Strangers
Talib Kweli Hitek Lyrics

Becau-cau-cau Becau-cau-cau Because I'm paranoid
The repetition of 'Becau-cau-cau' emphasizes the artist's paranoia, without providing any specific reason.

No boundaries, no borders, we're crossing many waters Them haters can't ignore us, the government record us They used to take our sons and think it's fun to rape our daughters No our health care system pitiful, that's how hospitals profitable They try to put the drugs inside of you Lie to you, say that you gonna die tomorrow So why pay? That's not logical, see the bullshit that they try to pull? They tapping laptops like a bad plot out of a bad movie Obama say it ain't so In a perfect world correlation of the willing is coalition of the rainbow Who the enemy? Who the friend in need? How do you choose your target, who you aim for, what you aim for? Damn, still running with the race but I'm running out of pace So fast just the last guy to let it go Wondering if my concentration on the race misplaced Take your marks, set, ready, go Evolutionary flow, ever-luminary glow When they show but the revolution never know
The artist believes that society is corrupt, unjust and dangerous, and that the government uses technology to control the population. The artist also questions who the enemy and ally are, how to choose targets, and how to win. The artist is frustrated with the system and feels like he is losing the race.

[Chorus] Shot to make you famous, we in your face with bangers About to face some danger, I just misplace my anger Violence entertainers, rappers took the place of Segas Papa said don't talk to strangers, don't talk to strangers
The chorus warns of the dangers of violence in entertainment and the consequences of misplaced anger. The artist evokes a nostalgic reference to 'Sega' consoles, which have been replaced by rappers as a form of entertainment.

Gotta let the people know from the get-go Bun B is a product of the ghetto Good or bad man I just can't let go No I ain't a rich man but it's been set though And I'm still on the grind trying to get dough Why the government wanna keep me in debt for? They wanna keep me in debt for? Look at A-I-G and the bailouts Stepping on the fish just so you can help the whale out Got his ass out or should I say tail out Need another job like a paper or a mail route We the fresh, best in take the stale out Make it rain, they see it I'm a put a pail out Man I'm a put a pail out know what I'm saying? Cause I'm stuck in the mud like a tractor I ain't gotta lie plus I'm not a good actor Bullshit laws that they enact to keep us locked out the big game in the back bru' I got sacked, now I gotta get a sack ta Make ends meet cause the money is a factor, oh yeah the money is a factor Damn now I'm back on the block for the hustle Used to be hot, now your boy just cold Gotta build my bread up and my muscle Haters talk down, sometimes it's a tussle But the smoke gonna clear and the dust don't settle Now it's like def jam wit no Russell Like def jam wit no Russell We'll be alright though
The artist describes his personal struggles to make a living and the difficulties faced by those living in poverty. He's frustrated with inequality and the corrupt system that keeps people in debt. The artist also mentions the need to adapt to changing situations and overcome obstacles.