Louder Than a Bomb
Public Enemy Lyrics


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This style seems wild
Wait before you treat me like a stepchild
Let me tell you why they got me on file
'Cause I give you what you lack
Come right and exact
Our status is the saddest
So I care where you at, black
And at home I got a call from Tony Rome
The FBI was tappin' my telephone
I never live alone
I never walk alone
My posses always ready, and they're waitin' in my zone
Although I live the life that of a resident
But I be knowin' the scheme that of the president
Tappin' my phone whose crews abused
I stand accused of doing harm
'Cause I'm louder than a bomb
Come on come on louder

I am the rock hard trooper
To the bone, the bone, the bone
Full grown, consider me, stone
Once again and
I say it for you to know
The troop is always ready, I yell 'geronimo'
Your CIA, you see I ain't kiddin'
Both King and X they got ridda' both
A story untold, true, but unknown
Professor Griff knows
"I ain't no toast"
And not the braggin' or boastin' and plus
It ain't no secret why they're tappin' my phone, although
I can't keep it a secret
So I decided to kick it, yo
And yes it weighs a ton
I say it once again
I'm called the enemy, I'll never be a friend
Of those with closed minds, don't know I'm rapid
The way that I rap it
Is makin' 'em tap it, yeah
Never servin 'em well, 'cause I'm an un-Tom
It's no secret at all
Cause I'm louder than a bomb

Cold holdin' the load
The burden breakin' the mold
I ain't lyin' denyin', 'cause they're checkin' my code
Am I buggin' 'cause they're buggin' my phone, for information
No tellin' who's sellin' out, power buildin' the nation so,
Joinin' the set, the point blank target
Every brothers inside, so least not, you forget, no
Takin' the blame is not a waste, here taste
A bit of the song so you can never be wrong
Just a bit of advice, 'cause we be payin' the price
'Cause every brother mans life
Is like swingin' the dice, right?
Here it is, once again this is
The brother to brother
The Terminator, the cutter

Goin' on an' on, leave alone the grown
Get it straight in '88, an' I'll troop it to demonstrate
The posse always ready, 98 at 98
My posse come quick, because my posse got velocity
Tappin' my phone, they never leave me alone
I'm even lethal when I'm unarmed
'Cause I'm louder than a bomb

'Cause the D is for dangerous
You can come and get some of this
I teach and speak
So when its spoke, it's no joke
The voice of choice
The place shakes with bass
Called one for the treble
The rhythm is the rebel
Here's a funky rhyme that they're tappin' on
Just thinkin' I'm breakin' the beats I'm rappin' on
Cia FBI
All they tell us is lies




And when I say it they get alarmed
'Cause I'm louder than a bomb

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Public Enemy's song Louder Than a Bomb revolve around the idea of overcoming oppression and getting one's voice heard. The song starts strong with the singer stating that they are misunderstood and unjustly treated. They go on to explain that their phone is being bugged by the FBI and that they are under constant surveillance. Despite the oppression, the singer is hopeful and tries to inspire others to join them in standing up against the status quo. The song ends with a call to action and a reminder that the singer and their posse are louder than any bomb that could be dropped.


The first verse of the song highlights the fact that the singer has been labeled a troublemaker and is being monitored. This idea of being misunderstood and singled out is a common theme in much of Public Enemy's music. It is also significant that the singer mentions that their status is "the saddest" because this is a direct reference to the Black community's struggle for equality and the systemic oppression that they faced.


The second verse delves deeper into the idea of the government being the enemy and explores the consequences of speaking out against those in power. The singer namechecks Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X as examples of activists who were silenced. Professor Griff's line, "I ain't no toast," has been interpreted as a reference to his controversial comments about Jewish people that led to his dismissal from the group.


The third verse continues with the idea of surveillance and government control. The singer uses the metaphor of dice to explain how Black people's lives are often seen as disposable in society. They also express frustration with being spied on and monitored but stay assured that they will continue to speak out.


Overall, Louder Than a Bomb is a powerful and politically charged song that touches on themes of racism, oppression, and police brutality. It's a call to action for those who may feel silenced or misunderstood and an anthem for those pushing for change.


Line by Line Meaning

This style seems wild
Public Enemy introduces their unique and unconventional style of music.


Wait before you treat me like a stepchild
Public Enemy asks for a fair chance to express themselves before being dismissed without consideration.


Let me tell you why they got me on file
Public Enemy is under surveillance and investigated by authorities for their politically charged music and activism.


'Cause I give you what you lack
Public Enemy believes that they offer a unique message and perspective that the mainstream media lacks.


Come right and exact
Public Enemy encourages their audience to be honest and truthful in their actions and words.


Our status is the saddest
Public Enemy feels that their minority status and experiences are often overlooked and ignored by society.


So I care where you at, black
Public Enemy wants to connect with their audience and express solidarity with the black community.


And at home I got a call from Tony Rome The FBI was tappin' my telephone I never live alone I never walk alone My posses always ready, and they're waitin' in my zone
Public Enemy describes their constant surveillance and their readiness to defend themselves against government oppression.


Although I live the life that of a resident But I be knowin' the scheme that of the president
Public Enemy understands the political corruption and injustice present in American society despite living as a regular citizen.


Tappin' my phone whose crews abused I stand accused of doing harm 'Cause I'm louder than a bomb
Public Enemy believes that their music and activism inspire change and threaten the status quo and are thus treated as dangerous and radical.


Come on come on louder
Public Enemy wants their audience to listen and engage with their message more intently.


I am the rock hard trooper To the bone, the bone, the bone Full grown, consider me, stone
Public Enemy portrays themselves as strong and unbreakable, with a steadfast commitment to their beliefs and principles.


Once again and I say it for you to know The troop is always ready, I yell 'geronimo'
Public Enemy declares their preparedness and willingness to fight for what they believe in.


Your CIA, you see I ain't kiddin' Both King and X they got ridda' both A story untold, true, but unknown Professor Griff knows "I ain't no toast"
Public Enemy highlights the government's history of oppression and assassination of civil rights leaders and the knowledge of their group's historian.


And not the braggin' or boastin' and plus It ain't no secret why they're tappin' my phone, although I can't keep it a secret So I decided to kick it, yo
Public Enemy acknowledges that their phone is tapped and their activism closely monitored, but they refuse to be silenced or intimidated.


And yes it weighs a ton I say it once again I'm called the enemy, I'll never be a friend
Public Enemy recognizes the heavy burden and opposition they face as a marginalized group and refuse to compromise their values to appease their critics.


Of those with closed minds, don't know I'm rapid The way that I rap it Is makin' 'em tap it, yeah
Public Enemy criticizes people with narrow-minded perspectives and believes that their music can open minds and inspire listeners to act.


Never servin 'em well, 'cause I'm an un-Tom It's no secret at all Cause I'm louder than a bomb
Public Enemy refuses to conform to societal expectations and norms and believes that their message is too powerful and influential to be silenced.


Cold holdin' the load The burden breakin' the mold
Public Enemy acknowledges the weight and responsibility of their activism and the need to push boundaries and challenge norms.


I ain't lyin' denyin', 'cause they're checkin' my code Am I buggin' 'cause they're buggin' my phone, for information No tellin' who's sellin' out, power buildin' the nation
Public Enemy is suspicious of government surveillance and the possibility of informants among their peers working to undermine them.


Joinin' the set, the point blank target Every brothers inside, so least not, you forget, no Takin' the blame is not a waste, here taste A bit of the song so you can never be wrong
Public Enemy rallies their audience to unite and remain vigilant against oppression, and assures them that taking a stand is never in vain.


'Cause every brother mans life Is like swingin' the dice, right?
Public Enemy highlights the uncertainty and danger that black men face in American society.


Here it is, once again this is The brother to brother The Terminator, the cutter Goin' on an' on, leave alone the grown Get it straight in '88, an' I'll troop it to demonstrate
Public Enemy reaffirms their commitment to their cause and to each other and encourages their listeners to join them in their activism.


The posse always ready, 98 at 98 My posse come quick, because my posse got velocity Tappin' my phone, they never leave me alone I'm even lethal when I'm unarmed 'Cause the D is for dangerous You can come and get some of this
Public Enemy emphasizes the preparedness and strength of their group and their readiness to face any challenge or threat to their cause.


I teach and speak So when its spoke, it's no joke The voice of choice The place shakes with bass Called one for the treble The rhythm is the rebel
Public Enemy sees their music as a form of education and enlightenment, and their message is delivered with power, force, and rhythm.


Here's a funky rhyme that they're tappin' on Just thinkin' I'm breakin' the beats I'm rappin' on Cia FBI All they tell us is lies And when I say it they get alarmed
Public Enemy presents their music as a form of rebellion against the lies and oppression of the government and power structures.




Lyrics Β© Universal Music Publishing Group, REACH MUSIC PUBLISHING
Written by: Carlton Ridenhour, Eric Sadler, Hank Shocklee

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

@susanfit47

This remix of this song Samples:
"Who's Gonna Take the Weight?" by Kool and the Gang (1971) (Intro)
"Feel Like Makin' Love" by Bob James (1974)
"Don't Change Your Love" by The Five Stairsteps (1968) (Drums)
"Pride and Vanity" by The Ohio Players (1972)
"Long Red" by Mountain (1972) (Drums, Vocals)
"Fantastic Freaks at the Dixie" by DJ Grand Wizard Theodore and The Fantastic Five (1983)
"The Wildstyle" by Time Zone (1983)
"Raise the Roof" by Public Enemy (1987)



All comments from YouTube:

@miggs165

Man that voice is signiture no one will ever duplicate that.

@davidthomas9190

For real πŸ‘Š

@jayelbee1111

Chuck D's rhyming technique, flow, and delivery are absolutely ferocious. But I agree; he has a deep, raw, powerful voice when he commands the microphone. He is a legend, no doubt

@Janeair41....

You said it..., πŸ’―πŸŒŸπŸ™‚πŸ€™πŸΎ

@robbass2337

Public Enemy where wide Awake, back in 87. Now you LISTEN to the there music. You see everything they said all around you. CIA FBI all corrupt, media is fixed and bullshit
Dont belive the hype, fight against the corrupt system with fight the power. This is no Woke rap group.

@alexisturner1146

I've always said Chuck was built for this!!

1 More Replies...

@icefrostwolf7250

MCs dont know. This is how you deliver rhymes.

@atlbackin82fool

This is how you delivery a message, stronger than a rhyme,
folks these days rap their soul for a dime
sack if you will, jokers on wax today swallow a pill
high as a kite, spittin shit on da mike

@geraldjohnson3216

They are not mcs brown they are wanna be rappers because real rappers dont mumble.

@jimmyflynn4669

Right, right.

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