Paul "Sage" Francis (born November 18, 1976 in Miami, Florida) is a hip-hop… Read Full Bio ↴Paul "Sage" Francis (born November 18, 1976 in Miami, Florida) is a hip-hop artist based in Providence, Rhode Island.

Noted for his intense flow and sharp wit, Francis has won acclaim both as a freestyle battler and as an unapologetic, intellectual lyricist. Francis uses a broad emotional palette to address a wide range of personal, cultural, and political issues. His unconventional style and persona have given him crossover appeal, but at the same time alienated some hip-hop listeners.

Prior to embarking on a full-time career as an MC, Francis displayed his skills in slam poetry. During the late 1990s, he recorded his first demo tape (1996), fronted the now defunct Providence hip-hop band Art Official Intelligence, and hosted a weekly slot on independent radio station WRIU (the "True School Session"). He also formed the Non-Prophets and released a 12” (Drop Bass/Bounce/I Keep Calling, Emerge Records, 1999), following up in 2003 with their first full-length offering, Hope. Francis is a contemporary of underground hip-hop artists such as Slug, Eyedea, Sole and the anticon. collective. He is also loosely affiliated with the vague underground hip-hop super-group The Orphanage.

As a solo performer, Francis won the MC battle at the 2000 Scribble Jam, and in 2001 he came close to repeating as champion (semi-finalist) while performing as his "metal" alter ego, "Xaul Zan". Francis released his first proper solo album, Personal Journals, on Anticon. in 2002. He toured with a live band on the Live Band Dead Poet Tour to support it. Francis subsequently became the first hip-hop artist to sign with Punk label Epitaph, agreeing to a three-album deal. His first album for Epitaph, A Healthy Distrust, was released in early 2005 and was followed up with Human the Death Dance in 2007.

One of Francis' best-known tracks is "Makeshift Patriot", a commentary on the American media recorded one month after the September 11, 2001 attacks which he released on the internet as an MP3 as well as a limited edition 7" single.

In February 2005 Sage dropped his second full length album on the originally punk label Epitaph, it was widely regarded as the best underground hip hop album of the year by critics and fans alike and featured heavily political tracks such as "The Buzz Kill" and "Slow Down Gandhi" and more personal material like that more similar to that of his debut 'Personal Journals' such as 'Bridle' and a few heavily satirical comments on the modern day rap and urban scene such as the satirical comment on youth gun culture 'Gunz Yo'.

Sage has helped to set up the Wiki KnowMore.org which is described as a 'way to keep tabs on the some of the biggest and most dangerous businesses in the world'. He is a vegetarian and also chooses to abstain from drugs and drinking, though doesn't label himself as "straight-edge" because he believes "you shouldn't define yourself by what you don't do."

Sage has set up his own label and signed some of who he claims to be his favorite artists of the moment such as Buck 65 and Proplyphic and Reanimator named Strange Famous (which shares his initials) with which he released his most recent work 'Human the Death Dance'

This album was released in May 2007 and takes a step away from the heavily political 'Healthy Distrust' and heads back to the more personal lyrics of 'Personal Journals' and comments on modern culture. The album features cameos from many Strange Famous artists such as Buddy Wakefield, Buck 65 and Reanimator.

In 2010 Sage released his fourth full length album Li(f)e (the title coming from the famous quote from 'The Cure' on the Non-Prophets album Hope "Life is just a lie with an f in it and death is definite"). The album was extremely well received and one particular single off of the album 'The Best Of Times' received extensive air play on the popular British radio station Radio 1. After Sages Li(f)e tour Sage has stated that he will no longer be doing tours but will still be releasing albums and other materials, instead he will be doing select gigs throughout each year.

On 3 June 2014, Sage released his fifth studio album 'Copper Gone'. It is the first official studio album after Sage Francis announced his hiatus, which lasted for four years.

Broken Wings (Produced By Scot
Sage Francis Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

She's a fairy with broken wings
I used to watch her perform
And if she hears me I hope she sings songs
That had me going right back
Couldn't find anyone in town to talk
'Bout how no one like that
Should be confined to the ground we walk

She glides but just seems like she floats
And these folks decide to crush her wings until they're permanently broke
She rides gusts of wind just by the way she spoke
She cries but loves to sing songs of freedom and hope
On the East side hustling discussing things that we quote
In shallow conversation as if we have deep throats
We choking' on confusion
Now show up as a heat stroke of we need coats
Trading in our cheap jokes for her C notes
I see notes being passed
I ask to see what these creeps wrote
Define silly kids and flying privileges revoke
Ski slopes have been blocked off they can't transcend
Had weights tied to her ankles she most definitely can't skip down
Shes held down by the transcripts my hands grip
Tried to tie her wings back on before the ones again clip
Panic stricken, shell remain stuck
On a Titanic sinking, she's trying to stay up
Change her plan thinking its okay
See this is strange but
Abraham Lincoln freed the slaves in a way that kept them chained up
I'd like to see
Her take flight into the stars
Instead of letting her fly free they keep her in jars
Instead of letting fly free they keep 'em in jars
I put my hand to the glass so hard
It might break the prison bars
It isn't hard to see why they keep her captive
She's naturally attractive
Speaks with ad-libs, she's uncommonly talented
Ain't enough adjectives to do her disposition justice
Kids are wishing' for just a kiss and it's a mission to touch her lipstick
Can't trust her with
Freedom of movement that's a chance to lose her quick
If she ups and splits
We might as well call that discussion quits
We have ways to keep her down the government's underlings
Enslave people in this town especially if there cultures rich
Exploiting talents making it do a bunch of tricks
With the rest of the wingless imports
Repeatedly told you ain't a fairy, just a bitch
Just a bitch, with a butt that's thick
So rub your tits, and thrust your hips
And suck my dick, and run your shit, and run your shit, and run your shit

She's a fairy with broken wings
I used to go watch her perform
And if she hears me I hope she sings songs
That had me going right back
Couldn't find anyone in town to talk
Bout how no one like that
Should be confined to the ground

When I was down in New York she'd send me letters
And I read her passages about how I left it to the savages
No matter how sad it is I didn't cry
'Cause it was only a matter of time
Before they figured me out and tried to strip my pride
I knew the scoop
Wish you could of seen the blueprints in my eye
When I flew the coop
Utilizing overground railroads in the sky
It was live or die let me let you in on the secret of mine
Me and you are different girl
We don't even need wings to fly

We don't need wings to fly
Me and you, we don't need wings to fly
Keep on singing give it a try, give it a try
Just keep on singing give it a try, give it a try
Keep on singing give it a try, give it a try
Just keep on singing give it a try, give it a try
Keep on singing give it a try, give it a try
Just keep on singing give it a try, give it a try
Keep on singing give it a try, give it a try
Just keep on singing give it a try, give it a try

Keep on singing give it a try, give it a try
Just keep on singing give it a try, give it a try

Overall Meaning

In "Broken Wings," Sage Francis describes a fairy with broken wings who he used to watch perform. He feels that it's unfair and wrong that someone with so much talent and potential is confined to the ground. He describes how she glides and seems to float effortlessly, yet people crush her wings and hold her down. He also reflects on the shallow conversations and confusion that he feels when he tries to communicate with people, whereas the fairy seems to be able to express herself freely through her singing.

The second verse delves deeper into the unfairness and exploitation of the government's treatment of talented people. The fairy is seen as naturally attractive and uncommonly talented, which means that people want to possess her and control her movements. The government exploits her talents, turning her into a performing monkey rather than allowing her to soar freely. Francis encourages the fairy to keep on singing and trying to fly, even if she doesn't have wings, because their differences make them unique.

The song is a commentary on the societal culture of putting individuals in boxes and suppressing their natural talents and dreams. The lyrics are powerful because they convey a sense of empathy and frustration towards a system that suppresses magic and creativity.

Line by Line Meaning

She's a fairy with broken wings
She is a unique and talented individual, but has been suppressed and restrained by others.

I used to watch her perform
I have witnessed her abilities and appreciate her talent.

And if she hears me I hope she sings songs
I hope she continues to express herself and use her voice, despite the obstacles she faces.

That had me going right back
Her performances have a lasting impact on me and make me return to see her again.

Couldn't find anyone in town to talk
There is nobody else in this community who understands and supports her like I do.

Bout how no one like that
There are not many other people who possess her unique talents and qualities.

Should be confined to the ground we walk
She should not be limited or restrained by the limited expectations of society.

She glides but just seems like she floats
She moves gracefully and effortlessly, but others do not appreciate or understand the beauty of her actions.

And these folks decide to crush her wings until they're permanently broke
Others have intentionally tried to prevent her from using her talents and have permanently impaired her ability to express herself freely.

She rides gusts of wind just by the way she spoke
Her words and voice have the ability to inspire and lift others up, just like a gust of wind.

She cries but loves to sing songs of freedom and hope
Although she experiences pain and hardship, she still holds onto her love for music and uses it to spread positivity and hope.

On the East side hustling discussing things that we quote
We come from a community where we have to work hard and struggle, but we still discuss and value important ideas.

In shallow conversation as if we have deep throats
Although we try to have deep conversations, we do not really understand or comprehend the true depth of the issues we discuss.

We choking' on confusion
We are struggling to understand and navigate the complex issues that we face.

Now show up as a heat stroke of we need coats
We are unprepared and vulnerable to the shocks and adversities that we encounter.

Trading in our cheap jokes for her C notes
We should let go of our shallow humor and appreciate the valuable and meaningful music she creates.

I see notes being passed
There are messages being communicated that are not easily discernible or understood.

I ask to see what these creeps wrote
I am suspicious of the motives and intentions of those who seek to restrain her and limit her potential.

Define silly kids and flying privileges revoke
Those who try to hold her back are childish and ignorant, and should not have the power to control her destiny.

Ski slopes have been blocked off they can't transcend
Obstacles have been placed in her way that prevent her from reaching her full potential.

Had weights tied to her ankles she most definitely can't skip down
Her movements and actions have been intentionally restricted and limited.

Shes held down by the transcripts my hands grip
Those in power use policies and regulations to prevent her from soaring and reaching new heights.

Tried to tie her wings back on before the ones again clip
I have tried to help her recover and regain her full ability to express herself, but there are still obstacles in her way.

Panic stricken, shell remain stuck
She is afraid and unable to move forward due to the obstacles she faces.

On a Titanic sinking, she's trying to stay up
She is struggling to survive and overcome the forces that are working against her.

Change her plan thinking its okay
She is adapting and trying new approaches to overcome the barriers in her way.

See this is strange but
Despite the difficult circumstances, there is still something unique and beautiful about her spirit and expression.

Abraham Lincoln freed the slaves in a way that kept them chained up
Although progress has been made, there are still systemic barriers and limitations that prevent individuals like her from reaching their full potential.

I'd like to see
I hope for a better future where individuals like her are not held back by forces beyond their control.

Her take flight into the stars
I hope that she is able to fully express herself and reach new heights of creativity and success.

Instead of letting her fly free they keep her in jars
Others seek to limit and control her, preventing her from reaching her full potential.

It isn't hard to see why they keep her captive
The forces that seek to restrain her are driven by fear, jealousy, and insecurity.

She's naturally attractive
She possesses innate qualities that are admirable and valuable.

Speaks with ad-libs, she's uncommonly talented
Her unique ability to improvise and create on the spot is a valuable and unique talent.

Ain't enough adjectives to do her disposition justice
Words are inadequate to fully describe and convey the depth and complexity of her spirit and character.

Kids are wishing' for just a kiss and it's a mission to touch her lipstick
Others admire and desire her, but are unable to fully connect with her or understand her true self.

Can't trust her with freedom of movement that's a chance to lose her quick
Those in power are afraid of allowing her too much freedom, as they fear losing their control over her.

If she ups and splits
If she decides to leave and pursue her own path, it would be a significant loss to those who seek to control her.

We might as well call that discussion quits
Without her, we would lose the valuable contributions and insights that she brings to our community.

We have ways to keep her down the government's underlings
The forces that hold her back are deeply ingrained in the structures and institutions of society.

Enslave people in this town especially if there cultures rich
Those in power seek to exploit and subjugate those who come from unique and vibrant cultures.

Exploiting talents making it do a bunch of tricks
Rather than valuing and appreciating her unique abilities, others seek to use her as a tool to serve their own interests.

With the rest of the wingless imports
Others like her, who possess unique and valuable qualities, are similarly held back and restrained by those in power.

Repeatedly told you ain't a fairy, just a bitch
Others seek to degrade and devalue her, dismissing her unique qualities and talents as insignificant or unworthy of respect.

Just a bitch, with a butt that's thick
Others reduce her to superficial or sexualized characteristics, rather than appreciating her true worth and potential.

So rub your tits, and thrust your hips
Others seek to exploit and sexualize her, reducing her to a mere object of desire.

And suck my dick, and run your shit, and run your shit, and run your shit
Others seek to dominate and control her, using their power and influence to keep her in a subordinate position.

When I was down in New York she'd send me letters
Despite the distance between us, we have maintained a connection through written communication.

And I read her passages about how I left it to the savages
I shared my perspective on the world around us and the struggles we face.

No matter how sad it is I didn't cry
Despite the difficult circumstances, I remain resolute and undeterred by the challenges we face.

'Cause it was only a matter of time
I knew that we would face obstacles and challenges, but I remained hopeful that we would overcome them in time.

Before they figured me out and tried to strip my pride
I knew that others would try to undermine and weaken me, but I refused to let them succeed.

I knew the scoop
I was aware of the challenges and obstacles that we face, and remained vigilant in confronting them.

Wish you could of seen the blueprints in my eye
I had a clear vision and plan for how to overcome the challenges we face.

When I flew the coop
I took action to break free from the constraints and limitations others sought to impose on me.

Utilizing overground railroads in the sky
I found innovative and unconventional ways to overcome the obstacles in my path.

It was live or die let me let you in on the secret of mine
I faced difficult circumstances and had to make difficult choices in order to overcome the obstacles in my path.

Me and you are different girl
We are unique and special individuals with our own unique talents and qualities.

We don't even need wings to fly
We are capable of achieving great things and reaching new heights of success and fulfillment without being held back by the limitations imposed by others.

Keep on singing give it a try, give it a try
We should continue to express ourselves and pursue our passions, despite the obstacles and challenges we face.

Contributed by Ethan N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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