Foreward 1619
Sho Baraka Lyrics

The devil goes to and fro
The devil is always active, constantly seeking to bring harm and destruction.

Like a lion seeking someone to devour
Similar to how a lion hunts for prey, the devil seeks to destroy and consume those who are vulnerable.

Resist him
Stand firm in opposing the devil's temptations and schemes.

Don't close the book, I got more to write
Don't give up or stop seeking knowledge and understanding, as there is still more to learn and discover.

You can change the story, that is my advice
You have the power to shape and alter your own narrative and life's path.

I read in color, they see black and white
I perceive and understand the world in its full richness and diversity, while others may have a limited or simplistic view.

You just saw the cover, but there's more to life
You have only glimpsed a small part of life's experiences and possibilities, there is much more depth and meaning to discover.

Hello average, let me introduce you to awesome
I want to elevate and introduce you to something extraordinary and awe-inspiring, moving beyond mediocrity.

That Harlem renaissance age had some excellent artists
During the Harlem Renaissance, there were incredibly talented artists who produced exceptional work and contributed to a flourishing cultural movement.

That miseducation, that midnight marauding
Referring to the impact of misguidance and misguided education, as well as the mischief that can happen late at night.

That life before Eve ate that fruit in the garden
Describing the innocence and harmony of life before the Fall, when Eve ate the forbidden fruit in the garden of Eden.

They say 'You might be on the wrong side of history'
Others might criticize or question your actions, suggesting that you are not aligning with the popular or future perspective.

Well, that depends on who's writing
The judgment of being on the wrong side of history is subjective and will vary depending on who is recording or determining history.

Who's reciting, who's typing and who likes it
The interpretation and recording of history are influenced by those who are sharing and documenting it, and their personal biases or preferences.

If we want peace somebody has to do the fighting
Peace cannot be achieved without someone stepping up and taking action to confront and challenge the forces opposing it.

We exit Egypt, happy to speak resistance
Referring to the Israelites escaping from slavery in Egypt and being eager to express their opposition and defiance against oppression.

Then turn around, and ask pharaoh for his assistance
Ironically, after leaving Egypt, the Israelites sometimes found themselves seeking help or alliances with their former oppressors, highlighting the complexities and contradictions of their journey.

What is logic to the ignorant?
Logic and reasoning may not have any impact or meaning to those who are ignorant or lack knowledge.

What's forgiveness to people who think they're sinless?
Those who believe they are without sin or fault may fail to appreciate the concept and significance of forgiveness.

We are those, fully exposed, Adam and Eve hiding our weakness
Similar to Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, we often try to hide and conceal our vulnerabilities and flaws, despite being fully aware of them.

Folks who wanna be close but the devil stands between us
There are people who desire closeness and connection, but the devil's influence and presence create barriers and obstacles.

Who knows the dirty souls with an urgent need to be cleaned up
Recognizing the existence of individuals with troubled or flawed souls who are in desperate need of cleansing and healing.

They oppose my solution, everybody hates Jesus
Many people reject or oppose the solution and message presented by Jesus, leading to animosity and hostility.

Was protesting a law?
Questioning the effectiveness and impact of protesting against unjust laws or systems.

Should I pray or should I write?
Contemplating the appropriate course of action, whether to seek guidance through prayer or to express thoughts and opinions through writing.

Do I want peace, or do I want power so I can try it?
Questioning personal motivations and desires, whether the ultimate goal is peace or the acquisition of power to enforce one's own ideas or agendas.

Who's gonna give the truth when these church moms retire?
Raising the concern of who will step forward and carry on the legacy of sharing truth and wisdom when the older generation passes away or becomes unavailable.

When censorship gets you fired and nobody gets inspired
Highlighting the negative consequences of censorship, as it can lead to loss of employment and prevent the inspiration and motivation of others.

I don't care what you look like, black, white or magenta
Expressing a lack of concern about physical appearances or racial differences, emphasizing the need for unity and equality regardless of exterior traits.

I don't care where you come from, Africa or placenta
Disregarding one's place of origin, whether it is Africa or any other location, as it does not determine their worth or value as a person.

We all desperate and broken, given the same dilemma
Acknowledging the shared human condition of desperation and brokenness, as everyone faces similar challenges and dilemmas in life.

Do I serve God, or do I make off in my agenda?
Questioning personal priorities and choices between serving a higher purpose or pursuing selfish ambitions and desires.

I remember thinking I was Daniel with the lions
Recalling a time when the artist felt bold and courageous, akin to the biblical figure Daniel facing lions.

I'm like Israel in hiding when it's time to fight Goliath
Drawing a parallel to the biblical story of David and Goliath, feeling hesitant or fearful when it comes to standing up against intimidation or formidable challenges.

I've been broken, I've seen death working
Acknowledging personal experiences of brokenness and witnessing the effects of death and decay in the world.

I've fought doubt, I've been knocked out, I know what hurt is
Having faced and grappled with doubt, experienced defeat and hardship, and understanding the depths of pain and suffering.

I run from the truth, but I know where church is
Admitting a tendency to avoid or resist the truth, yet recognizing the importance and significance of the church as a place of spiritual guidance and growth.

I failed doing my job but yet I know my purpose
Acknowledging personal failures or shortcomings in fulfilling one's responsibilities, but still having a clear understanding and conviction of one's purpose in life.

Praise Jesus I was blind but now I see
Expressing gratitude for a transformative spiritual experience, going from spiritual blindness to enlightenment and understanding.

But my problem is I think I see too many things
Highlighting the struggle of having an overwhelming awareness and understanding of various issues and perspectives, making it difficult to focus or find clarity.

Let us chiropractic crack open the spine of this book
Metaphorically suggesting the need to deeply examine and analyze the core essence and content of this book or topic.

Turn a few pages and take a deep look
Encouraging a thorough exploration and examination of the book or concept being discussed.

This is not the Catcher in the Rye
Indicating that the content and message of this book or narrative is distinct and different from J.D. Salinger's novel 'The Catcher in the Rye'.

This is the African who caught the slave catcher's eye
Referring to the historical experience of Africans who were captured and enslaved by slave catchers, emphasizing the significance and impact of their stories.

Yet an invisible man who has the whole world watching
Despite feeling unseen or overlooked, there is a sense that the world is paying attention and observing their actions and experiences.

Shall we meet the protagonist?
Introducing the central character or main figure in this narrative or story.

For I am the colored cog in the capitalist wheel
Identifying oneself as a person of color who plays a role, however small, in the larger capitalist system.

With baby faced bronze skin and melon and a peel
Describing physical features, such as youthfulness, bronze-toned skin, and the metaphorical comparison of a melon and its peel to the artist's appearance.

Snatched from the craterless civilization
Referring to being taken forcibly from an African society or civilization that was intact and prosperous.

My name is Louis Portier
Introducing oneself by name, possibly a fictional character or a representation of a specific historical figure.

Arrived on these shores but I've got more to say
Having reached a new land, yet still having important thoughts, ideas, and perspectives to share or express.

From Bali to Barbados to Beaufort, South Carolina
Mentioning various locations, from a Southeast Asian island to the Caribbean and a specific city in South Carolina, possibly representative of a global or diasporic perspective.

Sierra Leone to Sapelo
Referring to two different places, Sierra Leone and Sapelo Island, suggesting a connection to African and African-American heritage.

Sugar cane on my fingertips and shackles on my feet
Evoking the hardships and struggles associated with both slavery, represented by shackles, and agricultural labor, symbolized by sugar cane.

There are limitations to a man so pity me
Acknowledging that societal prejudices and constraints can limit a person's potential and opportunities, suggesting empathy or understanding from others.

Until I sunk my tooth into Jude's freedom
Referencing an unknown person named Jude, suggesting a metaphorical or symbolic act of biting into and fighting for freedom and liberation.

Tastes like grandma's sweet potato pie
Describing the experience of freedom and liberation as being as satisfying and comforting as eating a beloved family recipe, specifically sweet potato pie.

But it goes from master's plantation to mass incarceration
Highlighting the continuation of systemic oppression and control, transitioning from the era of slavery on plantations to the modern issue of mass incarceration.

As the Jim Crow flies, all of this happened, more on less
Referring to the pervasive influence and impact of segregation and racial discrimination during the Jim Crow era, recognizing the historical reality and its ongoing repercussions.

This is up from slavery, meets Porgy and Bess
Combining the themes and narratives of Booker T. Washington's 'Up from Slavery' and the opera 'Porgy and Bess', representing the struggles and triumphs of African-Americans.

August Wilson, and Kenya Barris
Naming two prominent African-American playwrights, highlighting their contributions to portraying and examining the black experience.

James Brown and James Burr
Referencing musical artists James Brown and James Brown, connecting to the realm of music and their impact on African-American culture.

Kehinde Wiley, and Cara Walker
Naming Kehinde Wiley, a renowned painter, and Kara Walker, a notable visual artist, recognizing their artistic endeavors and representation of African-American experiences.

George Carrothers, Clinton and Washington
Mentioning George Washington Carver, a prominent agricultural scientist, and two U.S. presidents - Bill Clinton and George Washington - possibly symbolizing different aspects of African-American history and influence.

Carver, the great migration and reconstruction
Referring to the historical period of Reconstruction following the Civil War and the Great Migration, highlighting key chapters in African-American history.

From black wall streets, to Harlem Artilliers
Referencing the prosperous black communities, such as Black Wall Street, and the cultural significance of Harlem and its artists.

This is black survival and success, put on full display
Celebrating the resilience and accomplishments of the black community, proudly showcasing their ability to overcome adversity and achieve greatness.

Whether it's the Little Rock, or the Charleston Nine
Drawing attention to significant events in black history, such as the integration crisis in Little Rock and the tragic shooting at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston.

Trying to integrate, or praying to stay alive
Recognizing the challenges and struggles faced by African-Americans, both in seeking integration and equality, as well as simply hoping to survive and protect their lives.

Thinking that if my work was good somehow y'all would recognize my personhood
Expressing the desire for personal work and accomplishments to be acknowledged and valued, validating one's sense of identity and worth.

But nah, instead I had to hustle this chocolate charm
Feeling compelled to rely on charisma and charm, specifically as a person of color, to navigate and succeed in a society that may not fully recognize or appreciate one's worth.

This black brilliance, this ebony ingenuity
Acknowledging the intellectual and creative brilliance of black individuals and the innovative ideas and solutions that arise from their experiences and perspectives.

I know what this nation has done, can do, and is doing to me
Having firsthand knowledge and awareness of the past, present, and potential harm inflicted by this nation on individuals like the singer.

Also what it could be and therefore still, I rise
Recognizing the possibilities and potential for positive change, choosing to rise above the challenges and inspire hope for a better future.

From 1619 and beyond here I stand
Reflecting on the enduring presence and resilience of black individuals since the arrival of the first enslaved Africans in America in 1619, persisting in spite of historical injustices.

From being three-fifths of a compromised plan
Referring to the dehumanizing Three-Fifths Compromise in the United States Constitution, recognizing the historical mistreatment and diminished value of black individuals.

Using the breath in my black lungs
Using the very essence and vitality of being alive, symbolized by breath, to make a statement or contribute to change and progress.

Shouting words from a place of black love
Expressing words and ideas that originate from a deep sense of love and affirmation for the black community and its cultural heritage.

'I am a man'
Quoting the iconic statement from the Civil Rights Movement, asserting and affirming the humanity and dignity of black individuals.