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.
Over Under
Sage Francis Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You get over me
You get over me
You, you
Babygirl I done been over myself (out of myself)
Over the counter and under the shelf
Into the wild-wild hidin' wealth
Hurled insults to me like that shit helps
Got a malleable muscle in my chest
Yes it breaks (it heals) it freezes (it melts)
It sees itself in the worst of light
And it curses the day that I learned to write
The guys are all "Do you even lift bro?"
Shit no I don't, girls are like "Ew
He drive a Prius, he saving money, he's hoarding cash
Who does he think he is?
What's the point of living if you can't ball and flash?" (Balderdash!)
Even more than half of them broads don't have a passport
I'm a citizen of the world, girl, I couldn't take you there if you asked for it
Oh I know, get over myself, all you see is me holding myself
What you don't see is an OG oak tree protecting the forest like nobody else
I pop that lumberjack venemous beard, had a gold digger won by the end of the year
I let it get so long I could fuck it, after that I'll let you cut it
Shyeah, I'm over myself so much that I'm just looking down on myself
As I watch everybody try to bad talk pride
And they constantly strive to be proud of themselves
Follow the beat of another conundrum
Get out of the heat, rent a cottage in London
I'm on a retreat and I'm under the assumption
No matter where I go there I am
Middle-earth excursion, head to New Zealand
Shoot for the stars and I'm breaking the ceiling
Center of the Universe, can't shake the feeling no matter where I go there I am
Honey I been over myself, out of my self
Extra extra large, rocking sexy socks with garter belts
You ain't really gots to tell me nothing (you already said)
You ain't really gots to say Nathan (god damn broken record)
Oh I know, I know I let myself go
I simply slipped through my own pathetic crib
Can never really get a firm grasp of my true inner glow
But tell me the truth, you're more pissed that I let go of you cause it was overdue
In person your life don't look nearly as well put together as all your photos do
But that's ok but eventually, since you push me, since you press me
Fuck your non-stop, toxic, drama carpetbagging, fuck your selfie
Oh I'm the pig, you're trying to strangle me in a blanket though
You're a GMO seed of breed in my organic garden
Wanting my resources to make it grow (oh hell no)
It's a courtesy call-back, let the pilot fly
I'll be your emergency contact if you'll be my ride or die
Could've followed the pride and then follow the footsteps
Out of my mind I'm not out of the woods yet
I'm trying to find a location that's good yet
No matter where I go there I am
Over the counter and under the shelf
Into the wild-wild hidin wealth
You ain't really got to tell me to do nothing else
Cause I've heard it all before from a sharper tongue with a lot more scorn
Performing self flagellation with improper form until the copper's gone
(Over myself, out of myself)
(Extra extra large)
The song "Over Under" by Sage Francis talks about self-discovery and self-acceptance. The lyrics seem to be a conversation between Sage and a person who is trying to point out his flaws and shortcomings. He acknowledges that he has been over himself, overthinking things, and stressing about his own issues. However, he also describes how he has been able to find peace and understanding by exploring nature and traveling around the world. Despite all this, he still gets criticized for not being able to follow societal norms, such as being successful and flashy. He realizes that he can't please everybody and he has to be true to himself.
The lyrics also discuss the idea of toxic relationships and how they can weigh a person down. Sage discusses how he has let go of a relationship and how he is being judged by his ex-partner. He acknowledges that he has let himself go but feels that his partner was a GMO seed of breed in his organic garden and just wanted to use his resources to make herself grow. Sage talks about finding a good location and settling down to find inner peace.
Line by Line Meaning
You get over me
Repetition of the phrase emphasizes the theme of moving on and getting over something/someone.
Babygirl I done been over myself (out of myself)
The singer has already gone through self-reflection and introspection to the point of being able to detach from their own ego and identity.
Over the counter and under the shelf
The singer is describing ways in which they have tried to escape (by way of drugs or hiding), but ultimately failed to do so.
Into the wild-wild hidin' wealth
Trying to find fulfillment and purpose in the unknown, where wealth is synonymous with abundance and satisfaction.
You think really gonna tell me to do nothing else
The artist is defiant and dismissive of someone else's instruction or advice.
Hurled insults to me like that shit helps
The singer recognizes that insulting or belittling them doesn't do anything to actually help or change the situation.
Got a malleable muscle in my chest / Yes it breaks (it heals) it freezes (it melts)
The singer's heart/emotions are flexible and resilient, but can be easily hurt or changed depending on the circumstances.
It sees itself in the worst of light / And it curses the day that I learned to write
The artist's negative self-image is exacerbated by their ability to articulate and express their thoughts and feelings through writing.
The guys are all 'Do you even lift bro?' / Shit no I don't, girls are like 'Ew / He drive a Prius, he saving money, he's hoarding cash
The artist is being judged and criticized for not fitting stereotypical and superficial expectations of masculinity and wealth.
Even more than half of them broads don't have a passport / I'm a citizen of the world, girl, I couldn't take you there if you asked for it
The artist has a broader view and experience of the world, but most people they encounter are limited and ignorant in comparison.
What's the point of living if you can't ball and flash? (Balderdash!)
The singer is dismissing and mocking the superficial notion that material possessions and external validation are necessary for a meaningful life.
I pop that lumberjack venemous beard, had a gold digger won by the end of the year / I let it get so long I could fuck it, after that I'll let you cut it
The artist is describing their ability to use their unconventional appearance (in this case, a long beard) as a tactic to attract women, but ultimately sees it as a temporary and disposable accessory.
Shyeah, I'm over myself so much that I'm just looking down on myself / As I watch everybody try to bad talk pride / And they constantly strive to be proud of themselves
The singer has transcended their ego and is now able to be objectively critical of themselves and others for their prideful attitudes.
Follow the beat of another conundrum / Get out of the heat, rent a cottage in London / I'm on a retreat and I'm under the assumption / No matter where I go there I am
The singer is advocating for and pursuing self-discovery and exploration, but acknowledging that they can't escape their own identity and issues, no matter where they go.
Honey I been over myself, out of my self / Extra extra large, rocking sexy socks with garter belts
The singer is repeating their detachment from their own ego, and self-awareness of their unusual and unique fashion choices.
You ain't really gots to tell me nothing (you already said) / You ain't really gots to say Nathan (god damn broken record)
The artist is being dismissive and annoyed of someone who isn't saying anything new or helpful.
But tell me the truth, you're more pissed that I let go of you cause it was overdue / In person your life don't look nearly as well put together as all your photos do
The artist is confronting someone they used to be involved with, but also exposing their own insecurity and jealousy regarding that person's apparent success.
But that's ok but eventually, since you push me, since you press me / Fuck your non-stop, toxic, drama carpetbagging, fuck your selfie
The singer is expressing their irritation and disdain for someone who is constantly causing drama and attention-seeking through social media.
Oh I'm the pig, you're trying to strangle me in a blanket though / You're a GMO seed of breed in my organic garden / Wanting my resources to make it grow (oh hell no)
The singer is using metaphors to describe how they feel manipulated and stifled by someone else's control and influence over them.
It's a courtesy call-back, let the pilot fly / I'll be your emergency contact if you'll be my ride or die
The artist is offering to support someone else if they reciprocate a loyal and committed relationship.
Could've followed the pride and then follow the footsteps / Out of my mind I'm not out of the woods yet / I'm trying to find a location that's good yet / No matter where I go there I am
The artist is acknowledging that they could have followed a path of pride and conformity, but instead are still struggling with uncertainty and self-discovery. Regardless of their location or situation, they are still struggling with themselves.
Performing self flagellation with improper form until the copper's gone / (Over myself, out of myself) / (Extra extra large)
The artist is using a metaphor of self-harm to describe how they have punished themselves in the past without any real results or progress. The last two lines are repeated from an earlier verse for emphasis and rhythm.
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing
Written by: SAGE FRANCIS, DAVID EDMOND LEBLANC
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