Scared Money
Saul Williams Lyrics

Scared money don't make none
Being afraid to take risks and invest money will not lead to any gains or profits.

Callin' haves and have nots, every cell on the block
Addressing people from all social and economic backgrounds and locations.

Every nigga with a trigger, empty barreled or cocked
Referring to people who may own or carry guns, either loaded or unloaded.

March in like parade of scars if you been stabbed or shot
Uniting against the struggles and hardships faced by those who have suffered from violence or trauma.

Son, we smokin' these batons right in front of these cops
Defying authority and challenging the status quo by smoking illegal substances in the presence of law enforcement.

Callin' out to the kids, all my niggas with bids
Reaching out to the youth and those who have been incarcerated.

Whether suited up or booted up or stuck in the mid
Regardless of your clothing or life situation.

You can download it or boot it up, my pupils unlid
Accessing knowledge and learning in ways that were not traditionally taught in schools or institutions.

All my students of the underground with record store gigs
Referring to those who work in independent record stores, selling and promoting music that is underground or less mainstream.

Callin' out to the girls, the inventors of worlds
Empowering females and acknowledging their contributions to society and their abilities to create change.

The intelligence of relevance and elegant pearls
Recognizing intelligence that is both relevant and sophisticated.

Pour like nectar from the lotus big bang opus in swirls
Metaphorically describing the creation of the universe and its beauty.

Down the sweaty backs of hairyweave tracks and dried jheri curls
Describing the challenges and struggles that many African Americans face, particularly with their hair and the ways in which they express themselves.

Callin' out to the pimps hat cocked slump with your gimp
Addressing those who may be involved in pimping, with a sense of confidence and defiance.

On your wrist with just a twist of lime to go with that limp
Describing a stylish and unique sense of fashion and taste.

Hold your cup up so this ancient rain can find its way in
Welcoming new experiences and allowing for personal growth and transformation.

Let these niggas know the cost of reaching heavenly bliss, yes
Encouraging people to take risks and pursue their dreams, despite the potential costs and consequences.

It was all a dream, it was all a dream
Reflecting on a time in the past when things may have seemed impossible or out of reach.

I used to fantasize I was Malcolm or Martin in the pulpit
Imagining oneself as a leader or influential figure, speaking to crowds and inspiring change.

The ballot or the bullet
Referencing the famous speech given by Malcolm X and the idea that voting or using violence were the only options for African Americans to achieve liberation.

I swear I used to pray to change back the year
Wanting to go back in time and change events or circumstances that may have been unjust or harmful.

When niggas spoke of motherships with space helmets for hair
Referencing Afrofuturism and the idea of Black people traveling to other planets in advanced spaceships.

Well, now what have we here?
Reflecting on the present moment and current state of affairs.

Thugs and poets, ah yeah
Combining two seemingly opposing ideas or identities, suggesting that people can be both tough and emotional, or violent and artistic.

What we seem to have in common is we're common as air
Despite our differences, we all need air to survive and this common thread connects all human beings.

Yes, the lowest rung of anthems sung each day every year
Aspects of everyday life that often go unnoticed or uncelebrated.

From check cashing to latest fashions
Referencing the financial struggles and challenges that many people face, while also pointing to the importance of fashion and style.

While they ration out fear but I'm fearless
Despite attempts to instill fear or limit personal freedoms, the artist remains unafraid and courageous.

Sometimes I feel alone, homeless, peerless
Experiencing feelings of isolation, displacement, and a lack of community or support.

What will it take to shake the land for everyone to hear this?
Wondering what it will take to spread a message of hope, unity, and change to a larger audience.

I can't bear this, born of pages torn from ancient prayer lists
Feeling overwhelmed by the weight of history and past injustices, while also searching for meaning within religious or spiritual practices.

Descendant of the womb, the lotus blooms when I come near it
Having a deep connection with nature and recognizing the beauty and power of life.

I declare it time to realign karat to carrot
Challenging societal values and systems, suggesting that it is time to shift from materialism to a focus on health and wellness.

What was olden remains golden sceptered tongue I dare to share it
Recognizing the importance of tradition and history, and using language and expression to communicate these values and ideas to present and future generations.

All who hear it know at once, royal highness over blunts
Conveying a sense of nobility and honor, while also rejecting harmful or destructive habits like smoking marijuana.

Thug of thugs, pimp of pimps, golden tongue and ivory fronts
Embracing a sense of tough, streetwise style and fashion, while also valuing eloquent speech and good dental hygiene.

Grind and hustle, niggas know the heart is just a muscle
Working hard and persevering, while also acknowledging the need for rest and self-care.

All payments due, you made some papes
Acknowledging that there are financial obligations that must be met in order to achieve success and security.

I wrote upon I trust you will invest
Asking or implying that people should put their trust, energy, and resources into the singer's message or ideas.

'Cause chances are the game is just a test
Suggesting that life is a kind of test or challenge, and that people must be resilient and resourceful to overcome the obstacles they face.

Professor of the truth talk real truth emeritus
Claiming expertise and authority when it comes to speaking the truth and discussing important issues.

I am the king as I command my son to dance and sing
Asserting one's own power and authority, while also encouraging others to express themselves and enjoy life.

We celebrate our earthly fate, my daughter gives me wings
Finding joy and satisfaction in the earthly, temporal aspects of life, while also recognizing the beauty and complexity of family relationships.

We are one descendants of the mothership and tongue
Embracing a sense of unity and connection with all people, while also celebrating the unique cultural experiences and backgrounds of each individual.

Southern trees have born strange fruit, hail, salute a troop well hung
Referencing the lynching of Black people during the Jim Crow era and saluting those who have fought against oppression and injustice.

So come along, everyone's invited
Welcoming all people to join in the artist's message of change and unity.

Heroes of distinguished paths, victims and conquered
Celebrating those who have lived through adversity and oppression, and those who have fought against it.

Those who stand alone and those who stand unfettered
Acknowledging both the challenges of being isolated or disconnected, as well as the freedom and independence that can come with self-reliance.

Fuck the bullshit whether from the hill or from the pulpit
Rejecting harmful or deceitful information, whether it comes from privileged politicians or powerful religious leaders.

Today, I put my money on the fall of every culprit
Fighting against corrupt and oppressive systems, and believing in the possibility of their eventual downfall.

The truth prevails when all else fails
Recognizing the power and importance of honesty and transparency, even in the face of adversity.

Drug dealers make the music, then guess who's back?
Pointing to the power and influence of the music industry, and questioning who has control over its content and messages.

Your souls answer to greenbacks, hoes and crack
Accusing people of allowing money, sex, and drugs to guide their decisions and values.

The chord that strung from anthems
Referencing the powerful emotional connections that come with listening to music, particularly protest music or national anthems.

Sung right now to way way back
Connecting the present moment to long-standing historical and cultural traditions and legacies.

The legacy of Hennessey distilled to brownish black
Referencing the negative stereotypes associated with alcohol and its impact on communities of color.

Rolls off the tongue a pointed gun
Describing the way in which words and language can be used as weapons or tools of power and influence.

Fake nigga's best stand back
Warning against those who pretend to be someone they're not, or who are disingenuous or dishonest.

The trumpet calls and yes, yes, y'all
Evoking a sense of celebration and excitement, while also calling for unity and action.

The emperor's changed his hat
Acknowledging that power can shift and change, and that those in authority may not always stay in control.