Soulive has greatly expanded their sound since their inception in 1999. They have played with highly respected musicans such as John Scofield, Warren Haynes, Sam Kininger, Dave Matthews, Chaka Kahn, Robert Randolph, and Ivan Neville. Their 6 studio releases (Get Down!, Turn It Out, Doin' Something, Next, and Breakout) have been produced by respected labels Blue Note Records, Velour Recordings, and most recently the rising Concord Records. They have a self-titled live album that was released in 2003, and they permit audience taping and distribution of their shows (which can be found at bt.etree.org and archive.org).
Soulive has recently teamed up with singer "Toussaint" for their latest release "No Place Like Soul."
Bridge to 'Bama
Soulive Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Yo, step out on the block to face the sun
Creep the people in the village that raised my son
As far as days go this look like an amazing one
I feel more normal in the summer the same as the Yankees won
It's like, of course, what you expect less
The night about to kick off folks is out in their best dress
Pimps and whores rising on the horizon
Watch the ferrions looking towards Zion
What's embedded in the hardest head
It's the epic lie to me and debt it
To a country that gives us no credit
So cats stealing money cash hoes 'cuz that's what's expected
With the bill when the original architect is comedic
Mummies return so the dummies can learn
Just how much Hollywood got to burn
Of our money that's hard earned
But that ain't really my concern
As I walk the block as soon as the sun goes down
It starts to get hot, scorching
Bridge to 'Bama
Bring your wife, bring your brother, bring your kid to mama
She shits bananas
The way we paint pictures in a vivid manner
Bridge to 'Bama
Bring your wife, bring your brother, bring your kid to mama
She shits bananas
The way we paint pictures in a vivid manner, yeah
Magnetic like refrigerator poetry
Attract imitators who wanna flow like me
You know it's me, floating free through the ghetto where the
People supposedly ain't trying to show no love openly
Give me your hand, yeah
Trying to build a bridge so we can stay the course
Hi-tek lay the track for the train that thought to run across
Come across places where faces got tracks of tears
'Cuz the human race been running upon their backs for years, yeah
But they don't break
They keep it moving like when I travel the land
And people, other people do it how other people go through it down
Bridging the gap like the Black Eyed Peas
Loving, giving it back, to see them raise up
Living for that to keep trying means to keep failing
But if you don't keep trying that means to keep dying
What the hell, we gonna die anyway
Keep your soul live when you're here is what I'm trying to say
Bridge to 'Bama
Bring your wife, bring your brother, bring your kid to mama
She shits bananas
The way we paint pictures in a vivid manner
Bridge to 'Bama
Bring your wife, bring your brother, bring your kid to mama
She shits bananas
The way we paint pictures in a vivid manner, yeah
Come on, yeah, yeah
Break it down like
Come on, yeah, yeah
Come on, yeah
[Incomprehensible] hi-tek, yeah
Soul live, this how we do it, right
We keep it moving like
This hip-hop like
Jazz music like
Everybody wants to rock
Everybody rock me like
Everybody in the spot
Brooklyn to Nomadic life
Yo, for the babies and
It's for you and
It's for me and, it's for us and
Break it down like
The song "Bridge to Bama" by Soulive is a commentary on societal issues and the struggle for connection and unity in the face of adversity. The first verse sets the scene of the singer stepping out onto the block to face the day, observing the people in the village that raised their son. The imagery is vibrant and positive, with a sense of optimism for the day ahead. However, the lyrics quickly shift to darker themes, with references to crime, poverty, and systemic issues such as the lack of credit given to the people for their contributions to society. This leads to people turning to criminal activities to survive, and the singer laments the systemic issues that lead people down this path.
The chorus features the titular "Bridge to Bama," which is a metaphorical bridge that represents the connection and unity that people can strive for. Everyone is invited to cross the bridge - "Bring your wife, bring your brother, bring your kid to mama" - and join in the celebration of life, represented by the vibrant imagery of "shitting bananas" and "painting pictures in a vivid manner." The bridge symbolizes hope and opportunity for those who have been left behind or marginalized by society.
The second verse continues the themes of connection and unity, with references to "building a bridge" and "bridging the gap" - this time in reference to the black community's struggle against systemic oppression. The imagery of people with "tracks of tears" on their faces emphasizes the weight of this struggle, but also the resilience and determination of those who continue to fight for their rights. The chorus repeats with a sense of urgency, as if the bridge is a lifeline that people desperately need to cross.
Overall, "Bridge to Bama" is a powerful commentary on the struggles of marginalized communities and the importance of connection and unity in the face of adversity. The song contains a strong message of hope and optimism, urging listeners to come together and bridge the gaps that divide us.
Line by Line Meaning
Here I am, soul
I am present and aware, connected to my inner self
Yo, step out on the block to face the sun
I am ready to face the challenges of the day with courage and optimism
Creep the people in the village that raised my son
I am grateful for the community that helped raise me and my children
As far as days go this look like an amazing one
Today is a day full of potential and promise
I feel more normal in the summer the same as the Yankees won
There is a sense of familiarity and comfort in the summer, like a winning baseball team
It's like, of course, what you expect less
The night is about to begin and anything can happen
The night about to kick off folks is out in their best dress
People are dressed up and ready to party
Pimps and whores rising on the horizon
There is a sense of danger and darkness lurking on the horizon
Ballers copping more diamonds
Wealthy people are buying more and more expensive things
Watch the ferrions looking towards Zion
People are searching for spiritual fulfillment and guidance
What's embedded in the hardest head
Some people are resistant to change and new ideas
It's the epic lie to me and debt it
The truth is hard to see and is often hidden behind debt and financial obligations
To a country that gives us no credit
The government doesn't give us the recognition and support we deserve
So cats stealing money cash hoes 'cuz that's what's expected
Some people turn to crime and prostitution because they see it as an expected path to success
With the bill when the original architect is comedic
The people who made the rules and the system we live in are not to be taken seriously
Mummies return so the dummies can learn
Old ideas and traditions are being resurrected so that people can learn from them
Just how much Hollywood got to burn
The entertainment industry has a lot of flaws and needs to be exposed and changed
Of our money that's hard earned
The entertainment industry profits from our hard-earned money
But that ain't really my concern
I am focused on my own journey and not worried about the entertainment industry
As I walk the block as soon as the sun goes down
When it gets dark, the neighborhood changes and people act differently
It starts to get hot, scorching
There is a palpable tension and danger in the air
Bridge to 'Bama
We are building a connection between different communities and people
Bring your wife, bring your brother, bring your kid to mama
Everyone is invited to join in and be part of our community
She shits bananas
Our community is wild, unpredictable, and full of energy
The way we paint pictures in a vivid manner
We express ourselves and our experiences in colorful and vibrant ways
Magnetic like refrigerator poetry
Our words and music are attractive and draw people in
Attract imitators who wanna flow like me
People want to copy our style and sound
You know it's me, floating free through the ghetto where the
I am unique and free, moving through difficult neighborhoods with ease
People supposedly ain't trying to show no love openly
Some people in these neighborhoods don't show love or kindness openly
Give me your hand, yeah
I want to connect with you and work together towards a common goal
Trying to build a bridge so we can stay the course
We are working to create connections and support systems to help us succeed
Hi-tek lay the track for the train that thought to run across
The music and lyrics are creating a pathway for us to follow towards success
Come across places where faces got tracks of tears
We encounter people who have experienced a lot of pain and suffering
'Cuz the human race been running upon their backs for years, yeah
People have been oppressed and exploited for generations
But they don't break
Despite everything, people are strong and resilient
They keep it moving like when I travel the land
People keep going and fighting for what they believe in, just like I do
And people, other people do it how other people go through it down
Everyone has their own struggles and challenges, but we are all in this together
Bridging the gap like the Black Eyed Peas
We are creating connections and bringing people together, like the band Black Eyed Peas
Loving, giving it back, to see them raise up
We share love and support with others, and see them rise to success
Living for that to keep trying means to keep failing
If we keep trying, we are bound to fail at some point, but we keep going anyway
But if you don't keep trying that means to keep dying
Giving up and accepting failure means giving up on life
What the hell, we gonna die anyway
Death is inevitable, so we might as well live our lives to the fullest
Keep your soul live when you're here is what I'm trying to say
I encourage you to stay positive and connected to your soul throughout your life
Come on, yeah, yeah
Let's keep going and pushing forward
[Incomprehensible] hi-tek, yeah
The music and lyrics are creating a powerful connection and energy
Soul live, this how we do it, right
This is how we live our lives and express ourselves through music
We keep it moving like
We keep going and pushing forward, no matter what
This hip-hop like
We are expressing ourselves through the medium of hip-hop
Jazz music like
Our style is influenced by the rhythms and melodies of jazz music
Everybody wants to rock
We are creating music that makes people want to dance and move
Everybody rock me like
Our music is connecting with and resonating with our audience
Everybody in the spot
Everyone present is part of our community and connected through our music
Brooklyn to Nomadic life
Our music and message is reaching people from all different backgrounds and lifestyles
Yo, for the babies and
Our music is created for the younger generations and future of our society
It's for you and
Our music is created for and connects with each individual person listening
It's for me and, it's for us and
Our music is for all of us, collectively, to share and enjoy
Break it down like
Let's break everything down and connect on a deeper level
Writer(s): TALIB KWELI, ERIC PETER KRASNO
Contributed by Dominic E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.