What You Need Is Jesus
Public Enemy Lyrics

Halleluja Jesus, Halleluja!
Praising Jesus and showing gratitude for his blessings.

Now here's the pop, turnaround jumper, Hits the rim bounce away, the new slave trade.
Drawing a comparison between the missed shot on a basketball court and the systematic oppression of black people, known as the new slave trade.

Manchild, six feet five, but juvenile. Thin line between getting bucks and gettin' wild.
Describing a young, talented basketball player who is trying to navigate the fine line between making money and getting involved in dangerous situations.

Brooklyn style, hundred thousand miles. Parquet tiles, leavin' ankles broke in a pile.
Referencing the popular basketball style in Brooklyn, where players are known for their fancy footwork and ability to break the ankles of their opponents.

Son got a ticket to fly, he can make it if he try, To the sky, like a Coney Island ride.
Encouraging the young basketball player to aim high and pursue his dreams, comparing it to a thrilling ride in Coney Island.

Gettin' pages, from his super agent, Community raises at the clout or the cages.
Highlighting the problems faced by young basketball players, who are often taken advantage of by their super agents and have to deal with issues like lack of support from their community and unfair treatment by the authorities.

No doubt, center stages, mad phases, From behind crazies flippin' through the faces. Paper chases, love that many places.
Describing the glamorous lifestyle of successful basketball players, who have to deal with paparazzi and fans, and are often chased by women who are attracted to their fame and wealth.

Pros and cons, flics between the races. He hold the rock, call for sweat shops. Guard the set shop replaced by sex shops.
Touching upon the negative aspects of the basketball industry, including racial tensions and the exploitation of sweatshop workers. The reference to sex shops highlights the moral decay of society.

The highest bidder, no room for the quitter. Gave seven tickets, under counterfeitas.
Emphasizing the importance of staying competitive in the basketball industry and not giving up. The reference to counterfeit tickets points to the corrupt practices that often happen in the world of sports.

Three cities a week, droppin' needles. Like the black Beatles take heed, what you need is
Describing the grueling schedule of a successful basketball player and comparing their popularity to that of the Beatles. The repeated use of the line 'what you need is' hints at the upcoming chorus.

[Chorus] Jesus (The incredible) Jesus (And in your existence, huh) Jesus(The incredible, yea) Jesus(Check it out)
The chorus repeatedly emphasizes the need for Jesus in one's life, as he is an incredible and integral part of one's existence.

Crack my picture, never switch up. Smack the back ups, pack them pick ups. Resurrection of the two man vocal section. The spirit in your dark ass direction.
Expressing confidence in oneself and the ability to stay true to oneself. The reference to the resurrection and the spirit in one's dark direction suggest a need for spiritual enlightenment to guide oneself in the right direction.

Duckin' them spray ups on my way that I thought be lay ups. Won the battle wars, a thousand one push ups.
Acknowledging the difficulties and obstacles one may face in life, including unexpected challenges that may seem easy at first. One must work hard and persevere to overcome them, as symbolized by the thousand one pushups.

Here marks the return of them rules about Ruff Ryders. Risin', chargin' hard from the point guard. Watch what you prey for, but know the team that you play for. Need I say more?
Referring to the rules and ethics of the Ruff Ryders rap group, of which Public Enemy is a part. Stressing the importance of being mindful of one's actions and the team or community one represents, without needing to say more on the matter.

Uh, scared of the resurrection, Sacrifice yours, them maybe the revolution is basketball. Changes, generanges. Which means rearrange shit, Erase shit, stuck on Playstations. Then the new plantations, I said a millions heads. Waitin' for another nation. To make your world be free. No shoppin' sprees, there ain't no stoppin' me.
Reflecting on the fear many people have of change and the need for a revolution in the basketball industry. Comparing societal mistakes from the past (e.g., plantation systems) to current issues (e.g., excessive consumerism). Declaring that they will continue to push for change and freedom, despite roadblocks.

Here's the fee, not the weed. Got to see, God speed. What you need is
Concluding the song with a play on words, emphasizing that the true cost (or fee) of success is hard work and dedication, not drugs. Wishing the listener good luck and guidance from God, to emphasize once again the need for Jesus in one's life.