Roll Off Me
Talib Kweli Lyrics

Sometimes life make you wanna attack and go off G
Life can be frustrating and overwhelming to the point where one may feel like they have to react in a negative way.

You wanna step back and I let it roll off me
Instead of reacting, it's better to take a moment to step back and let the frustrating situation pass.

Brooklyn, New York B, ain't nothin soft G
The singer comes from a tough neighborhood and has developed a thick skin.

Yeah I get stressed but I let it roll off me
The artist acknowledges that stress is a natural part of life, but chooses not to let it affect them negatively.

Flirtin' with the fame but I let it roll off me
The artist is aware of the pressures of fame and chooses not to let it get to them.

They love it when I'm losin' but I let it roll off me
The singer recognizes that others may enjoy seeing them fail but chooses to stay focused and not let it affect them.

Dirt on my name but I let it roll off me
The singer acknowledges that people may talk badly about them, but chooses to not let it affect them.

Always keep it movin' and I let it roll off me
The artist doesn't dwell on negative situations and prefers to keep moving forward.

Niggaz with letters, let's set it off B
The artist is referring to incarcerated individuals and is advocating for them to stand up for their rights.

Cops don't protect us, protestors just get ignored B
The artist acknowledges the lack of protection for Black people by the police and the lack of attention given to peaceful protesting.

Played out like musical theater with best support
The singer is commenting on the performative nature of politics and the people who back politicians.

The investors and bankers havin sex in expensive orgies
The artist is criticizing the wealthy elite who prioritize their own pleasure over social and economic issues affecting everyone else.

Born when they was robbin' the grave at Tutankhamun
The singer is highlighting the long history of exploitation and violence by those in power, going as far back as ancient times.

Way before Bush the USA been bombin'
The singer is commenting on the long history of US military intervention in other countries, which predates George W. Bush's presidency.

Cause whether ratchets or needles know the shootin' ain't stoppin'
The singer is acknowledging the ongoing issue of gun violence, regardless of the weapons used.

Niggaz lootin', we ain't coppin a thing
The artist is acknowledging the futility of looting and the fact that it doesn't solve any problems.

And if I'm locked in the bing, a nigga not gonna sing
The artist is stating that they will not betray their principles or confess to something they didn't do, even if it means going to prison (the bing).

I got a lot of things on my mind, dollar signs, life on the line
The singer is balancing their financial needs (dollar signs) with the dangers of life in their neighborhood.

The revelation like sight for the blind like when God cypher divine
The singer's revelation is as powerful and life-changing as regaining physical sight for someone who was blind, and is as significant as a divine message from a higher power.

They used to ask you 'Who ya master?' Now they ask you 'Who your pastor?'
The artist is highlighting the shift from slavery (where the slave's master was important) to a religious society (where the pastor is important).

It's your allegiance that they truly after
The true intentions of those in power are to gain the loyalty and obedience of the masses.

Talk the talk but to walk the walk is costly
It's easy to talk about change, but actually making changes can come with great expense or sacrifice.

Niggaz got on they +Game+ face like Black Wall Street
The singer is referring to the 1921 Tulsa race massacre, in which white residents violently attacked the successful Black community of Greenwood, known as Black Wall Street. The reference implies that people are putting on a front to hide their true intentions.

Every single move I make is ballsy
The artist takes risks and doesn't shy away from bold decisions.

The shit it used to be a, silent movie now it's a talky
The singer is commenting on the increased use of language and dialogue in society, as opposed to keeping quiet and silently accepting things.

The Feds cheesin' like Milwaukee when shit is Brew-in
The singer is criticizing the government or federal agents who act friendly or congenial, even when they are actively working against or oppressing individuals or groups.

When these niggaz stage a coup for the president I'm a shoo-in
The singer is likely being sarcastic and suggesting that they would be able to become president if there was a coup or overthrow of the current government.

But, ain't no political aspirations I'm persuin'
The artist is not interested in pursuing a career in politics or running for office.

I hate to ruin your dream but music is what I'm doin'
The artist is telling someone that they should not expect them to become a politician or leader, as they are committed to their career in music.

I've touched more people in a verse than you do in 20 speeches
The singer is suggesting that they have a larger influence through their music than politicians do through their speeches.

Whether state's blue like the water or redder than white people on sunny beaches
The singer is saying that their music is relevant and has a wide reach, regardless of political affiliations or demographics.

Sometimes I don't be understandin' it
The artist doesn't always understand why people act or feel a certain way.

They looked at me and said that's why you the perfect candidate
Despite the artist's lack of interest in politics, others may see them as having the charisma and influence needed to be a successful leader.

Standin' at the pulpit with a full clip
The artist is prepared to defend their beliefs or ideas with force, if necessary.

What I say real talk, turn around and walk away with your bullshit
The singer is confident in their message and is unwilling to engage with those who don't take them seriously or dismiss them.

I'm like breed, yo I ain't to be fucked with
The artist is comparing themselves to a specific type of dog breed known for being strong and aggressive, to emphasize that they are not to be underestimated or messed with.

Only write the realest, can't lie to the public
The singer prides themselves on being truthful and honest in their music, and cannot bring themselves to deceive their audience.

The sharp wick cut quick, killin 'em softly
The singer's words are sharp and impactful, and can have a profound effect on listeners.

They try to take me there but you could never force me
The singer is unyielding and cannot be manipulated or coerced into acting against their principles.