This Means You feat Mos Def
Talib Kweli & Hi-Tek Lyrics
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When the nightfall come, we in the right war
Cats who spill blood for a cause, not just because
Defy the authority and follow god's law
Revolutionary entrepeneurs, who make the fans
Clap they hands and stompin the floor not start the applause
Thank you very much, without further ado
Let me introduce the rest of my crew, mos def!
Yo, I am the world renowned, verb adjective adverb
Pronoun preposition suffix prefix
Original or remix, sunburst and eclipse
Me and kwe' combine like strands on a double-helix
My speech seasoned, with dialect of my region
Booga-nam brooklyn bed-stuy eastern
Where youth and policemen, they nah reach agreement
Pressure in the mornin, pressure in the evenin
You, need, to, get, up, right, now
And, move, with, this, yes, this, means, you
You, you
Yeah, alright yeah, alright yeah, alright yeah
Alright yeah, alright yeah, alright yeah, yeah
Things changed since we came out, been some shit in new york
Niggaz stopped gettin jig in new york, bloods and crips in new york
The y-2-k celebration wasn't big in new york
Babylon live in new york, should I keep a crib in new york
Or just v.i., to handle my b.i.
When with my a-alikes we see with three eyes
Yo kweli I agree I, was thinkin the same thing myself
Smog in the city ain't no good for your health
Things changed in new york, type strange in new york
Forty-deuce don't look the same in new york
Just politics, tricks and big games in new york
Switched trains a writer can't get fame in new york
Internet and wall street got paid in new york
Poor folks and workin class got slayed in new york
Even still, everyday they make weight in new york
Flashlights lookin for a brighter day in new york
In new york they say it's red hot
Will the temperature ease up? black I guess not
It's multi-lane traffic, no sign for rest stops
No corner breaks, put on your gloves and just box
No dance school to teach you to wop and bus stop
Better get up in the booth, hop up and just rock
If you think it's like that, it's not so just stop
All mankind time runnin down on one watch, just watch
If, you, are, just, coming, in, I, will
Say it, once, more, so, you, can, hear, cause
You, need, to, get, up, right, now
And, move, with, this, yes, this, means, you
You, you
Yo, mos def and talib kweli bring disaster to the industry
We best-sellin authors writin great chapters in history
These cats undercover like gay rappers dealin with mystery
My platinum grey matter spray batter that's specifically
Designed to make rappers break faster than eggshells in the mornin
Inhaled the divine in that's laid dormant
Water from the well stay pourin
I answer back when I hear fate callin
Freedom fighter ready to attack at the crack of a new day dawnin
Way more than necessary skills for the application
My flow is great like the lakes and it rocks like applachains
My facts more than make up for what you lack in imagination
You more confused than tiger woods when he made up cabalaysian
I'm sayin!
Break bounds like the jet concorde
Win awards before I leave for my world award tour
When they scream encore, that's when they want more
Flow steadily, whether I'm on or off shore
High potent, zone coastin, no jokin
Safecracker sniff gon' keep the joint open
Peep the focus, high resolution, high reception
My "train of thought" connectin with my bredren from reflection like
You, need, to, get, up, right, now
And, move, with, this, yes, this, means, you, again!
You, need, to, get, up, right, now
And, move, with, this, yes, this, means, you, we goin
The lyrics to Talib Kweli & Hi-Tek's song "This Means You" featuring Mos Def are a powerful commentary on the state of the world and the need for revolutionary action. The opening lines set the tone: "Yo, we keep it type raw, and know exactly what we fight for. When the nightfall come, we in the right war." The artists speak about the importance of standing up for a cause, of defying authority and following "God's law." They describe themselves as "revolutionary entrepreneurs" who inspire fans to clap their hands and stomp their feet and start the applause.
Mos Def's verse contains dense wordplay and showcases his impressive lyrical skills. He describes himself as "world-renowned" and lists various parts of speech in a playful way. He also speaks about the pressures and challenges of life in Brooklyn, where youth and police officers can't seem to agree, and the city has changed in many ways. Talib Kweli's verse echoes these sentiments, discussing how things have changed in New York since the artists first came out. He raps about the politics, tricks, and big games played in the city, and the ways in which everyday people are struggling to get by.
Throughout the song, the chorus repeats the message that "This Means You," urging listeners to wake up and move with the music. The song is a call to action, an anthem for those who are paying attention to the world around them and ready to fight for change.
Line by Line Meaning
Yo, we keep it type raw, and know exactly what we fight for
We stay true to our roots and ideals while being fully aware of our battles.
When the nightfall come, we in the right war
When the darkness comes, we're fighting the right war.
Cats who spill blood for a cause, not just because
We're fighting for a cause that's worth the bloodshed.
Defy the authority and follow god's law
We're challenging oppressive systems and following a higher moral law.
Revolutionary entrepeneurs, who make the fans
We're innovative in our approach and have a dedicated following.
Clap they hands and stompin the floor not start the applause
Our fans are enthusiastic and show their appreciation through their energy.
Thank you very much, without further ado
Let's move on without any delay.
Let me introduce the rest of my crew, mos def!
Now I'll introduce the other members of our team, Mos Def!
Yo, I am the world renowned, verb adjective adverb
I'm a skilled wordsmith, known worldwide for my impeccable writing.
Pronoun preposition suffix prefix
I have a deep understanding of the building blocks of language and use them effectively.
Original or remix, sunburst and eclipse
I can create something new or put my spin on something that already exists.
Me and kwe' combine like strands on a double-helix
Talib Kweli and I work together seamlessly, like strands of DNA.
My speech seasoned, with dialect of my region
I speak with the unique linguistic style of my hometown.
Booga-nam brooklyn bed-stuy eastern
I'm from Bed-Stuy in eastern Brooklyn.
Where youth and policemen, they nah reach agreement
There's a lack of agreement between young people and law enforcement in my community.
Pressure in the mornin, pressure in the evenin
There's constant pressure and tension in my community at all times.
Things changed since we came out, been some shit in new york
New York has changed since we started making music and there have been many struggles.
Niggaz stopped gettin jig in new york, bloods and crips in new york
Dancing has become less popular in New York, while gang activity remains prevalent.
The y-2-k celebration wasn't big in new york, Babylon live in new york, should I keep a crib in new york
The Y2K celebration wasn't a big deal in New York, but Babylonian systems of oppression are still present. Is it worth living here?
Or just v.i., to handle my b.i.
Should I move to the Virgin Islands to take care of my business?
When with my a-alikes we see with three eyes
When I'm with like-minded people, we have a unique perception of the world.
Yo kweli I agree I, was thinkin the same thing myself
Talib Kweli and I share similar thoughts and ideas about our current situation.
Smog in the city ain't no good for your health
Air pollution in the city is detrimental to one's health.
Things changed in new york, type strange in new york
New York has undergone significant changes, and it feels strange.
Forty-deuce don't look the same in new york
Times Square doesn't look like it used to in New York.
Just politics, tricks and big games in new york
New York is filled with political games and deception.
Switched trains a writer can't get fame in new york
A writer can't find fame in New York if they keep changing their focus.
Internet and wall street got paid in new york
The internet and Wall Street are lucrative in New York.
Poor folks and workin class got slayed in new york
The poor and working class suffer in New York.
Even still, everyday they make weight in new york
Despite the struggles, people persevere and continue to strive in New York.
Flashlights lookin for a brighter day in new york
People are searching for a better future in New York.
In new york they say it's red hot
They say things are heating up in New York.
Will the temperature ease up? black I guess not
Will things get better? I doubt it, as a black person.
It's multi-lane traffic, no sign for rest stops
The pace of life is fast and relentless in New York, with no indication of slowing down.
No corner breaks, put on your gloves and just box
There's no respite, so you have to fight and persevere.
No dance school to teach you to wop and bus stop
There's no one to teach you how to have fun and let loose.
Better get up in the booth, hop up and just rock
Get up on stage and give it your all.
If you think it's like that, it's not so just stop
Don't think that it's easy, it's not, so don't expect it to be.
All mankind time runnin down on one watch, just watch
We all have limited time on this earth, so be mindful of it.
Yo mos def and talib kweli bring disaster to the industry
Mos Def and Talib Kweli are shaking up the music industry.
We best-sellin authors writin great chapters in history
We're making history with our best-selling music and writing.
These cats undercover like gay rappers dealin with mystery
Other artists are hiding their true selves, just like closeted gay rappers.
My platinum grey matter spray batter that's specifically
My sharp, intelligent mind produces lyrics that hit hard.
Designed to make rappers break faster than eggshells in the mornin
My verses are designed to bring other rappers down quickly.
Inhaled the divine in that's laid dormant
I've tapped into a higher power and it's been dormant within me.
Water from the well stay pourin
I have a never-ending source of inspiration.
I answer back when I hear fate callin
I respond when destiny beckons me.
Freedom fighter ready to attack at the crack of a new day dawnin
I'm a fighter for freedom and justice, always ready for a new day's challenges.
Way more than necessary skills for the application
I have skills beyond what's necessary for my craft.
My flow is great like the lakes and it rocks like applachains
My rap flow is smooth and powerful.
My facts more than make up for what you lack in imagination
My strong factual basis compensates for your lack of creativity.
You more confused than tiger woods when he made up cabalaysian
You're more confused than Tiger Woods when he made up a fake country name.
Break bounds like the jet concorde
I break boundaries and standards, like the Concorde jet.
Win awards before I leave for my world award tour
I've won awards before even embarking on a worldwide tour.
When they scream encore, that's when they want more
When fans scream for more, they mean encore.
Flow steadily, whether I'm on or off shore
My rap flow is consistent, whether I'm at home or on the road.
High potent, zone coastin, no jokin
I'm strong and focused, without any joking around.
Safecracker sniff gon' keep the joint open
I'll never give up and will always find a way forward.
Peep the focus, high resolution, high reception
Notice my intense focus, high-quality attention to detail, and clear communication.
My "train of thought" connectin with my bredren from reflection like
My thought process connects me with my brothers and sisters in reflection.
You, need, to, get, up, right, now
It's time for you to take action.
And, move, with, this, yes, this, means, you
This is your time to join us and be a part of something meaningful.
Again!
Reiterating that this is important and urgent.
You, need, to, get, up, right, now
Don't delay any longer, it's time to act.
And, move, with, this, yes, this, means, you, we goin
Join us and take action with us, because we're moving forward together.
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind