Don't You Know Who I Am
Reb Fountain Lyrics

Drunk little Indian boy they said
There was a young man who had too much to drink, and people referred to him as an 'Indian boy.'

Spouting off his mouth bout the great man's debt
He was talking excessively about a debt owed by someone in power.

What's a little brag between boys in the cell
Talking about achievements while incarcerated is commonplace.

You never know who's listening at the gates of hell
People often have hidden motives for eavesdropping.

They're just like video stores press rewind delete
Some people are quick to undo or forget about things that don't match what they expect.

On those that don't work that don't fit nice and neat
People tend to reject things that don't fit into their preconceived notions.

In the future we'd say he's worth something
The young man had potential in the eyes of some people.

Hell I coulda been somebody
The artist is reflecting that they, too, could have been one of those who had potential.

Don't you know who I am
This line is repeated throughout the song, implying that the artist feels they have importance or power.

In certain circles well you can't touch me
The artist has connections and protection in some areas.

I'm a dance around you know I'm connected to the powers that be
The singer is able to navigate and influence those in authority.

Like Ali you ain't got nothing on me
The artist has confidence in their skills or abilities.

You put my tail in jail is this a place called hell
Being imprisoned is a terrible experience for the singer.

Wheelin' and dealin' on a Saturday night
The singer engages in negotiations or transactions on the weekend.

Caught between a calling and a stitched up fight
The singer has responsibilities that conflict with their desires.

Brushing birds that travel hell out of here
The artist is trying to distract or escape from their troubles.

Can you see me in your eyes
The artist is questioning whether or not their presence is being acknowledged.

Don't you cry brother there's a knife in your back
There is betrayal and deceit occurring.

Don't you cry sister he ain't coming back
The singer is aware that someone is gone and not returning.

Caught you trying to make your way to kingdom come
Someone is attempting to escape or move up in the world.

Well this is my territory
The artist claims ownership or authority over a certain area.

It's god's will to stamp what's mine
The artist believes their possessions are divinely mandated.

It's god's word that bites your tongue and marks me divine
The singer believes their own language or voice is divinely inspired.

The moment we lay our hands on the world she's disfigured
Humans have a tendency to damage or destroy what they touch.

Hell we can touch her up
Despite the destruction caused by humans, the singer thinks that things can still be salvaged.

No shame no fear no highway out of here
There are no regrets or easy escapes from the current situation.

I couldn't fake it if I wanted to
The singer cannot pretend or put on a facade.

I think I'll make it if follow through
The artist believes that they will succeed if they see things through to completion.

I used to ask you what I needed best
The artist used to rely on someone else for guidance or direction.

Got sucker punched and nearly lost my head
The singer experienced a surprise attack that caused them to become overwhelmed.

Now I'll mount you like an avalanche
The singer feels unstoppable and powerful.

King Mitus kills his queen for a fighting chance
The artist references a story where a king kills his queen in order to gain an advantage in battle.

I'll go on record make your mark on my map
The artist is leaving a mark or writing down a record to show they were there.

Brush a bird take my word
The artist brushes something aside and insists that they can be trusted.

He woke up in his mother's arms
A person woke up feeling safe and secure.

Dawn already he had heard the call
The person was awake early in the morning and felt motivated for something.

Chee Chee honey well its time to rise
There is encouragement and affection in the person's voice.

Spread your wings little goose and we'll take flight
Someone is encouraging a person to embrace their potential.

He flew over the devil of the wasteland
The person overcame a terrible obstacle.

Six strings playing on your heartland
Music is a part of the person's life and impacts them emotionally.

Death in your pockets and a bird unsung
The person carries darkness and pain with them and has unfulfilled aspirations.

This is the star of progress
The person sees themselves as a beacon of improvement and change.

I set out on an expedition
The singer embarked on a journey of discovery.

Hold fire girl with your new religion
The artist warns someone against blindly following a new belief system.

Keep it simple with your pop pop songs
The artist prefers music that is straightforward and not overly complicated.

God forbid you change the record
The artist objects to someone changing what is familiar.

I draw lines in symphony animal savagery refugee just like me
The singer associates themselves with those who are marginalized.

Don't believe the hype
The artist is cautioning people to avoid getting caught up in trends or sensationalism.

Out of the wasteland we come
The singer is referencing a difficult origin, but highlighting success or resilience.

Little girls little boys and the nameless ones
The singer is invoking a sense of unity among those who often go unnoticed.

Rise up o children wont you dance with me
The singer is calling for people to join in and be joyful.

Rise up little children come and set me free
The artist is seeking liberation or release from something.

Rise little ones rise
The artist is again calling for people to rise up, regardless of their situation.