Facety 2:11
Roots Manuva Lyrics

Boat race (repeated)
This phrase is used in British slang to refer to a person's face, particularly if they are of a different race. The repetition of this phrase throughout the song creates a chant-like effect.

Uh huh, Uh huh, Uh huh Uh huh Uh huh (repeated)
This is another repeated phrase meant to build up energy and create a sense of unity and rhythm among listeners.

Yep
A short affirmative statement used to signify agreement or acknowledgement.

Elevated poetry flowers it's all flowetry
This line suggests that Roots Manuva's writing style is something that grows and blooms the more it is cultivated, and that it is heavily influenced by hip-hop culture and rhythms.

Power prepare honours to honour deep, I'm on it so
This line suggests that Roots Manuva is committed to his craft and is working hard to become better, even in the face of adversity or prejudice. He is striving to create something meaningful and important.

Here for hours and hours and here shedding them tears of joys [?] of noise, not too
This line is somewhat obscure and difficult to interpret, but it seems to suggest that Roots Manuva is putting in a lot of work and emotional labor to create his music, but that he is unafraid of the noise and chaos that comes with pursuing your passion.

Got forgot to get got or get me
This line is unclear in meaning, but it seems to suggest that Roots Manuva has been overlooked or forgotten in some way that is frustrating to him.

What did you do, you don't you don't sweat me
This line is a rhetorical question that may reflect Roots Manuva's irritation at those who have not given him the recognition or respect he feels he deserves. He is saying that he is not somebody to be ignored or underestimated.

T for technique but fear not the passion
This line is a play on words that suggests that technical ability (as in the letter T) is important, but not as important as passion and emotion. In other words, Roots Manuva believes that it's not enough to simply be skilled - you have to care deeply about what you're doing.

We smash you little half hearts
This line is a taunt that suggests that Roots Manuva and his crew are powerful and confident, and that they are not afraid to take down those who are less committed or less talented than they are. The phrase 'half hearts' implies that others are not fully invested or passionate about what they're doing.

Beating you back to them
This line is somewhat ambiguous in meaning, but it seems to suggest that Roots Manuva and his crew are so powerful and intimidating that they are causing others to revert back to old ways of thinking or feeling. They are challenging their listeners to step up and be better.

Holding it down, holding it down, holding it down
This repeated phrase suggests that Roots Manuva and his crew are in control, and that they are keeping things stable and powerful. It may also imply a sense of endurance or perseverance in the face of obstacles.

Men in the ground, men in the sound, men from now
This line is difficult to interpret, but it seems to suggest that Roots Manuva is drawing inspiration from different sources or places (i.e. the ground and the sound), and that he is looking to the future for direction and guidance.

We was out, from the found, in the foundery
This line is unclear in meaning, but it may suggest that Roots Manuva and his crew have come from humble beginnings, but are now working to build something strong and powerful. The word 'foundery' suggests a place where things are made or created.

Kicking it down, every ground, of a boundary
This line is a statement of confidence and power. It suggests that Roots Manuva and his crew are tearing down barriers and limitations, and are expanding their reach and influence.

Shaka Shaka yes, Zulu Zulu now
This line is a reference to South African culture and may be a shout-out to those who came before Roots Manuva, inspiring him to create music that reflects his heritage and cultural roots.

Got the spirit now, they can't fool who now
This line suggests that Roots Manuva is on a mission to create music that is authentic and meaningful, and that nobody else can fake or copy his style. He is confident in his own abilities and his own vision.

Got the tool to do the must, do the get down
This line suggests that Roots Manuva has the skills and the knowledge he needs to create music that is true to himself and his community. He is going to 'get down' (i.e. create something exciting and vibrant) no matter what.

Got to get loud don't fear nor fret now
This line is a call to action, suggesting that in order to make a difference or create something powerful, you have to be confident and unafraid. You have to be willing to speak up and make yourself heard.

Tear the Tet techniques in your boat race
This line is another play on words, suggesting that Roots Manuva is going to use his own sharp 'techniques' (i.e. ability to rap) to tear apart and 'tear the' techniques of others. The phrase 'in your boat race' is a slang term for 'in your face'.

Hold a space I lace the bar
This line suggests that Roots Manuva is creating something new and exciting in his music - he is 'lacing' (or embellishing) traditional bars or lyrics with his own unique style.

Par for par play the part yep
This line is unclear in meaning, but it may suggest that Roots Manuva is on equal footing with other musicians, and that he is going to 'play the part' of a successful artist no matter what obstacles he faces.

And never partly
This line suggests that Roots Manuva never does anything halfway or without full commitment. He is always giving his all to his art and to his vision.

Collect more scars than a [?]
This line is another taunt, suggesting that Roots Manuva has gone through a lot of pain and struggle to become the artist he is today. He has 'collected' more scars (or hardships) than a specific unidentified thing - this is left to the listener's imagination.