The Message
Sugarhill Gang Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five Lyrics

It's like a jungle sometimes, it makes me wonder how I keep from goin' under
Living in this chaotic environment feels like navigating a dangerous jungle, and I often wonder how I manage to survive without succumbing to the pressures and hardships.

Broken glass everywhere
The streets are littered with broken glass, symbolizing the brokenness and destruction that pervades the neighborhood.

People pissin' on the stairs, you know they just don't care
Individuals disrespectfully urinate on the stairs, demonstrating their apathy towards the community and their disregard for basic decency.

I can't take the smell, can't take the noise
The foul odor and constant noise become overwhelming, creating a sense of discomfort and frustration.

Got no money to move out, I guess I got no choice
Lacking the financial means to relocate, I feel trapped and have no other option but to endure my current circumstances.

Rats in the front room, roaches in the back
The presence of rats in the living area and roaches in the kitchen highlights the unsanitary and unsuitable conditions of the household.

Junkies in the alley with a baseball bat
Drug addicts congregate in the alley, armed with a baseball bat, portraying the dangerous and violent nature of addiction.

I tried to get away but I couldn't get far
Attempting to escape the troubles, I realized that freedom is elusive and the problems follow me wherever I go.

'Cause a man with a tow truck repossessed my car
To add to my difficulties, a man employed by a towing company seized my car due to financial hardships, further limiting my mobility and resources.

Don't push me 'cause I'm close to the edge
Please refrain from testing my patience and resilience as I am already on the brink of breaking.

I'm trying not to lose my head, ha-ha
In the face of adversity, I'm doing my best to remain calm and composed, despite the overwhelming challenges and frustrations.

Standin' on the front stoop hangin' out the window
Positioned on the front porch, leaning out the window, I observe the world passing by, holding on to a sense of connection and curiosity.

Watchin' all the cars go by, roarin' as the breezes blow
Observing the constant flow of cars and feeling the wind's gentle breeze, I find solace and a temporary escape from the harsh reality outside.

Crazy lady, livin' in a bag
A mentally unstable woman resides in a bag, symbolizing her homelessness and how her life has been reduced to mere survival.

Eatin' outta garbage pails, used to be a fag hag
She scavenges for food from trash cans, reminiscing about her past as a companion to gay men, highlighting her fall from stability and acceptance.

Said she'll dance the tango, skip the light fandango
She deludes herself with grandiose dreams of dancing the tango and participating in carefree activities, using it as a coping mechanism to ignore her difficult reality.

A Zircon princess seemed to lost her senses
Once an elegant and glamorous princess, she has now lost touch with reality, succumbing to the hardships of life.

Down at the peep show watchin' all the creeps
She spends her time at a peep show, observing and engaging with unsavory characters, finding a distorted sense of companionship and belonging.

So she can tell her stories to the girls back home
She gathers stories and experiences to share with the girls she used to know, attempting to maintain a connection to her past and regain some semblance of normalcy.

She went to the city and got so-so seditty
After moving to the city, she initially embraced a more sophisticated or glamorous lifestyle, though it ultimately proved to be only moderately satisfying.

She had to get a pimp, she couldn't make it on her own
Unable to support herself independently, she succumbs to the exploitative nature of finding a pimp, entering a cycle of dependency and further degradation.

My brother's doin' bad, stole my mother's TV
My brother is struggling and resorts to theft, betraying our own family by stealing our mother's television.

Says she watches too much, it's just not healthy
He justifies his pilfering by claiming that our mother watches TV excessively, deeming it unhealthy and rationalizing his actions.

All My Children in the daytime, Dallas at night
Our mother's TV preferences include watching soap operas like 'All My Children' during the day and the drama series 'Dallas' at night.

Can't even see the game or the Sugar Ray fight
Due to the stolen TV, I am deprived of watching sports events like games or boxing matches featuring Sugar Ray Leonard.

The bill collectors, they ring my phone
I constantly receive calls from debt collectors, relentlessly reminding me of my financial responsibilities and worsening my emotional stress.

And scare my wife when I'm not home
These persistent calls frighten my wife when I'm away, adding to her anxiety and creating a tense environment at home.

Got a bum education, double-digit inflation
Due to a subpar education and the rising inflation rate, I lack the necessary skills and struggle to keep up with the increasing costs of living.

Can't take the train to the job, there's a strike at the station
With the public transportation system disrupted by a strike, I am unable to rely on the train to commute to work, leaving me in a difficult position.

Neon King Kong standin' on my back
A symbol of overwhelming pressure, a figurative representation of Neon King Kong towers over me, exerting its weight and burden on my shoulders.

Can't stop to turn around, broke my sacroiliac
Burdened by responsibilities and unable to take a break, I injure myself, specifically my sacroiliac joint, which further impedes my movement and adds to my pain.

A mid-range migraine, cancered membrane
Suffering from a moderate migraine and feeling mentally taxed, my mind feels afflicted, like it has a deteriorating membrane or barrier.

Sometimes I think I'm goin' insane
Under the immense pressure and overwhelming circumstances, I start to question my own sanity and mental stability.

I swear I might hijack a plane
Driven to the edge, I express the desperate and irrational thought of possibly resorting to hijacking an aircraft as a means of escape or rebellion.

My son said, Daddy, I don't wanna go to school
My son expresses his reluctance to attend school, likely due to a negative experience or a lack of faith in the educational system.

'Cause the teacher's a jerk, he must think I'm a fool
My son perceives his teacher as unpleasant or unfair, assuming that the teacher holds him in contempt or views him as unintelligent.

And all the kids smoke reefer, I think it'd be cheaper
My son observes other students smoking marijuana and suggests that joining them might be a more cost-effective option.

If I just got a job, learned to be a street sweeper
He contemplates pursuing a job as a street sweeper, seeing it as a potential alternative to traditional education and a way to fit in with his peers.

Or dance to the beat, shuffle my feet
He considers becoming a dancer, mesmerized by the allure of dancing, hoping it could provide an escape or a path to acceptance.

Wear a shirt and tie and run with the creeps
To conform to society's expectations and fit in, he contemplates adopting a more professional appearance by wearing a shirt and tie, even if it means associating with disreputable individuals.

'Cause it's all about money, ain't a damn thing funny
Recognizing the inherent importance of money in society, he acknowledges that financial success holds significant sway and that there is no room for humor or laughter in this harsh reality.

You got to have a con in this land of milk and honey
He realizes that in this supposedly prosperous land, one must possess a cunning or dishonest scheme to thrive and succeed, considering it a necessary survival tactic.

They pushed that girl in front of the train
Referring to a tragic event of deliberate harm, the lyrics mention an incident where someone pushed a girl onto train tracks, emphasizing the callous and cruel nature of society.

Took her to the doctor, sewed her arm on again
After the girl's arm gets severed in the train incident, medical professionals intervene and reattach her arm through surgery, symbolizing the hope and resilience amidst tragedy.

Stabbed that man right in his heart
Portraying an act of violence, someone stabs a man directly in the heart, illustrating the brutality and disregard for human life that exists in the community.

Gave him a transplant for a brand new start
Despite the violent act, the man receives a heart transplant, symbolizing the potential for redemption and a fresh beginning even after experiencing trauma and suffering.

I can't walk through the park 'cause it's crazy after dark
Feeling unsafe, I am reluctant to navigate through the park during nighttime due to the heightened level of danger and crime prevailing in the community.

Keep my hand on my gun 'cause they got me on the run
Constantly fearing for my safety, I remain vigilant and keep my hand on my firearm, as I suspect others are pursuing me with malicious intent.

I feel like a outlaw, broke my last glass jaw
I perceive myself as an outcast from society, as if I am an outlaw. Furthermore, I have suffered the breaking of my metaphorical 'glass jaw,' symbolizing vulnerability and defeat.

Hear them say 'you want some more?'
In situations where my toughness or resolve is doubted, I hear others taunt me by asking if I desire additional challenges or conflicts.

Livin' on a see-saw
Metaphorically, my life is akin to a see-saw, constantly fluctuating between the ups and downs, never finding stability or a sense of balance.

A child is born with no state of mind
A newborn infant enters the world devoid of preconceived notions or biases, having a blank mental slate.

Blind to the ways of mankind
The child lacks an understanding of the complexities and flaws that exist within human society, remaining unaware of people's actions and their consequences.

God is smilin' on you but he's frownin' too
While there may be divine favor or protection, there is also divine displeasure or disappointment, suggesting a conflict within the higher powers.

Because only God knows what you'll go through
The future remains uncertain and unpredictable, known only by God, who holds knowledge of the trials and hardships that lie ahead.

You'll grow in the ghetto livin' second-rate
Being raised in impoverished and disadvantaged neighborhoods, your existence is defined by enduring substandard conditions and limited opportunities.

And your eyes will sing a song called deep hate
The harsh realities of the ghetto engender feelings of deep-seated hatred, and your eyes will reflect the pain, anger, and resentment you hold.

The places you play and where you stay
The areas where you have fun and reside are not ideal or safe, adding to the difficulties and challenges you face on a daily basis.

Looks like one great big alleyway
The environment resembles a vast alley, devoid of happiness and optimism, where dangers lurk and opportunities are scarce.

You'll admire all the number-book takers
You will develop a fascination with individuals involved in illegal gambling, recognizing their relative success and desiring to emulate them, despite their illicit activities.

Thugs, pimps and pushers and the big money-makers
You will find yourself drawn to and admiring those involved in criminal activities, such as thugs, pimps, drug dealers, and those who amass wealth through illicit means.

Drivin' big cars, spendin' twenties and tens
These individuals flaunt their prosperity by driving expensive vehicles and regularly spending large sums of money, particularly using twenty and ten-dollar bills.

And you'll wanna grow up to be just like them
Caught in the allure of the lifestyle they represent, you will aspire to grow up and emulate these individuals, enticed by the material rewards they seem to possess.

Huh, smugglers, scramblers, burglars, gamblers
You will be captivated by a variety of unsavory characters engaged in smuggling, evading authorities, breaking into homes, and gambling, further tempting you down a dangerous path.

Pickpocket peddlers, even panhandlers
You will be intrigued by individuals skilled in pickpocketing, street vendors selling illicit goods, even those begging for money, finding yourself increasingly immersed in a world of illicit activities.

You say I'm cool, huh, I'm no fool
Others may perceive you as cool or think you're adept at navigating this world, but you are not easily deceived or gullible and understand the harsh realities and consequences associated with this lifestyle.

But then you wind up droppin' outta high school
Despite your initial understanding, you eventually succumb to the allure of this alternative lifestyle, leading you to abandon your education and drop out of high school.

Now you're unemployed, all non-void
Having left school prematurely, you find yourself jobless, without any worthwhile prospects or opportunities for employment.

Walkin' round like you're Pretty Boy Floyd
You adopt a demeanor or attitude reminiscent of the legendary American gangster Charles 'Pretty Boy' Floyd, projecting an air of confidence and bravado.

Turned stick-up kid, but look what you done did
Ultimately, you transform into a criminal who perpetrates armed robberies, but upon reflection, you recognize the negative consequences and harm you have caused.

Got sent up for a eight-year bid
Caught and convicted, you receive an eight-year prison sentence, forcing you to confront the gravity of your actions and their repercussions.

Now your manhood is took and you're a Maytag
Incarcerated, you lose your sense of power and masculinity, becoming an easy target for exploitation, akin to a Maytag appliance that serves others' needs.

Spend the next two years as a undercover fag
While in prison, you endure two years hiding your true sexual orientation, remaining incognito to navigate the volatile and hostile environment.

Bein' used and abused to serve like hell
During your time incarcerated, you become a victim of manipulation and mistreatment, subjected to serve the interests of others in a demanding and oppressive manner.

Till one day, you was found hung dead in the cell
Tragically, one fateful day, you were discovered hanging lifeless in your prison cell, highlighting the devastating consequences and loss of life inherent in this path.

It was plain to see that your life was lost
It becomes evident that your life was ultimately lost, emphasizing the irreversible nature of the choices made and the tragic outcome of succumbing to a destructive lifestyle.

You was cold and your body swung back and forth
In a chilling scene, your lifeless body dangles from a noose, swinging back and forth in the desolate prison cell.

But now your eyes sing the sad, sad song
Looking back at your life, your eyes convey a sorrowful melody, reflecting the regrets, pain, and despair that characterized your existence.

Of how you lived so fast and died so young
Your tragic tale serves as a reminder of a life lived recklessly and impulsively, resulting in a premature and untimely death.

So don't push me 'cause I'm close to the edge
Please refrain from testing my patience and resolve, as I am on the verge of succumbing to the overwhelming challenges and potential collapse.

I'm trying not to lose my head, ha-ha
In the face of immense pressure, I am exerting effort to maintain my sanity and composure, even if it sometimes feels like a losing battle.

It's like a jungle sometimes, it makes me wonder how I keep from goin' under
Describing the chaotic and unforgiving nature of life, it's akin to navigating a treacherous jungle, perpetually prompting me to question how I manage to survive and avoid succumbing to the hardships.