the crowd moving. "The Flow" may not be one of Prince's most well-known tracks, but it remains a fun, feel-good tune that speaks to his ethos as an artist.
Line by Line Meaning
Contradiction, my prediction is that
I am about to speak on a confusing matter.
Is it really important where I take my naps? (No)
It doesn't really matter where I rest.
Or who I sleep with? People with a real mind
Intelligent people won't concern themselves with my relationships.
Will peep this out (yo, out)
They will understand what I mean.
Then there goes your clout
Your power and influence are diminished.
Another fool don't know what she's talkin' about
Someone else is spreading misinformation.
Like the woman who tried to approach and attempt
For example, there was this woman who approached me and tried to do something.
To roast and even boast about (what?)
She was trying to criticize and brag about me (but why bother?).
How she know me when, dmn, here we go again (what he say?)
Here we go again with someone claiming to know me (when they clearly don't).
You never went to school as far as I know
I don't think you finished your education.
And now you're tryin' to say that you're writing a bio about me? (Kick their ass)
And yet you claim to be writing a biography about me? That's ridiculous (and warrants an ass-kicking).
Girl, I hate to say this, "Nigga please" (tell 'em)
I'm sorry to say this, but no way (let them know).
I go places that you never go
I go to places you would never visit.
Ask what I'm kickin', I'm kickin' the flow (yo)
As for what I'm doing, I'm rapping expertly (listen up).
Just give me the beat and something to flow on and before long
When I have a good rhythm to follow, I can quickly create a great rap.
I have 'em bobbin' their jugheads to this funky song
People can't help but nod their heads to this groovy tune.
Yeah, we're watching people scatter to the dance floor
We're observing people run to the dance area.
Slammin' and shakin' their booties, screamin' yo T, give me more (more)
They are wildly dancing and shouting for me to perform more (and I will deliver).
So more is what I give 'em
I give them what they want.
Npg's rockin' the track, yo tell me how we're livin' (livin' large, T)
The New Power Generation is performing amazingly well, and we're living well too (yeah).
You damn right, that's how it be (I see)
Yes, that's how it is (I understand).
Gotta keep it that way so that 5-0 can't find me
We must maintain our success to avoid being caught by the police.
And I'm sneakin' up the back of a pack of rats
I'm carefully making my way towards a group of enemies.
They thought I was asleep, but I'm sayin' it ain't all that (no)
They thought I was ignorant, but I'm saying it's not as simple as that (negative).
Yeah, not with a 9 fadin' my back
It's not easy when someone has a gun aimed at my back.
I don't hang with the hat pack (bang), yo, I'm runnin' silent, solo black
I don't associate with those dangerous people (bang). I'm quietly leaving on my own (solo black).
Sleek neat creepin' gangk peepin' (uh)
I'm skillfully and quietly sneaking around while watching and analyzing the situation.
Known to put a damn fool to sleep wwho pulls a cheap one (whatcha do?)
I'm known to easily knock out anyone trying to cheat me (what can you do?).
That's when I change my speed and flow on
That's when I switch up my style and tactics.
Then I start slippin' and skippin' and jumpin' around so much
I start moving unpredictably and evasively.
I say bring it on
I'm not afraid to face any challenge.
Speak English
Addressing someone who isn't communicating clearly in English.
Rock to the F-L-O-W
Continue dancing to the rhythm of the song (F-L-O-W).
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Prince Rogers Nelson, Rosie Gaines, Tom Mosley
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind