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.
Going Back To Rehab
Sage Francis Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm going there to give him cash, hear him laugh, bring him back
If I can't tear down these walls, I'll slip him through the crack.
If that crack ain't big enough, I'm sick enough to get committed,
Where he's been, I ain't been allowed to visit, and I miss him.
They put me in a submission hold, got him living in a hole.
Give me the rope, pull it back, cut him slack--he's getting old.
Always put on hold, that prison phone's always taken
They put me on a speaker but my voice is breaking up.
I'd like to think he caught bits and pieces before the gates got shut.
Raise it up!
Somebody cover me, I'm going in, with razor cuts, and something ugly that I know within
Can't afford the luxury of exposing everything, but I've been doing the best that I can. (that I can)
I take it day by day, just one step at a time, and I don't need a sobriety test to walk the line
Walking on this tightrope with arms open wide, hoping to find you live and well on the other side
So I could give you this gift as a symbol
When I felt the rope loosen, I knew I missed my window
He really did love you, you know pat, pat, I said "Get your fucking hand off my back"
This is my passage into adulthood and I need not
Smalltalk fingers fishing from a weak spot. I used to dream a lot
In search for meaning in a sleepwalk
The only time I find myself having a deep talk
But now I never sleep 'cause sleep is the cousin of death
One can never rest depending on how up the drugs get
Upset, submit me to a blood test
Find no trace of my words reverting back to... wait, that wasn't what I meant
My right eye is sunrise, the left is sunset, the moonshine ain't got me drunk yet
My tongue's wet for the lunar eclipse, and when you're flat broke ain't nothing you won't do for a fix
It's a beautiful mix of Jesus-Juice on my lips
And words that are stuck so I stirred 'em up with a crucifix
And this is where I found a friend in Christ
But I also found a few spikes and I decided to use them as pegs on my bike
So you'd have a place to stand when I broke you out of that vice
And now I'm going back to rehab. (going, going, back, back to rehab)
I'm going back to rehab... (going, going, back, back to rehab)
I'm going back to rehab... (going, going, back, back to rehab)
I'm going back to rehab... (going, going, back, back to rehab)
(going, going, back, back to rehab) (going, going, back, back to rehab)
I'm going back as a Dead-Again Christian, with a medicine prescription
Yeah I'm a friend of Bill! Let-let-let me in!
Get me outta this!
Hooked up to plugs and wires while the dogs sniff for a powdered substance
In a town of judgments with glass-house developments
Cookie-cutter Republican school-book intelligence
They ain't never considered how just one rock,
Could crack the whole facade, now they call the ski slingshots
I will not meditate on the sermon
Heaven's gate is burnin', so we self-medicate with bourbon
While their collection plate gets turned into a purse
I've turned into a second-rate person, but I'm not the first
This isn't your typical cry for help
I tried to melt, but someone stopped the trickling with a +Bible belt+
Reminded me of tourniquets and heroin nods
Now that, that right there, that's one hell of a God
You can't match magic with an addict that's got a mapping compass
In order to find a substance and matchstick that functions
A searching and fearless immoral inventory
'Til every person with a story begins to bore me
I did what I had to do to get
To the place where your face wasn't such a blurry mess
I packed all your favorite promises and words that we kept,
You weren't hard to find, all it took was 13 steps.
And now I'm going back to rehab...
I'm going back to rehab...
I'm going back to rehab...
I'm going back to rehab... I don't drink though
I'm going there to give him cash, hear him laugh, bring him back
If I can't tear down these walls, I'll slip him through the crack.
If that crack ain't big enough, I'm sick enough to get committed,
Where he's been, I ain't been allowed to visit, and I miss him.
Put me in a submission hold, got him living in a hole.
Give me the rope, pull it back, cut him slack--he's getting old.
This bitter cold does nothing for his brittle bones--he's shaking.
Eternally put on hold, that prison phone's always taken
Put me on a speaker but my voice is breaking up.
I'd like to think he caught bits and pieces before the gates got shut.
Raise it up!
Somebody cover me, I'm going in, with razor cuts, and something ugly that I know within.
Can't afford the luxury of exposing everything, but I've been doing the best that I can.
I take it day by day, just one step at a time, and I don't need a sobriety test to walk the line.
[continue alphabetical list of drug streetnames]
The lyrics to Sage Francis's song "Going Back To Rehab" are emotional and reveal a person's deepening grip on drugs and addiction. The first stanza has a sense of desperation to it. The singer is going to visit someone in prison, probably a close friend or family member, and is offering them the financial help and laughter they need. But the gravity of the situation is palpable as the singer is willing to get committed to rehab himself to help bring the other person back into society. However, the harsh reality of life is that walls can't always be broken down so easily, and the singer may have to sneak the other person out of the institution. The sense of loss is evident as the singer reveals that not being allowed to visit the other person in prison has left him missing him terribly. The singer's determination to help his friend is also highlighted as he's willing to risk getting caught and punished for it. The song goes on to describe how the addiction controls the singer's life, affecting his relationships with his family and friends, and how he's slowly losing his independence. This is all set amidst the backdrop of a society that judges and punishes drug users without understanding the complexity and agony of addiction.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm going there to give him cash, hear him laugh, bring him back
Going to rehab to offer support to a friend who is struggling with addiction.
If I can't tear down these walls, I'll slip him through the crack.
If I can't break through the barriers and get my friend help, I'll find a way to sneak him out of rehab.
If that crack ain't big enough, I'm sick enough to get committed,
If the escape plan fails, I'll check myself into rehab alongside my friend.
Where he's been, I ain't been allowed to visit, and I miss him.
My friend has been in a treatment center where visitors are not allowed, and I long to see him.
They put me in a submission hold, got him living in a hole.
I feel powerless in this situation, and my friend feels trapped in rehab.
Give me the rope, pull it back, cut him slack--he's getting old.
I want to help my friend get better but I also want to give him space and not be overbearing.
This cold does nothing for his bones... he's shaking.
My friend is struggling with physical withdrawals and is in discomfort.
Always put on hold, that prison phone's always taken
Communication with my friend is difficult and limited.
They put me on a speaker but my voice is breaking up.
Even when I do talk to my friend, technical issues prevent clear communication.
I'd like to think he caught bits and pieces before the gates got shut.
I hope my friend was able to hear and understand my message before the phone call ended.
Somebody cover me, I'm going in, with razor cuts, and something ugly that I know within.
I am willing to do whatever it takes to help my friend, even if it means facing uncomfortable truths.
Can't afford the luxury of exposing everything, but I've been doing the best that I can.
I want to be honest with my friend, but I also don't want to overwhelm or trigger him.
I take it day by day, just one step at a time, and I don't need a sobriety test to walk the line.
I am focused on my own recovery and am confident in my ability to stay sober.
Walking on this tightrope with arms open wide, hoping to find you live and well on the other side.
I am cautiously optimistic about my friend's progress and recovery.
So I could give you this gift as a symbol.
I have a gift for my friend as a token of our friendship and my support.
When I felt the rope loosen, I knew I missed my window.
I nearly missed my chance to help my friend and am worried about what could have happened.
He really did love you, you know pat, pat, I said "Get your fucking hand off my back"
I am emotional and defensive about my friend's treatment and care.
This is my passage into adulthood and I need not.
My experiences with addiction and recovery have shaped me and made me a better person.
Smalltalk fingers fishing from a weak spot. I used to dream a lot.
I am sensitive about discussing my struggles and am reminded of my past aspirations.
In search for meaning in a sleepwalk. The only time I find myself having a deep talk.
I often feel disconnected and lost, but I am able to find clarity and purpose in my conversations with my friend.
But now I never sleep 'cause sleep is the cousin of death. One can never rest depending on how up the drugs get.
Addiction has made me vigilant and wary, always on guard against temptation.
Upset, submit me to a blood test. Find no trace of my words reverting back to... wait, that wasn't what I meant.
I feel frustrated with my inability to communicate clearly and accurately convey my thoughts and feelings.
My right eye is sunrise, the left is sunset, the moonshine ain't got me drunk yet.
I am clearly and soberly seeing the world and my experiences.
My tongue's wet for the lunar eclipse, and when you're flat broke ain't nothing you won't do for a fix.
I am drawn to unusual and captivating experiences, yet have also struggled with addiction.
It's a beautiful mix of Jesus-Juice on my lips. And words that are stuck so I stirred 'em up with a crucifix.
I am exploring different sources of comfort and guidance, including religion.
And this is where I found a friend in Christ. But I also found a few spikes and I decided to use them as pegs on my bike.
I have found solace in spirituality, but have also had setbacks and relapses.
So you'd have a place to stand when I broke you out of that vice.
I am committed to helping my friend escape the grip of addiction.
I'm going back as a Dead-Again Christian, with a medicine prescription. Yeah I'm a friend of Bill! Let-let-let me in!
I am returning to rehab and will use medication as a tool for treatment, and am also part of a recovery program.
Hooked up to plugs and wires while the dogs sniff for a powdered substance. In a town of judgments with glass-house developments. Cookie-cutter Republican school-book intelligence
Rehab can feel institutional and dehumanizing, and the outside world can be judgmental and oppressive.
They ain't never considered how just one rock, Could crack the whole facade, now they call the ski slingshots.
Addiction can have far-reaching consequences and can expose the flaws and vulnerabilities in our society.
I will not meditate on the sermon. Heaven's gate is burnin', so we self-medicate with bourbon
I reject conventional spirituality and instead turn to self-medication.
While their collection plate gets turned into a purse. I've turned into a second-rate person, but I'm not the first.
I am critical of organized religion and am frustrated with the hypocrisy and lack of genuine compassion.
This isn't your typical cry for help.
I am determined and resolute in my efforts to help my friend.
I tried to melt, but someone stopped the trickling with a Bible belt. Reminded me of tourniquets and heroin nods. Now that, that right there, that's one hell of a God.
I have experienced trauma and abuse in the name of religion, and am grappling with the notion of faith.
You can't match magic with an addict that's got a mapping compass. In order to find a substance and matchstick that functions.
Addiction can be all-consuming and can distort one's priorities and sense of direction.
A searching and fearless immoral inventory. 'Til every person with a story begins to bore me.
Recovery involves a rigorous and honest self-assessment, and can bring into focus the struggles and experiences of others.
I did what I had to do to get. To the place where your face wasn't such a blurry mess. I packed all your favorite promises and words that we kept.
I am committed to helping my friend move forward in his recovery, and am reflecting on our shared experiences.
You weren't hard to find, all it took was 13 steps.
Rehab and recovery can be challenging but there is a clear path forward.
And now I'm going back to rehab...
I am continuing my journey in recovery and returning to rehab for further treatment.
Contributed by Zoe P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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