Scared Money
Saul Williams; Trent Reznor Lyrics

Scared money don't make none
Being scared to invest money won't lead to any profit

Callin' haves and have nots, every cell on the block
Addressing all the people in the area, regardless of their financial status

Every nigga with a trigger, empty barreled or cocked
Everyone with a gun, whether it's loaded or not

March in like parade of scars if you been stabbed or shot
Entering with confidence despite past struggles and hardships

Son, we smokin' these batons right in front of these cops
Not being afraid to assert dominance and do what you want, even in the presence of authority

Callin' out to the kids, all my niggas with bids
Addressing and including people who are incarcerated

Whether suited up or booted up or stuck in the mid
Regardless of one's style or situation in life

You can download it or boot it up, my pupils unlid
Encouraging people to learn and take in information

All my students of the underground with record store gigs
Referring to people who work at underground record stores

Callin' out to the girls, the inventors of worlds
Addressing women and their creative contributions

The intelligence of relevance and elegant pearls
Recognizing the intelligence and value of women

Pour like nectar from the lotus big bang opus in swirls
A metaphor for creative expression and inspiration

Down the sweaty backs of hairyweave tracks and dried jheri curls
Referencing Black hair and fashion styles, and the physical labor that comes with working in the music industry

Callin' out to the pimps hat cocked slump with your gimp
Addressing people in the sex industry

On your wrist with just a twist of lime to go with that limp
A reference to a drink served with a lime, implying extravagance or hedonism

Let these niggas know the cost of reaching heavenly bliss, yes
Encouraging people to strive for their goals, despite the potential consequences

It was all a dream, it was all a dream
The preceding events were all imaginary or longed for

I used to fantasize I was Malcolm or Martin in the pulpit
Imagining being a figure of influence and leadership like Malcolm X or Martin Luther King Jr.

The ballot or the bullet
A reference to one of Malcolm X's speeches, and the idea of using political power or violence to achieve change

Well, now what have we here?
A rhetorical question, implying that a change has occurred

Thugs and poets, ah yeah
Combining seemingly contrasting identities or professions

What we seem to have in common is we're common as air
Despite our differences, we are all human and equally important

Yes, the lowest rung of anthems sung each day every year
The struggles and hardships faced by marginalized or oppressed people

From check cashing to latest fashions
Referencing the consumerist mindset of society

While they ration out fear but I'm fearless
Not being afraid of the fear that is often instilled in society

Sometimes I feel alone, homeless, peerless
Feeling isolated and disconnected from others

What will it take to shake the land for everyone to hear this?
Wondering what it will take to create change on a large scale

I can't bear this, born of pages torn from ancient prayer lists
Being unable to handle the struggles that come from the past and the present

Descendant of the womb, the lotus blooms when I come near it
Referencing his origins and heritage, and how his presence can stir creativity and beauty

I declare it time to realign karat to carrot
Proposing that societal values shift from material wealth to more meaningful or holistic values

What was olden remains golden sceptered tongue I dare to share it
Respecting and honoring the past while still pushing for progress

All who hear it know at once, royal highness over blunts
Being respected and admired for one's wisdom or authority, instead of superficial things like drug use

Thug of thugs, pimp of pimps, golden tongue and ivory fronts
Referring to his identity and achievements, and the tendency to glorify wealth and status

Grind and hustle, niggas know the heart is just a muscle
Emphasizing the work ethic and resilience needed to succeed, and that it comes from within

All payments due, you made some papes
Acknowledging the hard work and efforts that led to financial success

I wrote upon I trust you will invest
Encouraging others to invest their resources and efforts

'Cause chances are the game is just a test
Implying that success and failure are temporary and that it's important to learn from both

Professor of the truth talk real truth emeritus
Using a fanciful title to describe oneself as an expert in truth and honesty

I am the king as I command my son to dance and sing
Emphasizing one's authority and influence over the next generation

We celebrate our earthly fate, my daughter gives me wings
Finding joy and purpose in one's family and relationships

We are one descendants of the mothership and tongue
Emphasizing the idea of unity and shared heritage

Southern trees have born strange fruit, hail, salute a troop well hung
Referencing Billie Holiday's song about lynching and the idea of acknowledging and honoring those who have suffered

So come along, everyone's invited
Encouraging people to join in and work together

Heroes of distinguished paths, victims and conquered
Recognizing and honoring the different experiences and identities of people

Those who stand alone and those who stand unfettered
Acknowledge the independence and strength of those who stand up for themselves and their beliefs

Fuck the bullshit whether from the hill or from the pulpit
Rejecting false or misleading information, regardless of its source

Today, I put my money on the fall of every culprit
Investing in the idea that those who cause harm or perpetuate oppression will eventually fail

The truth prevails when all else fails
Recognizing the importance of honesty and integrity, even when facing difficult situations

Drug dealers make the music, then guess who's back?
Referencing the idea that many artists and musicians come from difficult or illegal backgrounds

Your souls answer to greenbacks, hoes and crack
Implying that the desire for wealth and status often leads to immoral or destructive actions

The chord that strung from anthems
Referencing the idea of music as a unifying force

Sung right now to way way back
Highlighting the enduring power of music and its ability to evoke past memories and eras

The legacy of Hennessey distilled to brownish black
Referencing the idea of alcohol and substance use as a symbol of power or status

Rolls off the tongue a pointed gun
Using words as weapons or tools for expression

Fake nigga's best stand back
A warning to those who are not genuine or true

The trumpet calls and yes, yes, y'all
Emphasizing the celebratory and communal aspects of music

The emperor's changed his hat
A metaphor for a shift in power or leadership