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.
specialist
Sage Francis Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And that's simply adorable
When my time is affordable
Dimes pay the price I get abusive and that's the truth
It's just a fucking shame this is how I choose to communicate
Excuses I produce have their roots in the music I make
She's not a fan nor am I famous
I may just change and adjust when I branch out
What I dream about leave my house hand out my keys
To the sleepless beauty who failed math class and can't count her Z's
The tree dies
She says that she's mine she's my proprietress
Can't hold on to most of what I owned
Besides she likes to kiss and that's cute
I hug her till I start to hurt her
She wants to dance to my pulse but I've got heart murmurs
A shark circles our lifeboat till its fin folds
The monster we created might choke in clothes
I'm naked walking tight ropes without big toes
Couldn't see this with the night-scope bid my skin glow
Fallen
Calling for a safety net
The great white might train me on my life
Bite into my veiny neck where dreams are falling asleep
Could dry up once she sees that I bleed off beat
Head over heels cause she's tripping on her own feet
That puzzled look on her face still isn't complete
She gives bits and pieces of herself
While I'm breaking myself open I pour my contents to her shelf
Pardon me but is that me wearing my heart out on my sleeve
With razor sharp teeth gnawing at my wrist how beautiful is this
The most beautifullest thing in the world
Is making up words when I have none else left to say to a girl
Making her curl up in a ball in a corner of my eye
Taking a time out I don't want her to cry
I don't ever want to be considered the sort of guy
Who says, "I just might break your face tonight"
I spread my love like the legs of a crack whore
We sleep together but don't sleep to keep it simple
You dance around me like a fire blow me away blow me away
I spread my love like the legs of a crack whore
We sleep together but don't sleep to keep it simple
You dance around me like a fire blow me out
When I send you love poems in the form of smoke signals
Over average marriage materialist mister righteous
A savage miscarriage of just us just us
And a dust that never settles
I'm restless spread some metal to make it weep
Cause discussing the ugly nobody wants to fuck with
Don't touch me
Under appreciative with a with a hundred weaknesses
What do I need to live?
The blood I bleed is thicker than the skin I shoot people with
Need a fist to the air
Pretend to make believe she cares
To open up old wounds and usual bruises ?
I'm a low self-esteem engine in need of a horsepower
Out of sleeping powder
Dark clouds follow me with heat seekers
I need a coke a shower
To showboat when its ?
Cause it won't float if it turns out these are permanent echoes in his chest
I think its best to turn the reverb down
Kill the delay
Get me the fuck out of this cave
I could paint you pictures all day
I'm not gonna pander to Neanderthals that way
I'm not gonna pander to Neanderthals today
The one that I'm with thinks sex is a beautiful thing
She thinks I'm something special
She's my specialist
More beautiful than sex
Cause only something like sex
Makes something so lovely turn ugly and fuck up shit
I'm holding a sleepless beauty pageant
On my shark-infested waterbed until it's punctured
I spread my love, spread my love, spread my love until I pull a muscle
I spread my love, spread my love, spread my love until its see through
Spread my love like the legs of a crack whore
We sleep together but don't sleep to keep it simple
You dance around me like a fire
Blow me away blow me away blow me away blow me away
I spread my love like the legs of a crack whore
We sleep together but don't sleep to keep it simple
You dance around me like a fire blow me out
When I send you love poems in the form of smoke signals
The lyrics to Sage Francis's song "Specialist" depict a complex and troubled relationship between the singer and his partner. The opening lines: "The one that I'm with thinks sex is a beautiful thing / And that's simply adorable / When my time is affordable" suggests that the singer has a different, more transactional view of sex and relationships. He admits to being abusive when he feels that the cost of his time has not been adequately compensated, and he acknowledges that his inability to communicate well may be rooted in the music he makes.
Throughout the song, the singer grapples with his own demons and insecurities, reflecting on his own self-worth and the nature of his connection with his partner. The repetition of the phrase "spread my love like the legs of a crack whore" is jarring and uncomfortable, reinforcing the sense of transactionality in the relationship. The singer seems to recognize the beauty in his partner, but is plagued by doubts and fears that prevent him from fully connecting with her.
Overall, "Specialist" is a deeply introspective and introspective piece that explores the complexities of human relationships and the challenges of intimacy and communication.
Line by Line Meaning
The one that I'm with thinks sex is a beautiful thing
My partner believes that sex is a beautiful act, which I find cute.
And that's simply adorable
I appreciate and find their outlook on sex to be charming.
When my time is affordable
I tend to prioritize my time based on monetary value and availability.
Dimes pay the price I get abusive and that's the truth
I tend to act abusively when I receive money for my services, which I acknowledge as a flaw in myself.
It's just a fucking shame this is how I choose to communicate
I regret that I communicate through negative behavior, especially in romantic relationships.
Excuses I produce have their roots in the music I make
The reasons I give for my behavior are often influenced by the music I create.
She's not a fan nor am I famous
My partner is not a supporter of my music, and I am not a well-known artist.
I may just change and adjust when I branch out
I may try new things in my music to appeal to a wider audience.
Leave, get off my damn couch and achieve
I need to leave my comfort zone and work hard to achieve success.
What I dream about leave my house hand out my keys
I aspire to leave my home and achieve my dreams, entrusting my partner with care of the house.
To the sleepless beauty who failed math class and can't count her Z's
I am referring to my partner, who struggles with sleep and academic subjects.
The tree dies
Everything has an end, including our romantic relationship.
She says that she's mine she's my proprietress
My partner claims to belong to me in a possessive manner.
Can't hold on to most of what I owned
I cannot hold onto material possessions, leading to a sense of loss.
Besides she likes to kiss and that's cute
My partner enjoys kissing, which I find endearing.
I hug her till I start to hurt her
I embrace my partner so tightly that it begins to cause physical discomfort.
She wants to dance to my pulse but I've got heart murmurs
My partner desires to physically connect to me, but my medical condition interferes.
A shark circles our lifeboat till its fin folds
Our relationship is in danger and may come to an abrupt end.
The monster we created might choke in clothes
Our relationship may struggle to continue due to our past disagreements and mistakes.
I'm naked walking tight ropes without big toes
I feel vulnerable and without support, making it difficult to keep my balance.
Couldn't see this with the night-scope bid my skin glow
I was unaware of the danger and potential downfall in our relationship, even when it should have been obvious.
Over average marriage materialist mister righteous
I am not your typical, traditional partner who values material possessions.
A savage miscarriage of just us just us
Our relationship is a cruel failure of what was supposed to be 'just us'.
And a dust that never settles
Our relationship problems seem to persist without end or resolution.
I'm restless spread some metal to make it weep
I am restless and may use aggressive tactics to provoke an emotional response from my partner.
Cause discussing the ugly nobody wants to fuck with
The problems in our relationship are uncomfortable and difficult to talk about.
Don't touch me
I may feel defensive and do not want to be physically touched during tense conversations.
Under appreciative with a with a hundred weaknesses
I do not adequately appreciate my partner, and have many flaws of my own.
What do I need to live?
I am experiencing existential dread and questioning the purpose of my existence.
The blood I bleed is thicker than the skin I shoot people with
My music and art comes from within me, and is more meaningful to me than the violent imagery I may create.
Need a fist to the air
I want to express myself through physical gestures and aggression.
Pretend to make believe she cares
I may doubt my partner's genuine care and love for me.
To open up old wounds and usual bruises?
I am referencing past relationship struggles and pain, questioning whether or not we are repeating the same mistakes.
I'm a low self-esteem engine in need of a horsepower
I struggle with low self-esteem and require support and motivation to be successful.
Out of sleeping powder
I may struggle with sleep and rely on medication to help me rest.
Dark clouds follow me with heat seekers
I feel as though my negative experiences and struggles are following me and seeking me out.
I need a coke a shower
I need to clean myself up and shake off the negative influences in my life.
To showboat when its?
I may seek attention and validation through showy behavior, but am questioning when it is appropriate to do so.
Cause it won't float if it turns out these are permanent echoes in his chest
I am questioning the sustainability of my relationship and wondering if our issues are too deeply rooted to overcome.
I think its best to turn the reverb down
I believe it is best to eliminate the echoes and reverberations in our relationship to move forward.
Kill the delay
I want to move forward and eliminate any delays or obstacles in our relationship.
Get me the fuck out of this cave
I want to leave behind the dark and negative thoughts and feelings that are weighing me down.
I could paint you pictures all day
I am skilled at creating artistic images and using creativity to express myself.
I'm not gonna pander to Neanderthals that way
I will not compromise my artistic vision to cater to those who do not appreciate my work.
The one that I'm with thinks sex is a beautiful thing
My partner believes that sex is a beautiful act, which I find cute.
She thinks I'm something special
My partner values and admires me, making me feel special and unique.
She's my specialist
My partner is my specialist, my go-to person for care and support.
More beautiful than sex
I find my partner and our emotional connection to be more beautiful than physical intimacy.
Cause only something like sex
Physical intimacy has the power to take something beautiful and turn it ugly and destructive.
Makes something so lovely turn ugly and fuck up shit
Sexual encounters can ruin relationships and lead to negative consequences.
I'm holding a sleepless beauty pageant
I am referencing my partner again, who struggles with sleep and is the subject of my romantic attention.
On my shark-infested waterbed until it's punctured
Our relationship is dangerous and may come to an end at any moment, like a punctured bed in shark-infested waters.
I spread my love, spread my love, spread my love until I pull a muscle
I show my affection to my partner until it becomes physically straining and potentially harmful.
Spread my love like the legs of a crack whore
I am spreading my love carelessly and promiscuously, like the legs of a prostitute.
We sleep together but don't sleep to keep it simple
We engage in physical intimacy, but our relationship is not based solely on sex.
You dance around me like a fire
My partner keeps me on my toes and adds excitement to my life, like a lively fire.
Blow me away blow me away blow me away blow me away
My partner's energy and passion are intoxicating and thrilling to me.
When I send you love poems in the form of smoke signals
I express my love for my partner in creative and unique ways, like sending love poems through smoke signals.
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