Everybody Wants To Rule The World
Robert Glasper Lyrics

Welcome to your life, mmm
This line is an introduction to the song, inviting the listener into a reflection on their life and the world around them.

There's no turning back
This line acknowledges that once we begin to examine our lives and the world, there is no way to go back to ignorance or naivete.

Even while we sleep
This line suggests that the world is always moving, even when we are not actively engaged, and there is always more to discover.

We will find you
This line hints at the idea that there is something to be found or discovered, whether we are actively searching for it or not.

Acting on your best behaviour
This line suggests that there is a standard of behavior to be met, and that we should strive to act in accordance with it.

Turn your back on Mother Nature
This line critiques the idea that humans have a tendency to prioritize their own interests over the health and wellbeing of the natural world.

Everybody wants to rule the world
This line suggests that there is a universal desire for power and control, and that we often prioritize these desires over other considerations.

Everybody, everybody (who am I?)
This line suggests that the desire for power and control affects everyone, including the artist, and raises questions about the nature of identity in relation to power.

It's my own design
This line suggests that our lives and the world around us are shaped by our own choices and actions.

It's my own remorse
This line acknowledges that our choices and actions have consequences, and that we are responsible for the impact we have on the world and others.

Help me to decide
This line acknowledges the complexity of decision-making, and suggests a desire for guidance and support in navigating difficult choices.

Help me make the most of freedom and of pleasure
This line underscores the importance of valuing and enjoying the freedoms and joys of life, while also acknowledging the need to make responsible choices.

Nothing ever lasts forever (nothing is gonna last)
This line acknowledges the transience of life and the world around us, and encourages us to appreciate the present moment while we have it.

Everybody wants to rule the world (oh)
This line repeats the earlier sentiment about the universal desire for power and control, emphasizing its prevalence and persistence.

There's a room where the light won't find you
This line suggests the presence of hidden, mysterious, or hidden aspects of life and the world that may not be immediately visible or accessible.

Holding hands while the walls come tumbling down (come tumbling down)
This line suggests a connection or bond between people in times of upheaval or crisis, emphasizing the need to work together and support one another in difficult moments.

When they do, I'll be right behind you
This line emphasizes the importance of solidarity and mutual support in navigating difficult times, and suggests a willingness to stand by and support others in times of need.

So glad we almost made it
This line acknowledges the challenges and obstacles that come with navigating life and the world, and expresses joy and gratitude for overcoming them.

So sad we had to fade it
This line acknowledges the pain and sadness that can come with the end of something, whether it be a relationship, a moment in time, or an aspect of life.

Yeah, uh
This line is a transition to the rap verse, signaling a shift in tone and style.

As we move through time and space
This line acknowledges the constant movement and flux that defines life and the world.

And we all try to find our place
This line suggests a universal desire to find meaning, purpose, and belonging in life.

So many rulers, but who leads with grace? Yeah
This line critiques the prevalence of corrupt or abusive leaders in the world, and questions which qualities are truly necessary for effective and ethical leadership.

Greet 'em with the freedom, when I see 'em, yo, I read 'em
This line suggests a commitment to approaching others with empathy and openness, and to understanding their experiences and perspectives.

Scriptures of humanity, the spirit's colosseum
This line affirms the value of human experience, emotion, and expression, and suggests a commitment to exploring and celebrating these qualities.

Step in the arena, my Medina, yo, my Mecca
This line invokes the imagery of sacred or hallowed spaces, and suggests a commitment to fighting for justice and equity in the world.

Life is greener where there's texture, the meaning of the sceptre
This line suggests that a rich, complex, and diverse world is more vibrant and fulfilling than one that is flat or homogeneous.

God's rule is better, we move through your trepidation
This line affirms the importance of faith and spirituality in navigating life's challenges, and suggests a trust in a higher power or purpose.

It's a nation searching for its foundation
This line acknowledges the ongoing process of establishing and reestablishing the values, principles, and structures that govern society.

Mother Nature's relation, you see agitation
This line suggests a recognition of the importance of environmental stewardship, and acknowledges the potential for conflict and tension in addressing environmental issues.

So many admirables with no admiration
This line critiques the tendency to admire or celebrate certain qualities or individuals without truly understanding or valuing them.

This is verbal vaccination, how do you react to it?
This line suggests that the song's message and themes are intended to challenge and provoke the listener, and invites a reflective or self-critical response.

We needed Black Radio for pure Black music
This line affirms the value of Black music and the role of media in supporting and promoting it.

The path to movement, show improve, improvement
This line suggests that progress and change require both individual and collective action, and invites a commitment to ongoing improvement.

For our homes and domes, we all had to move with
This line suggests a sense of collective responsibility for building and sustaining vibrant and healthy communities.

The times, as the world heals, we climb
This line acknowledges the present moment as one of healing and recovery, and suggests a commitment to progress and growth.

It's no back to normal, 'cause normal don't recline
This line critiques the idea of returning to a pre-pandemic or pre-crisis state, and suggests the need for ongoing transformation and adaptation.

I'm a portal for rhymes, ask Shonda
This line suggests a commitment to artistic expression and creativity, and invokes the imagery of portals as gateways to other worlds or dimensions.

I bridge tons of minds, so everyone can conquer
This line suggests a desire to connect and unite people through music and art, and encourages a spirit of collaboration and mutual support.

One rule, one mantra, you got me, then I got ya
This line suggests a commitment to a shared ethos or set of principles, and invites a sense of trust and reciprocal care.

The posture of a Rasta
This line invokes the imagery and spirit of Rastafarianism, and suggests a commitment to peace, love, and social justice.

I reconsider, I re-evolve
This line suggests a willingness to revise and improve one's thinking and behavior, and acknowledges the ongoing process of growth and change.

I reconstruct, I see the I, we in all
This line suggests a commitment to building and sustaining strong and interconnected communities, and encourages empathy and compassion for others.

We got understanding, then there's no need to fall
This line suggests that empathy, communication, and mutual understanding can help us avoid conflict and division, and build a better world together.

You know I got bars, so there's no need to brawl
This line suggests a commitment to using words and creative expression as a means of resolving conflicts and building bridges between people.

Tryna change hearts like the angels did Saul
This line invokes the story of Saul's conversion to Christianity, and suggests a commitment to inspiring and uplifting others through actions and words.

And pierce the Devil with the truth like Paul, that's all
This line suggests a commitment to truth and justice, and the belief that these values have the power to overcome evil and darkness in the world.