The incident was a major setback that suspended his dream of becoming a filmmaker. Although dismayed and discouraged, SLAINE was determined to prevail, and began a new pursuit towards his entertainment goal… Music.
His discovered his love for hip hop early in his life. "I started writing rhymes when I was nine years old, I use to record on my boom box with a pair of headphones plugged into the microphone jack. I felt they were just words on a page because I didn’t have an outlet to perform them.” Determined and focused, SLAINE spent his nights as a club promoter to survive in the hard lonely streets of New York City, while at the same time, recording and being managed by hip-hop legend MC Shan. While recording a demo in a studio operated by the Lordz of Brooklyn, SLAINE was introduced to Danny Boy O'Connor of House of Pain.
That introduction led to a production deal with DJ Lethal of House of Pain, which in turn led to the mix tape release ‘The White Man is the Devil: Volume 1’ and the formation of the group Special Teamz, with Boston rap legends Edo G and Jaysaun. Special Teamz dropped a self-titled street CD, which garnered critical acclaim and allowed the group to tour in Europe. In a very short time, SLAINE had gone from living in poverty with a drug habit to traveling the world and working with hip-hop icons such as DJ Premier, Ill Bill, House of Pain, Cypress Hill, The Alchemist, and a host of other talented artists. He also became part of the collective LA COKA NOSTRA, alongside Ill Bill and all three members of House of Pain - Everlast, DJ Lethal, and Danny Boy. La Coka Nostra’s debut album, "A Brand You Can Trust" debuted at #84 on the Billboard Top 200 and #6 on the Rap charts, sending a message to the masses that the group’s brand of gritty hip-hop was exactly what fans of the genre had been waiting for.
SLAINE's name continued to grow far past his hometown of Boston due to the exposure he has received in publications such as The Source, XXL, The New York Times, The Boston Herald, and his sold out performances across the globe. SLAINE has been nominated for a Boston Music Award and received 4 trophies at The Mass Industry Committee's hip-hop awards, including and award for Best Lyricist.
As his music career expanded, a personal battle with drugs became a focal point that reared its ugly head. After overdoses, hospital visits and a whirlwind of drugs and violence, SLAINE finally checked into rehab. Instantly, he found himself with homeless drug addicts and realized he was no different than any of them. "Everybody had a story to tell. That was where the idea and the hunger for "The White Man is the Devil" was born. "The White Man" is a cocaine reference, not a declaration of self hate."
Since conquering his addiction, SLAINE has been presented with many new and exciting possibilities… such as acting. A chance of a lifetime presented itself through an unexpected ally, hometown hero and Academy Award winner Ben Affleck. SLAINE made his acting debut with his portrayal of Bubba Rogowski in Affleck's return to screenwriting and directorial debut "Gone Baby Gone". The film was critically acclaimed and led to a larger role in the blockbuster “The Town” featuring Ben Affleck, Jeremy Renner (The Hurt Locker), and Jon Hamm (Mad Men). He is also been in films, “The Crack Down” and “Bad Blood” and in the upcoming movie “Cogan’s Trade” with Brad Pitt, Ray Liotta and James Gandolfini.
While Slaine’s acting career has allowed him to blaze new paths, his venomous lyrical attack burns hotter than ever on his debut solo album, "A World With No Skies 2.0", which drops August 16th , 2011 through Suburban Noize Records. With hard-hitting lyrical content, and a vicious delivery, "A World with No Skies 2.0" instantly takes hip-hop back to its grimy roots on the streets. To execute his dark musical vision, Slaine enlisted the help of his La Coka Nostra brothers Everlast and ILL BILL, as well as Cypress Hill’s B-Real and Vinnie Paz of Jedi Mind Tricks, to create a dark hip-hop album that hits squarely in the jaw. "Even though I started my career as a solo artist by hustling my ‘The White Man is the Devil’ mixtapes, I think people are more familiar with me from Special Teamz and La Coka Nostra,” commented Slaine. “With this album I set out to create a soundscape that brings you into my world as an individual which is a bad place to be. The record is hard, dark and aggressive, from the beats to the lyrics. It’s a deeply personal trip through my life and the things that made me who I am today. A ‘World with No Skies’ is a look into my psyche and a vision of my dreams, nightmares, and realities."
Despite ups and downs throughout his career, SLAINE is living his life to the fullest. "I love making music that means something to me, I am grateful for all the experiences that I have had—good and bad. I am lucky to be alive, but my past also made me who I am today.”
Borrowed Time
Slaine Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Broken dreams I'll follow mine
To the end of my borrowed time
I've been walking down this road too long
Got my bags packed and I hit the door
Then I make a stop at the liquor store
'Cause my will is weak but my whiskey is strong
I put my faith in the forgiveness every sinner is owed
Flashback when we was teens just beginning the road
Before the lights, camera, and action and the glittering gold
Before the Caine spots, before the overdoses and aimed Glocks
Before my name popped, before the Navigator raindrops
Before I started back with the bad habits I can't stop
I said I'd keep going, told you I can't stop
And that's what made me who I am but it did us in
You can never see through the clouds my head is in
I was sick and got addicted to my medicine
I was a prick, I kept on kicking till they let us in
And once they let me in the door it was war
With the world I was sure couldn't go back to before
Ever since we were kids they said we shouldn't mix
And at the end we broke something that we couldn't fix
[Chorus]
And it all just slips away
I'm a man among boys that avoid their own truths
Always down to hang out, afraid of their own noose
No phone booth, can't change an ugly face
Tough stand tall then we duck when we gotta chase
Making up excuses but it's all useless
When I blame you for the damage that my youth did
Throwing up the deuces, easier to run away
Knowing that the rain's always followed by a sunny day
But a vaca's just a break from reality
Chasing a fallacy back then you're mad at me
Casually acting like we don't see the elephant
In the room but our friends all see the hell we been through
And we know a truce is irrelevant
Rip my heart out of my body, there's still a skeleton
My skull and bones represent a throne
I'mma stand strong when I move on, holla at me
[Chorus]
And it all just slips away
I used to have nothing at all but my word and my balls
It's the same thing that took me from nothing dog
All around the globe till they asked what the f**k is wrong
What's wrong is everything is real in these fucking songs
Sometimes I was it was an image to hop out of
And back into, maybe a gimmick to rock crowds with
But it's all the truth and it's something I'm not proud of
Everything I've done but I can't just opt out of
The pain I have caused, the Caine, the chopped powder
The blame belongs to me, this game is not ours though
Maybe from the dirt then the flowers grow
Up amongst the weeds since a youngster greed
Agreed with every need that I need and so the speed
Will eventually just not be fast enough for me
It's kind of crazy, once upon a time I was just my momma's baby
Look at how this ice cold winter when it made me
When it when it gave me icy cold demeanor, meaner
Wifey throws me out, I love her, I need her
What else can I do except go drink another liter?
I'm not a follower, I've always been a leader
I wish I had some inspirational speech to read you
But I don't, I'm just a failure
Worshiped like I'm Jesus by some but look at this cross I'm nailed to
[Chorus]
And it all just slips away
The lyrics of Slaine's song "Borrowed Time" speak about the struggles of life and the consequences of bad decisions. The chorus repeats the phrase "broken dreams I'll follow mine," indicating the determination of the singer to pursue their dreams even though their time is limited. The singer mentions walking down a long road and feeling weak but being able to rely on whiskey for strength. The verses talk about the consequences of past decisions and how they have affected the singer's life. The lyrics make references to addiction, heartbreak, and mistakes that can change one's life forever. The singer acknowledges the pain they have caused others and the consequences of their actions. The song concludes by highlighting the singer's resilience that has grown out of pain and tough experiences.
Line by Line Meaning
Broken dreams I'll follow mine
I will continue to pursue my dreams despite setbacks and failures.
To the end of my borrowed time
I will work towards my goals until the time I have runs out.
I've been walking down this road too long
I have been on this path for a while and it is time to move on.
Got my bags packed and I hit the door
I am ready to leave and start a new journey.
Then I make a stop at the liquor store
I struggle with addiction and rely on alcohol to cope.
'Cause my will is weak but my whiskey is strong
I lack the strength to overcome my problems, but alcohol provides temporary relief.
Flashback when we was teens just beginning the road
Remembering when we were young and had our whole lives ahead of us.
Before the lights, camera, and action and the glittering gold
Before fame, success, and wealth changed us and our priorities.
Before the Caine spots, before the overdoses and aimed Glocks
Before drugs, violence, and dangerous situations took over our lives.
Before my name popped, before the Navigator raindrops
Before my fame and success, before the hardships and struggles that came with it.
Before I started back with the bad habits I can't stop
Before I relapsed and returned to my destructive behaviors.
I said I'd keep going, told you I can't stop
I made a promise to myself and others to keep pushing forward, no matter how difficult it gets.
And that's what made me who I am but it did us in
My determination and resilience contributed to my character, but it also caused harm to our relationship.
You can never see through the clouds my head is in
My problems and struggles are not always easily visible to others.
I was sick and got addicted to my medicine
I became dependent on drugs to cope with my physical or mental health issues.
I was a prick, I kept on kicking till they let us in
I was stubborn and difficult to deal with, but I eventually succeeded in achieving my goals.
And once they let me in the door it was war
Once I achieved success, I faced new challenges and conflicts.
With the world I was sure couldn't go back to before
I realized that the world had changed and I could not return to the person I was before.
Ever since we were kids they said we shouldn't mix
We were warned not to associate with certain people or engage in certain activities from a young age.
And at the end we broke something that we couldn't fix
Our mistakes and conflicts caused irreparable damage to our relationship.
I'm a man among boys that avoid their own truths
I am more mature and honest than those around me who refuse to confront their own problems.
Always down to hang out, afraid of their own noose
My friends are always willing to socialize and distract themselves from their issues, but they are avoiding the consequences of their actions.
No phone booth, can't change an ugly face
I cannot hide who I truly am or change my past mistakes.
Tough stand tall then we duck when we gotta chase
We act tough and confident, but when faced with real problems or threats, we back down.
Making up excuses but it's all useless
I often make excuses for my problems or bad behavior, but it does not change the situation.
When I blame you for the damage that my youth did
I try to place the blame for my problems on others, even though my own actions caused them.
Throwing up the deuces, easier to run away
It is easier to leave and avoid dealing with problems than to face them head on.
Knowing that the rain's always followed by a sunny day
I hope that my struggles and hardships will eventually lead to a better future.
But a vaca's just a break from reality
Taking a vacation or a break from responsibilities does not make my problems go away.
Chasing a fallacy back then you're mad at me
I chased an unrealistic or impossible goal, and others are upset with me for doing so.
Casually acting like we don't see the elephant
Ignoring or avoiding a major problem or issue that is affecting us all.
In the room but our friends all see the hell we been through
Our friends are aware of the hardships and struggles we have faced, despite our attempts to hide them.
And we know a truce is irrelevant
It is too late to repair the damage done to our relationship.
Rip my heart out of my body, there's still a skeleton
Even if I am severely hurt or damaged, I am still alive and will continue to exist.
My skull and bones represent a throne
My inner strength and determination make me feel powerful, even in difficult times.
I'mma stand strong when I move on, holla at me
I will continue to be strong and persevere, even when faced with challenges.
I used to have nothing at all but my word and my balls
I started with nothing but my integrity and courage.
It's the same thing that took me from nothing dog
My determination and strength of character helped me overcome my difficult circumstances.
All around the globe till they asked what the f**k is wrong
I became successful and travelled the world, but people still questioned my problems and struggles.
What's wrong is everything is real in these fucking songs
The problems and struggles I sing about in my music are all real and not exaggerated.
Sometimes I was it was an image to hop out of
At times, I wish I could escape the image or persona I have created for myself.
And back into, maybe a gimmick to rock crowds with
I could return to a more shallow or fake image to appeal to my audience.
But it's all the truth and it's something I'm not proud of
My music is honest and reflects my real struggles, even though they are difficult to face.
Everything I've done but I can't just opt out of
I cannot ignore or escape the consequences of my actions and decisions.
The pain I have caused, the Caine, the chopped powder
I have caused pain and damage to others, even by my use of drugs.
The blame belongs to me, this game is not ours though
I am responsible for my own mistakes and problems, and I cannot blame them on anyone else.
Maybe from the dirt then the flowers grow
Out of hardship and struggle, beauty and growth can emerge.
Up amongst the weeds since a youngster greed
I have been surrounded by negative influences and temptations that led to my greed and bad behavior from a young age.
Agreed with every need that I need and so the speed
I gave in to every selfish desire and demand, which only fueled my reckless behavior and actions.
Will eventually just not be fast enough for me
I will keep seeking more and more, and eventually nothing will satisfy me.
It's kind of crazy, once upon a time I was just my momma's baby
It is surreal to think about how far I have come from my humble beginnings as a child.
Look at how this ice cold winter when it made me
The harshness of my experiences and struggles have shaped me into the person I am today.
When it when it gave me icy cold demeanor, meaner
My hardships and struggles have made me cold and callous, making it hard for me to trust and connect with others.
Wifey throws me out, I love her, I need her
Even though my wife has left me, I still love and depend on her.
What else can I do except go drink another liter?
I am struggling to cope and am turning to alcohol to numb my pain and problems.
I'm not a follower, I've always been a leader
I am independent and do not follow the crowd or conform to others' expectations.
I wish I had some inspirational speech to read you
I wish I could inspire and motivate others with words of wisdom and encouragement, but I am struggling with my own problems.
But I don't, I'm just a failure
I cannot offer any positive or uplifting messages because I feel like a failure myself.
Worshiped like I'm Jesus by some but look at this cross I'm nailed to
Some people idolize and admire me, but I am still struggling and suffering just like everyone else, represented by the metaphorical cross I am bearing.
And it all just slips away
Despite my efforts and struggle, everything I have can be lost or taken away at any moment.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: BANKS, JIMI BENNETT, REX M. CARROLL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Milou & Co
Slain is so good,always been...
Why he's not at top of lists?
Some people haven't even heard of him!
I'm glad that I have listened his songs for long time. Thanks for good music!🙏
space bound
To the end of my borrowed time...
I've been walking down these streets too long ❤💔 and it all just slips away...
In the end 🤷♂️ great lyrics great respect 🙏
Stretch the Sketch
A fucking masterpiece. Still punches me right in the gut, 11 years later.
The Irish Viking
Man, this song gives me so much inspiration. Thank you, Slaine.
ra1923ul
You know what impressed me............the man really FEELS every word he delivers!!!!! RESPECT!!!
Rudy Bell
One of the best to do it 🙌family above all glad Ben pulled u out your opinions and voice r a blessing to this world
Chris Simm
Pick the album up now! Support real Hip Hop!
Refinitey
How is this song not a top hit
Amoe Damackahoe
Much love Slaine- heard a rumor u gonna stop rapping???!!! PLS DONT DO IT!! I relate to slaine's shit more than mose rappers out. As a poor Irish-American who grew up in a violent environment in a grimey city, I feel his words, the pain, etc
Jillian Lee
Miss you Slaine :) he's not gonna stop rapping