Chicago rapper/producer Saba first caught the attention of listeners as a frequent collaborator of Chance the Rapper. Saba's contributions to Chance songs like 2013's "Everybody's Something" and 2015's "Angels" showcased his range as both a rapper and vocalist and paved the way for his introspective debut studio album, Bucket List Project, in 2016. The loss of a close family member inspired 2018's Care for Me, a tragically beautiful album that explored death, mourning, and life after losing a loved one.
Saba (Tahj Malik Chandler) grew up on the West Side of Chicago, specifically within the Austin neighborhood, as part of a deeply musical family. That's also where he formed Pivot Gang, a group of longtime associates that has featured, among others, his brother Jerrel (aka Joseph Chilliams), cousin Walter Long (aka John Walt), Logan Yutters (aka MFn Melo), Frsh Waters, and DJ Damnage. Saba recorded several solo mixtapes -- his first were issued while he was an introverted high-schooler -- and gained traction with ComfortZone, a 2014 release inspired by his father's neo-soul recordings that capitalized on his contributions to awareness-raising tracks by fellow Chicagoans Chance the Rapper and Mick Jenkins. In 2015, Saba appeared as featured artist on several cuts, including Chance's "Angels," Jenkins' "Slumber," and Odd Couple's "What Kings Do." Additionally, he released the reflective Tink collaboration "Temporary," one of his most commercial songs to date.
In late 2016, Saba self-released the LP Bucket List Project, featuring artists like fellow Chicagoan rappers Noname and Twista. In February of 2017, Saba's cousin, mentor, and Pivot Gang collaborator Walter Long was violently murdered by a stranger. Saba reflected on the scars left by this horrible loss throughout his second album, CARE FOR ME, which was released in April of 2018. The vulnerable and emotionally complex album broke through with critics and took Saba's music to new audiences. He followed in November of that year with "Beautiful Smile," a collaborative single with Maryland rapper IDK.
Church / Liquor Store
Saba Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Ahhh
Oooh
Ahhh
They ask you what's the cause and effect
Of doobies packed and they fat, now you calling collect
They booby trapping the trap
Putty you outta shape, fuck running, you'll catch a case
I can't relate to half of my relatives
My genetics is felony, buying low and reselling it
They told me tell a story, I'm like "Why not mine?"
Shit everybody taking pictures, I'm like "Why not Vine?"
And growin' from the ground up, it look like I'm a vine
It's rarity in my realness
Yeah I'm a fine diamond in the rough type, rough type
Roughhouse in a roadhouse like rugby
Lovely, when you hit a lick little kick like Chun-Li
Funny, kids that I hoop with all in county
Counting, black bodies hunt 'em down look like bounties
Bound to, be on the block a little while longer
They your homies, this what home is
What don't kill ya make ya stronger
Call Obama, Jesus, Yeezus
He can save Chicago from the demons and the deacons
When it's the end
Yeah, dodged precincts since pre-teens
Let's pretend we privileged not deceased, addicted
It look like funeral home, church, church, liquor store
Corner store, dread-head, dead leg, ditto
10-4, ten foes from Cicero to Central
Was told, "let it go"
Didn't know who to hit though
Now that's church, barber shop, bottle I, got
From the liquor store on Cicero
I ain't 21, but he didn't know
Bad habits of wrong places at wrong times
A stray bullet'll take your first-born like the tenth plague, I'm the new Pharoah
My phone line forever open for prayer
The fallen soldiers ain't fell, they in my pen
And I do thank God
They say preach like Cooley High
From beginning to end, that's Alpha and Omega
My city the same ghost that made Lupe cry
Soon's you loosen up your grip you lost, then lose your life
I loosen a dread
From every time I gotta wash the cigarette smoke from outta my head
Like how I'm not dead
Going on 20 soon, they say I changed, that's a fitting room
I'm still the same kid that didn't speak when we were in the school
I just got a mic now, I turned to a real nigga
I just knocked a white gal, and fuck who you think I sound
Like, I'm a legend in the making like the director's cut
Of I Am Legend and I'm fed up with the fuck comparison
These niggas don't got the truth that y'all want, do they?
Think I'm lyin'? Then plan a trip to Chicago today
I was 15, they was fucking with me
There's no logic in love, but there's no love in the streets
It look like funeral home, church, church, liquor store
Corner store, dread-head, dead leg, ditto
Sillou-ette! Chalk outline, sketch!
It's not safe outside when they want your neck
Now that's church, barber shop, bottle I, got
From the liquor store on Cicero, I ain't 21, but he didn't know
They sold prison the way they pipeline
Systematically lifeline
Erase all niggas, they so bulletproof from the law
Law abiding citizen shot, Willie Lynch doing crack now
Made the new letters shiny, now we pray King Kunta
I hope the grave don't find me, I do my E&J kindly
I do my time when it's timely, sometimes the Bible tastes like marmalade
My momma still sipping, politician owe Donald Duck
A quacking new kitchen
They kept the melting pot inside the slave plot, watch
They gentrified your neighborhood no needs for cops, watch
Look at the yoga pants, coffee shops and yogurt stands
Consumerism, holy land
And on the other hand my momma land
It look like funeral home, church, church, liquor store
Corner store, dread-head, dead leg
Man, give them people hell bro, on life, let 'em know how you feelin', yo,
Let 'em know what's going on, bro
Free us, every chance you get, free my nigga Marl
Free Jimmy, Fresh, yo, Frillz, yo
Let 'em know yo, keep us alive out there in them verses yo
On a real bro, aight love bro, take care bro
Tell my brother, tell Fresh I said I love him
Tell him when you see Squeaky, tell him I love him
Tell your bro n'em I said wassup, I salute you bro
You sent old girl them pictures right?
Aight, bet bro, I love you bro, I'mma talk to you in a minute bro
The caller has hung up
Saba's song Church/Liquor Store reflects on the dynamic of growing up in Chicago and being surrounded by an environment in which violence is rampant. The chorus, "It look like funeral home, church, church, liquor store/Corner store, dread-head, dead leg, ditto," emphasizes the contrast between the church and liquor store, two places that represent opposite ends of the spectrum of influence on the neighborhood. The church represents hope and salvation while the liquor store represents danger and death. The lyrics speak about the reality of being black in Chicago and the struggle to survive, where the police are not always a solution, and sometimes just another part of the problem. The song explores the harshness and beauty of home, as well as the complexities of living in a place with systemic oppression, gang culture, and the struggle for survival.
In the verses, Saba raps about the issues of growing up in an area in which the "justice system" was anything but just. He speaks of the dangers of being in the wrong place at the wrong time, with the haunting reminder that "a stray bullet'll take your first-born like the tenth plague." He alludes to the struggles that people of color face constantly and the need to "preach." "My phone line forever open for prayer/The fallen soldiers ain't fell, they in my pen / And I do thank God." He uses his platform to shed light on the issues that the community faces.
Deeper in the song, Saba raps about systemic racism and the destruction that it has wreaked upon the Black American community. He comments, "The new Pharoah/My phone line forever open for prayer/The fallen soldiers ain't fell, they in my pen/And I do thank God." This line is especially poignant because it embodies the idea that as people of color, he and his community have had to take on the burden of racism and violence that has been forced upon them through systemic oppression. Overall, Church/Liquor Store is a reflective piece that tries to address real-life issues in Saba's inner-city Chicago community.
Line by Line Meaning
Oooh
Expressing excitement or anticipation
Ahhh
Continued excitement or anticipation
Oooh
Expressing excitement or anticipation
Ahhh
Continued excitement or anticipation
They ask you what's the cause and effect
People questioning the reasons behind certain actions
Of doobies packed and they fat, now you calling collect
Smoking marijuana and facing consequences
They booby trapping the trap
Creating dangerous situations in already dangerous environments
The police pulling a pulley, you'll fall for it you silly
Law enforcement manipulating people and making them vulnerable
Putty you outta shape, fuck running, you'll catch a case
Getting involved in illegal activities and risking arrest
I can't relate to half of my relatives
Feeling disconnected from family members
My genetics is felony, buying low and reselling it
Having a background that is prone to illegal activities
They told me tell a story, I'm like "Why not mine?"
Being encouraged to share personal experiences
Shit everybody taking pictures, I'm like "Why not Vine?"
Observing others seeking attention and popularity on social media
And growin' from the ground up, it look like I'm a vine
Blossoming and succeeding despite adversity
It's rarity in my realness
Being unique and genuine
Yeah I'm a fine diamond in the rough type, rough type
Being a valuable person with hidden potential
Roughhouse in a roadhouse like rugby
Engaging in aggressive behavior in rough environments
Lovely, when you hit a lick little kick like Chun-Li
Experiencing satisfaction and success, similar to a video game character
Funny, kids that I hoop with all in county
Finding humor in the fact that childhood friends are now imprisoned
Counting, black bodies hunt 'em down look like bounties
Recognizing the alarming number of black individuals targeted and harmed
Bound to, be on the block a little while longer
Knowing that the current situation will continue for some time
They your homies, this what home is
Recognizing that friends are like family
What don't kill ya make ya stronger
Adversity can lead to personal growth and resilience
Call Obama, Jesus, Yeezus
Appealing to influential figures for help
He can save Chicago from the demons and the deacons
Desiring a savior to address the challenges and corruption in the city
When it's the end
Referring to a dire situation
Yeah, dodged precincts since pre-teens
Avoiding encounters with law enforcement since a young age
Let's pretend we privileged not deceased, addicted
Imagining a different reality where privilege and freedom exist
It look like funeral home, church, church, liquor store
Observing the depressing environment of the neighborhood
Corner store, dread-head, dead leg, ditto
Noticing the common features and characteristics of the local residents
10-4, ten foes from Cicero to Central
Referring to the specific locations and number of enemies
Was told, "let it go"
Advised to move on from a certain situation
Didn't know who to hit though
Feeling conflicted about taking action
Now that's church, barber shop, bottle I, got
Describing the places and items obtained
From the liquor store on Cicero
Specifically mentioning the liquor store's location
I ain't 21, but he didn't know
Purchasing alcohol despite being underage
Bad habits of wrong places at wrong times
Engaging in destructive behaviors in unfavorable environments
A stray bullet'll take your first-born like the tenth plague, I'm the new Pharoah
Highlighting the constant danger and violence in the city
My phone line forever open for prayer
Being available for emotional support and guidance
The fallen soldiers ain't fell, they in my pen
Honoring those who have died through his artistic expression
And I do thank God
Expressing gratitude for the blessings in life
They say preach like Cooley High
Being compared to a influential figure in a film
From beginning to end, that's Alpha and Omega
Referring to the entirety of his life and experiences
My city the same ghost that made Lupe cry
Recognizing the struggles and hardships faced in his hometown
Soon's you loosen up your grip you lost, then lose your life
Reflecting on the importance of staying strong and vigilant
I loosen a dread
Letting go of anxiety and stress
From every time I gotta wash the cigarette smoke from outta my head
Removing negative influences and thoughts from his mind
Like how I'm not dead
Reflecting on the dangerous situations he has faced
Going on 20 soon, they say I changed, that's a fitting room
Maturing and evolving as a person
I'm still the same kid that didn't speak when we were in the school
Reflecting on his past introverted nature
I just got a mic now, I turned to a real nigga
Finding his voice and confidence through music
I just knocked a white gal, and fuck who you think I sound
Defying stereotypes and expectations
Like, I'm a legend in the making like the director's cut
Recognizing his potential and talent
Of I Am Legend and I'm fed up with the fuck comparison
Expressing frustration with being compared to others
These niggas don't got the truth that y'all want, do they?
Questioning the authenticity and honesty of other artists
Think I'm lyin'? Then plan a trip to Chicago today
Challenging skeptics to experience the reality of his city
I was 15, they was fucking with me
Facing adversity and bullying at a young age
There's no logic in love, but there's no love in the streets
Recognizing the absence of compassion and kindness in his neighborhood
It look like funeral home, church, church, liquor store
Continuing to describe the bleak environment
Corner store, dread-head, dead leg, ditto
Emphasizing the prevalent features and conditions
Sillou-ette! Chalk outline, sketch!
Referring to the grim aftermath of violence and death
It's not safe outside when they want your neck
Highlighting the danger and vulnerability in the streets
Now that's church, barber shop, bottle I, got
Reiterating the places visited and items acquired
From the liquor store on Cicero, I ain't 21, but he didn't know
Repeating the details of purchasing alcohol underage
They sold prison the way they pipeline
Describing the disproportionate incarceration of certain communities
Systematically lifeline
Exploring the systematic oppression and targeting of marginalized groups
Erase all niggas, they so bulletproof from the law
Expressing frustration with the invincibility of those in power
Law abiding citizen shot, Willie Lynch doing crack now
Highlighting the irony and injustice in society
Made the new letters shiny, now we pray King Kunta
Finding solace and hope in music and cultural icons
I hope the grave don't find me, I do my E&J kindly
Expressing a desire for a peaceful death and embracing certain vices
I do my time when it's timely, sometimes the Bible tastes like marmalade
Accepting the consequences of one's actions, even if they are harsh
My momma still sipping, politician owe Donald Duck
Observing the struggles and flaws in society
A quacking new kitchen
Using humor to criticize politicians and their promises
They kept the melting pot inside the slave plot, watch
Highlighting the hidden history and ongoing inequalities within certain communities
They gentrified your neighborhood no needs for cops, watch
Commenting on the negative effects of gentrification on communities
Look at the yoga pants, coffee shops and yogurt stands
Observing the superficial changes in the neighborhood
Consumerism, holy land
Unveiling the materialistic and superficial nature of society
And on the other hand my momma land
Recognizing one's cultural heritage and roots
Man, give them people hell bro, on life, let 'em know how you feelin', yo,
Encouraging the artist to speak honestly and boldly
Let 'em know what's going on, bro
Urging the artist to address current issues and experiences
Free us, every chance you get, free my nigga Marl
Advocating for freedom and justice, referencing a specific person
Free Jimmy, Fresh, yo, Frillz, yo
Mentioning individuals who are imprisoned and expressing the hope for their release
Let 'em know yo, keep us alive out there in them verses yo
Acknowledging the importance of music in raising awareness and representing the community
On a real bro, aight love bro, take care bro
Expressing genuine care and concern for the artist
Tell my brother, tell Fresh I said I love him
Sending a message of love to a specific person
Tell him when you see Squeaky, tell him I love him
Relaying affection to another individual through a mutual acquaintance
Tell your bro n'em I said wassup, I salute you bro
Sending greetings and respects to a group of friends
You sent old girl them pictures right?
Referring to a previous conversation or request
Aight, bet bro, I love you bro, I'mma talk to you in a minute bro
Expressing love and the intention to continue the conversation later
Lyrics © Downtown Music Publishing
Written by: Tahj Malik Chandler, Fatimah Warner
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@davidkantar5062
They ask you what's the cause and effect
Of doobies packed and they fat, now you calling collect
They booby trapping the trap
The police pulling a pulley, you'll fall for it you silly
Putty you outta shape, fuck running, you'll catch a case
I can't relate to half of my relatives
My genetics is felony, buying low and reselling it
They told me tell a story, I'm like "Why not mine?"
Shit everybody taking pictures, I'm like "Why not Vine?"
And growin' from the ground up, it look like I'm a vine
It's rarity in my realness
Yeah I'm a fine diamond in the rough type, rough type
Roughhouse in a roadhouse like rugby
Lovely, when you hit a lick little kick like Chun-Li
Funny, kids that I hoop with all in county
Counting, black bodies hunt 'em down look like bounties
Bound to, be on the block a little while longer
They your homies, this what home is
What don't kill ya make ya stronger
Call Obama, Jesus, Yeezus
He can save Chicago from the demons and the deacons
When it's the end
Yeah, dodged precincts since pre-teens
Let's pretend we privileged not deceased, addicted
It look like funeral home, church, church, liquor store
Corner store, dread-head, dead leg, ditto
10-4, ten foes from Cicero to Central
Was told, "let it go"
Didn't know who to hit though
Now that's church, barber shop, bottle I, got
From the liquor store on Cicero
I ain't 21, but he didn't know
Bad habits of wrong places at wrong times
A stray bullet'll take your first-born like the tenth plague, I'm the new Pharoah
My phone line forever open for prayer
The fallen soldiers ain't fell, they in my pen
And I do thank God
They say preach like Cooley High
From beginning to end, that's Alpha and Omega
My city the same ghost that made Lupe cry
Soon's you loosen up your grip you lost, then lose your life
I loosen a dread
From every time I gotta wash the cigarette smoke from outta my head
Like how I'm not dead
Going on 20 soon, they say I changed, that's a fitting room
I'm still the same kid that didn't speak when we were in the school
I just got a mic now, I turned to a real nigga
I just knocked a white gal, and fuck who you think I sound
Like, I'm a legend in the making like the director's cut
Of I Am Legend and I'm fed up with the fuck comparison
These niggas don't got the truth that y'all want, do they?
Think I'm lyin'? Then plan a trip to Chicago today
I was 15, they was fucking with me
There's no logic in love, but there's no love in the streets
It look like funeral home, church, church, liquor store
Corner store, dread-head, dead leg, ditto
Sillou-ette! Chalk outline, sketch!
It's not safe outside when they want your neck
Now that's church, barber shop, bottle I, got
From the liquor store on Cicero, I ain't 21, but he didn't know
They sold prison the way they pipeline
Systematically lifeline
Erase all niggas, they so bulletproof from the law
Law abiding citizen shot, Willie Lynch doing crack now
Made the new letters shiny, now we pray King Kunta
I hope the grave don't find me, I do my E&J kindly
I do my time when it's timely, sometimes the Bible tastes like marmalade
My momma still sipping, politician owe Donald Duck
A quacking new kitchen
They kept the melting pot inside the slave plot, watch
They gentrified your neighborhood no needs for cops, watch
Look at the yoga pants, coffee shops and yogurt stands
Consumerism, holy land
And on the other hand my momma land
It look like funeral home, church, church, liquor store
Corner store, dread-head, dead leg
Man, give them people hell bro, on life, let 'em know how you feelin', yo,
Let 'em know what's going on, bro
Free us, every chance you get, free my nigga Marl
Free Jimmy, Fresh, yo, Frillz, yo
Let 'em know yo, keep us alive out there in them verses yo
On a real bro, aight love bro, take care bro
Tell my brother, tell Fresh I said I love him
Tell him when you see Squeaky, tell him I love him
Tell your bro n'em I said wassup, I salute you bro
You sent old girl them pictures right?
Aight, bet bro, I love you bro, I'mma talk to you in a minute bro
The caller has hung up
@katrinagray34
Why can't they play songs like this on the radio...
@Kilamanjaro009
Because the radio is business oriented
@chowell1451
Because it isn’t mainstream
@phumelelenzuza8547
They're busy playing Cardi B
@imlamberts
RIGHTTT
@WolfGangLit
They’re too busy to play really good music while mediocre creativity makes top billboards. I’m still bumping old school Saba in 2021 and shortly, in 2022.
In short Saba sounds like Saba and no one else. I feel like Tyler the creator and Saba would make bangers because they both seem to live vibey dreamy beats.
@ljones6487
Who in the right mind has the audacity to dislike this song?
@mr.smitherson3139
1 bitch
@notsilentfalcon4773
someone who does not like the song who are you to judge whether or not someone pressed the dislike button, God, I think not let us just enjoy music.
@hilaalfasi3456
@Not Silent Falcon facts.