How I Could Just Kill a Man
Rage Against the Machine Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You're missing the hootah of the funky Buddah
Eluder of the fucked up style's that get wicked
So come on as I start to kick it
Cause we're like outlaws striding while suckers are hiding
Jump behind the bush when you see me driving by'
Hanging out my window, and my magnum taking out some putos
Acting kind of loco, I'm just another local
Here is something you can't understand
How I could just kill a man
Here is something you can't understand
How I could just kill a man
Here is something you can't understand
How I could just kill a man
Here is something you can't understand
How I could just kill a man
Here is something you can't understand
I be doing all the dumb shit yo
'Cause nothing is coming from it
I'm not gonna waste no time fucking around, I got ya humming
Humming coming at ya, then you know I had to gat ya
Time for some action just a fraction of friction
I got the clearance to run the interference
Into your satellite, shining a battle light
Swing out the gat and I know that we'll gat you right
Here's an example, just a little sample
How could I just kill a man
One time tried to come in my home take my chrome
I said, "Yo, it's on, take cover son or you're assed out
How do you like my chrome?" Then I watched the rookie pass out
Didn't have to blast him but I did anyway, young punk had to pay
So I just killed a man
Here is something you can't understand
How I could just kill a man
Here is something you can't understand
How I could just kill a man
Here is something you can't understand
How I could just kill a man
Here is something you can't understand
How I could just kill a man
It's gonna be a long time before I finish
One of the many missions that I have to establish
To light my spliff, ignite you with these sights, so if you ain't down
Bullshit, say some punk tried to get you for your auto
Would call the one time and play the role model?
No, I think you'll play like a thug
Next hear the shot of a magnum slug, humming coming at ya
Yeah, you know I'm going to gat ya, how do you know where I'm at
When you haven't been where I've been, understand where I'm coming from
While you're up on the hill in your big home
I'm out here risking my dome, just for the bucket or a fast ducket
Just to stay alive, yo I got to say fuck it
Here is something you can't understand, how I could just kill a man
Here is something you can't understand, how I could just kill a man
Here is something you can't understand, how I could just kill a man
Here is something you can't understand, how I could just kill a man
Here is something you can't understand
How I could just kill a man
Here is something you can't understand
How I could just kill a man
Here is something you can't understand
How I could just kill a man
Here is something you can't understand
How I could just kill a man
Here is something you can't understand
How I could just kill a man
Here is something you can't understand
How I could just kill a man
Here is something you can't understand
How I could just kill a man
Here is something you can't understand
How I could just kill a man
How I could just kill a man
How I could just kill a man
The lyrics of "How I Could Just Kill A Man" by Rage Against the Machine are a direct and unapologetic critique of violence, particularly gang violence in urban neighborhoods. The song's lyrics describe the singer's experiences as a young man growing up in a violent environment and the difficult choices he had to make in order to survive. Through its use of vivid imagery and raw language, the song seeks to capture the brutality and hopelessness of life in urban America.
The opening lines of the song warn the listener not to "miss out on what you're passing" and to pay attention to the harsh realities of life. The singer then goes on to describe the violence and instability of his surroundings, contrasting his own outlaw status with the cowardly behavior of those who "jump behind the bush when you see me driving by." The chorus repeats the phrase "Here is something you can't understand/How I could just kill a man" to drive home the point that the singer's actions are motivated by a desperation born of the constant threat of violence.
Towards the end of the song, the lyrics switch from describing the singer's own experiences to issuing a challenge to the listener. The lines "While you're up on the hill in your big home/I'm out here risking my dome" call attention to the privileges that many people enjoy and suggest that such privileges come at a high cost to those who must struggle to survive in the shadows of society.
Overall, "How I Could Just Kill A Man" is a powerful and unflinching portrait of life in urban America, warts and all.
Line by Line Meaning
Hey, don't miss out on what you're passing
Don't overlook the greatness around you.
You're missing the hootah of the funky Buddah
You're missing out on the fun and excitement of life.
Eluder of the fucked up style's that get wicked
Avoid the bad influences that lead to dangerous behavior.
So come on as I start to kick it
Join me as I start to have fun and enjoy life.
Cause we're like outlaws striding while suckers are hiding
We're rebellious and enjoying our freedom while others are following the rules.
Jump behind the bush when you see me driving by'
People are afraid of us and hide when they see us coming.
Hanging out my window, and my magnum taking out some putos
I'm showing off my power and intimidating others with my gun.
Acting kind of loco, I'm just another local
People think I'm crazy, but I'm just like everyone else in my neighborhood.
Kid from the street getting paid for my vocals
I'm a successful musician from humble beginnings.
Here is something you can't understand
I'm about to reveal a concept that may not make sense to you.
How I could just kill a man
I'm explaining the extreme levels of frustration and anger that can lead to violence.
I be doing all the dumb shit yo
I'm admitting to engaging in foolish behavior.
'Cause nothing is coming from it
I'm aware that my actions may not lead to anything productive.
I'm not gonna waste no time fucking around, I got ya humming
I'm not wasting time on meaningless activities, I'm focused on making an impact.
Humming coming at ya, then you know I had to gat ya
I'm warning others that I won't hesitate to use my gun if necessary.
Time for some action just a fraction of friction
It's time to take action, even if it causes conflict.
I got the clearance to run the interference
I have permission to prevent others from getting in my way.
Into your satellite, shining a battle light
I'm shining a light on the negative behavior and attitudes of others.
Swing out the gat and I know that we'll gat you right
I'm confident in my abilities to use my gun effectively.
Here's an example, just a little sample
I'm about to provide a specific example to illustrate my point.
How could I just kill a man
I'm still struggling to rationalize my violent tendencies.
One time tried to come in my home take my chrome
Someone tried to steal my gun, which is a sign of disrespect and aggression.
I said, "Yo, it's on, take cover son or you're assed out
I warned the intruder that they would be in danger if they didn't leave my home.
How do you like my chrome?" Then I watched the rookie pass out
I'm taunting the intruder and enjoying their fear and weakness.
Didn't have to blast him but I did anyway, young punk had to pay
I didn't need to use violence, but I did it anyway to assert my dominance.
It's gonna be a long time before I finish
I have a lot of work to do to achieve my goals.
One of the many missions that I have to establish
I have multiple goals that I'm working towards.
To light my spliff, ignite you with these sights, so if you ain't down
I want to share my experiences and inspire others to enjoy life.
Bullshit, say some punk tried to get you for your auto
Imagine if someone tried to steal your car, that would be a sign of disrespect and aggression.
Would call the one time and play the role model?
Would you call the police and do the right thing?
No, I think you'll play like a thug
I believe you would react with violence and aggression, just like I would.
Next hear the shot of a magnum slug, humming coming at ya
I'm warning you that violence may be necessary to protect yourself and your property.
Yeah, you know I'm going to gat ya, how do you know where I'm at
I'm threatening you and questioning your ability to protect yourself.
When you haven't been where I've been, understand where I'm coming from
You can't understand my perspective unless you've experienced the same struggles as me.
While you're up on the hill in your big home
You're living a comfortable, privileged life while others struggle to survive.
I'm out here risking my dome, just for the bucket or a fast ducket
I'm putting myself in danger and risking my life to make money and survive.
Just to stay alive, yo I got to say fuck it
I'm willing to do whatever it takes to survive, even if it means engaging in violent behavior.
Here is something you can't understand
I'm still struggling to explain my violent tendencies and the frustration that leads to them.
How I could just kill a man
I'm trying to convey the intense emotions that can lead to violent behavior, even if it doesn't make sense to others.
How I could just kill a man
I'm repeating my message to emphasize the intensity of my feelings.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Rudy Archuleta, Lowell Fulsom, Lamont Holbdy, Hugh McCracken, Larry E Muggerud, Rod Navarro, Morris J Taft
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@jerearga
Jajajajajajajaja demasiado buena esta canción. me gusta más que con Cypress Hill.
@natas0733
One time tried to come in my home, i said not without a warrant.
They beat my ass....
@jeanpaulmichell7243
Lol. Yeah I know right?
@ScanielMusic
Thanks uploading this.
@killerpumpin763
The example is actually
"One guy tried to come in my home. Take my chrome I said yo it's on. Take cover son, pull your ass out, how u like my chrome? Then I watched the rookie pass out. Didn't have to blast him but I did anyway, hahaha young punk had to pay. So I just killed a man."
@lattoboy9173
Who the f**k wrote these lyrics. I’m Mexican & honestly I understand the pride especially if you are Latino/Hispanic & come from the hood where your forced to be one of them unless they force you not to be an enemy but come on man just put the true lyrics & again I understand if it’s a typo but come on man we want the real lyrics man.
@filmc3887
Good sniff in meh-he-ho
@jamiebruner8463
Cypress Hill wrote these lyrics. This is a cover.
@carpediem5954
yeah why’d they change puto to that tf that’s not even what it means
@lattoboy9173
@carpe diem oh I think I get it.. this guy lives in a racial area & puts these words on purpose to give other Latinos/Hispanics a heads up “perspective” on what it’ll be like if we keep living inside our heads & in a “friendly” world. So get your cabesas out of your culos & recognize who tf you are. Si Eres Latino agarate los cojones y sea salvaje. Be ready to sacrifice your life. If you have kids don’t use that as an excuse use it as your legacy.. their legacy.. your Razas legacy. Viva la Raza y viva Los Pinches Vatos Locos 4 eberrr. Be proud of who TF YOU ARE. Don’t 4 Get where YOU COME FROM ESE. This world will always have idiots & racism will never die no matter how much we don’t want to be racist we are forced to live in it. Don’t blame me blame Santa Ana for not making a Sacrifice when he already had children I believe. Now that VATO wasn’t bout it. Neither did he have heart but I guess it happened for a reason.. otherwise we probably wouldn’t have been born.