Sumthin' Wicked This Way Comes
TLC Lyrics

Remember back in the time
Reflecting on the past

When the only sign we had was pickets
When protests were simpler

But now in '94, it be this way, somethin' come wicked
Acknowledging the current violent state of affairs

G-angs killin' others for colors
Gang violence over colors

Thangs that we wear for fashion
Fashion choices being interpreted as gang affiliation

Other brothers take it for a reason to be blastin'
Using fashion as a reason to justify violence

What the kcuf is goin' on
Expressing frustration and confusion about the state of the world

Not soft like buttercups but
Toughened by experience

Had enough of singin' that same song
Tired of talking about the same issues without change

See, I stayed across the street from the projects
Personal experience with poverty and crime

Took out yo' momma trash and groceries to her trunk
Helping the community and receiving compensation

To keep my pockets fat, like cellulite
Working hard to make money and survive

Only been to jail one week for some shull-bit
Brief incarceration for minor offense

And I pray to God I won't repeat
Hope to not repeat past mistakes

I shoulda pulled it when I had the chance to
Regretting a missed opportunity for self-protection

No, I shouldn't a did that, cause if I did that
Realizing the negative consequences of a potential action

Y'all would not hear that phat shit
Not being able to share positive music if incarcerated or deceased

That keeps you on your tippy-tippy-toes
Motivating listeners to stay alert and aware

Like that sellout, not callin' no names
Dissatisfaction with a particular individual but not naming them

But really, "who's bad"
Challenging the true intentions and character of others

I go through obstacles like a whole box of condoms
Facing multiple challenges and obstacles in life

You can't forget where you come from
Reminder to stay connected to one's roots and background

Take a good look in the mirror
Encouraging self-reflection

And tell me, do you like what you see
Questioning self-acceptance and self-esteem

Masters of deception, corruption and evil
Critiquing those in power for their immoral actions

But you're always quick to point the finger at me
Feeling unfairly judged and blamed for societal issues

Sometimes I feel like there's nothing to live for
Experiencing hopelessness and despair

So I'm longing for the days of yesterday
Nostalgia for a simpler time

What gave you the right to misjudge me
Questioning the authority of others to judge and stereotype others

And write me off on the wall
Being marginalized and dismissed as a person

Acting as if you understand me
Feeling dismissed and not truly heard by others

In reality, you just don't know me at all
Arguing that others don't truly know or understand one's life experiences

Sometimes I can't help but wonder
Feeling unsure and questioning the state of one's life

If this was how it's meant to be
Asking whether one's current situation is predetermined

But if you search deep enough in your soul
Encouraging self-discovery and introspection

You'll always find a slight reminder of me
Claiming that one's presence will always be felt in some way

A-yo, if we could all agree
Hypothetical statement about collective agreement

To lettin' our souls become free
Emphasizing the importance of personal freedom

Of that sweet bitterness
Mentioning a conflicting emotion or feeling

Then who's chest would have the most seeds
Asking who would achieve the most success or growth with newfound freedom

I keep misfocusin' my needs
Struggling to prioritize personal needs and goals

And distress on my back with them cats
Feeling burdened by societal pressures and norms

They be blastin' into my knapsack
Being targeted by negative influences and temptations

Ain't no accidental deathtraps
Clarifying that negative situations aren't an accident or coincidence

My mishap is the fact that I'm destined to snap
Feeling like a breakdown or outburst is inevitable

It's when I feel as though my body's able to go
Describing a moment of physical readiness

My mind is ready to flow
Being prepared to express oneself creatively or vocally

Did you know first you catch and then I throw
Referencing a saying about taking turns in success or defeat

It's my own sense of time
Valuing personal independence and timeliness

If I'm late, it's cause I'm endin' my day
Prioritizing personal tasks before punctuality

Just when the sun shines
Choosing to take action or be productive when the opportunity arises

And still gently advising the arisin' of the moon
Working hard even during difficult or dark times

I just don't understand
Expressing confusion and frustration

The ways of the world today
Being unhappy with the state of the world

Sometimes I feel like there's nothing to live for
Experiencing hopelessness and depression

So I'm longing for the days of yesterday
Yearning for a simpler or happier time