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.
Climb Trees
Sage Francis Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Flipping switches...moving from basin bottoms to plateaus
The Earth...manipulates itself beneath me
I stand still...stagnate. Can't kill...this lagged state
Life...manipulates itself around me, but I'm dead still
Upright...but dead still
Word is still born...I will not stoop to the level of the stoop that y'all chill on
-er Liquor Store don't want to kick it no more...
because holes have filled the wall, sneakers are scuffed & toes have become sore
I saw y'all walk from the hood of tough luck
Yeah, if these walls could talk they wouldn't shut the fuck up
Jump in your pick up truck. Drive from the mountain range
Cash the chips in on your shoulder, cut your losses, die young, count the change
How strange...you think these clouds look lovely?
Smoke signals...manipulate themselves above me
No symbols...are below me enough to overlook
I know you read my every move, I wrote the book
Mind not the blemishes that are on my premise. Endlessness is my "to be continued..."
Notice the nervousness in my footnotes when being interviewed
Shaking uncontrollably. "How you doing?" "Not bad...how about you?"
Brought it right back to me like "What've you been up to?"
I don't talk to freaks. I even ignore my neighbors who live down the stairs
I walk the streets. And they don't know that I'm famous in 2000 years
So I say shit loud in their ears and I spit a wretched verse in their face...
Disrespecting their personal space
In a split second, curtains and drapes get closed
They think they've shut me out, but I can see their ugly mouth in the shape of "O"s
I'd break their windows with a stone that has a note attatched
that says "I hate Jim Crow, and here's a poem to let you know the haps:"
"I've got a golden axe and I chop cherry trees down
Dead to this world. Bury me now."
I am from a distant place that sits and waits for my belated time to come
but its too late I've missed my fate. I "F" with the deaf, blind and dumb
My father taught me one thing...how to fire a gun
I don't bother...this is survival for fun
I have become the most sinister sin city clicker
cynical dim witted trixter
critical shit grinning hipster
Whisper...to my earhole...tell me not to be fearful
Be careful
not to make any...sudden...movements
Show me your sole...I like to study shoe prints
You've stepped to me before! I can recognize them stubby toes!
I left them guys with bloody clothes. For a second time...nobody knows
The pain I've seen. Nobody knows the pain I've seen
Nobody knows why I've got a bloody nose or how they made it bleed
Chorus:
Climb trees...go out on a limb
To find me...forget about him
Forget about hymns...what are those psalms that you sing
What are those songs that are in your head echoing...
I am not here to make a change. I break chains
I break dance moves and move Strange--
Strange Famous is infamous for inflammatory mission statements
Living in basements with subterranean secret service agents
With little patience. A pediatrician who hate kids
Women's lib is getting choked to death by their own baby bibs
Baby, did you know I love women who hate mankind?
I talk about it all the damn time....keep it comin' HUH!!!
"IIIIIIIII HHHHAAAAAAAATE MEEEEEEEENNNNN"
This conversation is mine. I own all the stock in boring small talk,
And I've trade marked this facial expression called the "gawk."
So fuck off. I dis functions souped by ninjas and hockey fights
While discussion groups infringe upon my copyrights
All them bitches want me tonight...I've been so great and respectful
They only get salty when I bend them into the shape of a pretzel
I make them flexible when I break their schedule. It only got hard...
When I asked 'em politely not to fight me and to give up...God
Damn...this is easier than I thought it would be
They'll attend any party and not fight it as long as they're invited cordially
Unfortunately, I've only got so many hundred openings
But talk to me, I want to take you all under my broken wings
Who's the right man for the job?!
Put up your hands y'all because I'm not tall enough to stand up to God
Who's the right woman?! Throw up one hand...and wave it now
The lyrics of Sage Francis's song "Climb Trees" speaks about self-reflection, individuality, and standing firm against adversities. The first verse describes the singer's position in the world; while life is constantly changing around him, he feels stuck in a stagnant state. In the second verse, he expresses a detached attitude towards society and its norms, preferring to walk the streets and ignore his neighbors. The chorus encourages listeners to seek out their individuality, suggesting that the way to find oneself is to "climb trees," suggesting that it is not an easy journey.
In the third verse, Sage Francis talks about his complicated relationship with fame and the unreasonable expectations that come with it. He also criticizes people who engage in small talk, while in the fourth verse, he speaks against societal norms that constrain individuals. Francis ends the song by asking listeners to think deeply about the right person for the job and to embody that role, highlighting the importance of being oneself in society.
Line by Line Meaning
Sun set and sun rise I'm my own personal light show
I control my own life and the way I present myself to the world
Flipping switches...moving from basin bottoms to plateaus
I have the ability to change my circumstances and move up in the world
The Earth...manipulates itself beneath me
The world changes around me, but I am still in control of my own destiny
I stand still...stagnate. Can't kill...this lagged state
I feel stuck and unable to move forward in my life
Life...manipulates itself around me, but I'm dead still
Things happen in life, but I am not actively taking part in them
Upright...but dead still
I am physically present, but emotionally and mentally detached
Word is still born...I will not stoop to the level of the stoop that y'all chill on
I refuse to conform to the norms and expectations of those around me
If the building's boarded up and the children of the corn -er Liquor Store don't want to kick it no more...
If the environment is no longer welcoming, I will move on
because holes have filled the wall, sneakers are scuffed & toes have become sore
When things start to wear down and become uncomfortable, it's time to leave
I saw y'all walk from the hood of tough luck
I have observed people facing difficulties in their lives
Yeah, if these walls could talk they wouldn't shut the fuck up
These surroundings have seen and experienced a lot of things
Jump in your pick up truck. Drive from the mountain range
Travel and explore the world around you
Cash the chips in on your shoulder, cut your losses, die young, count the change
Don't hold onto grudges, let go of the past and move forward
How strange...you think these clouds look lovely?
Questioning other people's perceptions and thoughts
Smoke signals...manipulate themselves above me
External factors can influence our thoughts and decisions
No symbols...are below me enough to overlook
I pay attention to everything, no detail is too small
I know you read my every move, I wrote the book
I am aware of how I present myself and how others perceive me
Mind not the blemishes that are on my premise. Endlessness is my "to be continued..."
Don't focus on my flaws, I am a work in progress
Notice the nervousness in my footnotes when being interviewed
I get anxious in situations where I am being judged or scrutinized
Shaking uncontrollably. "How you doing?" "Not bad...how about you?"
I may appear calm on the surface, but internally I am struggling
Brought it right back to me like "What've you been up to?"
Other people are curious about my life and what I have been doing
I don't talk to freaks. I even ignore my neighbors who live down the stairs
I avoid people who I consider to be strange or uninteresting
I walk the streets. And they don't know that I'm famous in 2000 years
I have a long-lasting impact on the world, even if people don't recognize it in the moment
So I say shit loud in their ears and I spit a wretched verse in their face...
I try to be heard and make an impact on those around me
Disrespecting their personal space
I am unapologetic about invading other people's boundaries
In a split second, curtains and drapes get closed
People will shut me out if I become too difficult or confrontational
They think they've shut me out, but I can see their ugly mouth in the shape of "O"s
Even if others try to ignore me, I am still aware of their reactions and emotions
I'd break their windows with a stone that has a note attatched
I am willing to take drastic actions to get my message across
that says "I hate Jim Crow, and here's a poem to let you know the haps:"
I am passionate about social justice issues and use my art to express myself
"I've got a golden axe and I chop cherry trees down
I have power and influence to make changes in the world
Dead to this world. Bury me now."
I am pessimistic about the world and my place in it
I am from a distant place that sits and waits for my belated time to come
I feel out of place and disconnected from the world around me
but its too late I've missed my fate. I "F" with the deaf, blind and dumb
I have missed opportunities and feel like an outsider to society
My father taught me one thing...how to fire a gun
My upbringing emphasized violence and anger
I don't bother...this is survival for fun
I am willing to take risks and live life on the edge
I have become the most sinister sin city clicker cynical dim witted trixter critical shit grinning hipster
I embrace my darker impulses and persona
Whisper...to my earhole...tell me not to be fearful
I want reassurance and comfort from others
Be careful not to make any...sudden...movements
I am alert and watchful of my surroundings
Show me your sole...I like to study shoe prints
I am curious and observant of the people around me, even in small ways
You've stepped to me before! I can recognize them stubby toes!
I remember past confrontations and hold onto grudges
I left them guys with bloody clothes. For a second time...nobody knows
I have a violent streak and enjoy taking revenge
The pain I've seen. Nobody knows the pain I've seen
I have experienced emotional and physical pain that others may not understand or recognize
Nobody knows why I've got a bloody nose or how they made it bleed
I feel victimized and helpless in the face of others' actions
Climb trees...go out on a limb
Take risks and push yourself out of your comfort zone
To find me...forget about him
Focus on me and what I have to offer, not others
Forget about hymns...what are those psalms that you sing
Don't get caught up in religious or ideological dogma
What are those songs that are in your head echoing...
What are the ideas and thoughts that you can't shake or ignore?
I am not here to make a change. I break chains
I am not trying to fit in or conform to societal norms
I break dance moves and move Strange--
I am unconventional and expressive in my art and life
Strange Famous is infamous for inflammatory mission statements
My art is provocative and confrontational
Living in basements with subterranean secret service agents
I am isolated and underground in my pursuits
With little patience. A pediatrician who hate kids
I am easily frustrated and irritable
Women's lib is getting choked to death by their own baby bibs
I disapprove of certain values and actions of feminist movements
Baby, did you know I love women who hate mankind?
I am drawn to women who reject societal expectations and norms
I talk about it all the damn time....keep it comin' HUH!!!
I am vocal and passionate about my interests and preferences
"IIIIIIIII HHHHAAAAAAAATE MEEEEEEEENNNNN"
My disdain for men is a core part of my identity and beliefs
This conversation is mine. I own all the stock in boring small talk,
I dominate conversations and don't tolerate small talk or triviality
And I've trade marked this facial expression called the "gawk."
I am distinctive and memorable in my mannerisms and behaviors
So fuck off. I dis functions souped by ninjas and hockey fights
I am easily annoyed and frustrated by other people's behavior
While discussion groups infringe upon my copyrights
I feel like others are trying to steal my ideas or take credit for my work
All them bitches want me tonight...I've been so great and respectful
I feel confident in myself and my appeal to others
They only get salty when I bend them into the shape of a pretzel
Others may resent or resist my control or influence over them
I make them flexible when I break their schedule. It only got hard...
I am skilled at manipulating and altering others' plans and behaviors
When I asked 'em politely not to fight me and to give up...God
I am confrontational and willing to fight for what I want
Damn...this is easier than I thought it would be
I feel confident and capable in my ability to control situations and people
They'll attend any party and not fight it as long as they're invited cordially
Others may be easily swayed or influenced by social norms and expectations
Unfortunately, I've only got so many hundred openings
I have limited capacity for connections and relationships
But talk to me, I want to take you all under my broken wings
Despite my flaws and issues, I do care about others and want to connect with them
Who's the right man for the job?!
I am dismissive and sarcastic about conventional standards and expectations
Put up your hands y'all because I'm not tall enough to stand up to God
I am humble and aware of my limitations and weaknesses
Who's the right woman?! Throw up one hand...and wave it now
I am open and accepting of different people and personalities
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Cheche Garcia
on Buckets Of Silence
I never held a funeral for that big part of me that died.
I need to put these thoughts to rest. i need to find a peace of mind.
I need to piece my mind, find a piece of mind to rest in.
need to find someone to confide in, and with the rest i need to start restin'.
needless to say, i couldn't hide.
fifteen grown men shouldn't cry.
Cheche Garcia
on Message Sent
I've got some letters inside of my drawer
that should have been stamped and delivered
One is addressed to my ex
it says I'm the type of kid who can't be lived with
One is addressed to my friends
it says I'm a mess so y'all can't visit
One is addressed to myself
but I don't know what personality or hand to give it