Slave
Tech N9ne Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Fight the pain, inside the rain
A rebel know, to let the devil go
So now to get paid, about to be working like a slave

I’m kinda good, kinda bad, kinda get money can’t be mad
I’m kinda broke but I’m kinda rich
Wishin’ I had a corner I could put a bitch in
Ain’t gonna do nothin’, ain’t like I’m sufferin’
Food for my baby mouth and I bought a house for my baby mother and
What’s wrong? I try
Don’t matter. Still die
I’m strong. But I’m not
When I’m alone. I cry
Out for you, is hard to do.
I can’t see you, so doubt for you
And out my mouth I sprout the noose, too much Vodka, and Mountain Dew
Blasphemin' ain’t what I be meanin’.
If you listen fast you’d think I was a heathen, but
The last Sunday receivin’ the preachin' from the pastor,
And I ain’t even believin’ the bastard
But no Hatties', God’s baby, God made me, a lil crazy
When I’m off, I’m gone, my life, is my songs
Its what I mean? When I sing, "still on a wing and a prayer."
But if I listen to what was written in the scripture maybe it’ll get me there
Share with the people I swear it isn’t evil, scared that It might be in vain
But if I say I’m the genius, and like Jesus, everybody gonna know my name
Kali

[Chorus]
I’ve been working like a slave, oh Lordy
And I get tired aβ€˜long this lonesome journey
I done stumbled on the road, I’ve been wrong I know
I know that there’s no peace, in my shelter

Oh, Lord, Lord, Lord
I need reparations due to devastations from the state of present situations
And it’s not easy to walk a narrow path and mock Jesus
It’s hard when you’re family wonderin’
When you’re gonna make enough to stop leavin’
Stop breathin for a minute cause it’s all,
Artificial when them laws, tryna get you
When them haters right behind em,
Wanna shove a double barrel sawed off, in your dental
What can I do to stop a big catastrophe
When niggas after me and bitches after me
Wanna have my baby, missin nagga’s lately,
Trails and tribulations tackle me
My momma think I made it, she feelin’ elated
Proud of her only son born
My kids think I’m the greatest,
I can not display a smile, feelin like a funion
Salty and all
(You’ll be ?)
Locked in a stall
(? Tryin’.)
Lost in the cause
(truly ? no denyin’.)
Ain’t nobody gonna do it for me, for the M.O.,don't let it drive me insane
Solicitation of a prostitute cause you're a ho’ when you’re playin' this game
But it’s ok I’ am gon' ride till I triumph.
'Cause everybody once upon a time was a slave
This is Calhoun

I’ve been working like a slave, oh Lordy
And I get tired aβ€˜long this lonesome journey
I done stumbled on the road, I’ve been wrong I know
I know that there’s no peace, in my shelter

I work. I Play. And I drink booze every day
Tryin' ta muffle the blues I'ma say, used in the way, fools run astray
Alla, God, Jesus, Jah somebody please help me
Momma got a problem with diabetes it don’t seem healthy
Everything depends on N9na
Fame hitten Dantez’s senior
Gotta nigga thinkin' some of the fans
I’m makin' it will they wanna do me like Selena
Devil laughing like a hyena
Losin' all the good in my demeanor
I don’t wanna go psycho but yo the flow ya know
I got to go and Charlie sheen ya’
Tryina stay good with the old lady
My mind made her go crazy
No time for my poor babies
So don’t let a mother fucker play me
When I say F-U pay me
Even though I’m getting money, you can still see
I’m still hungry like I’m in Haiti
What am I to do?
What am I to you?
Butt a lot I'm cool
But I’m not amused?
Can’t you see? I’m stressed, not free
From y’all, I’m sick. My body’s hot
If 'n this pressure, don’t let up, this will probably stop for Tech N9na

I’ve been working like a slave, oh Lordy
And I get tired aβ€˜long this lonesome journey




I done stumbled on the road, I’ve been wrong I know
I know that there’s no peace, in my shelter

Overall Meaning

In β€œSlave,” Tech N9ne gives us a glimpse into the struggles he faces as a famous rapper, including the way fame affects his relationships and how he deals with his own pain. The lyrics are raw and introspective, revealing the duality of his life and his internal struggle to balance the good and the bad.


The opening lines β€œFight the pain, inside the rain / A rebel know, to let the devil go / So now to get paid, about to be working like a slave” set up the tone for the song. Tech N9ne acknowledges that he faces pain and struggles and has to work hard to make money, like a slave. He later talks about the ups and downs of his life, ranging from feeling rich and buying houses for his exes to feeling broken and wishing he had a place to put a β€œbitch in.”


One of the most powerful lines in the song is β€œWhen I’m alone. I cry / Out for you, is hard to do. / I can’t see you, so doubt for you / And out my mouth I sprout the noose, too much Vodka, and Mountain Dew.” Tech N9ne is admitting that he struggles with his own demons and has turned to alcohol to cope. He also acknowledges that it’s hard for him to ask for help and open up to others.


Another line that stands out is β€œBut no Hatties', God’s baby, God made me, a lil crazy.” Hatties’ was a school for the mentally ill in Kansas City, where Tech N9ne grew up. The line shows that despite the difficulties he faced growing up, he still has faith and acknowledges that he’s a unique individual.


Tech N9ne has said that β€œSlave” is one of his favorite songs, but it’s also one of his most difficult to perform live. He has explained that the lyrics are so personal and introspective that it’s hard to bring that emotion onto a stage.


Line by Line Meaning

Fight the pain, inside the rain
Endure emotional pain and turmoil


A rebel know, to let the devil go
Resist evil influences


So now to get paid, about to be working like a slave
Work hard to make money


I’m kinda good, kinda bad, kinda get money can’t be mad
Experience conflicting emotions but still make money


I’m kinda broke but I’m kinda rich
Experience financial instability


Wishin’ I had a corner I could put a bitch in
Feel frustrated and powerless


Ain’t gonna do nothin’, ain’t like I’m sufferin’
Won't take drastic actions because current situation is bearable


Food for my baby mouth and I bought a house for my baby mother and
Provide for family


What’s wrong? I try
Struggle with personal problems


Don’t matter. Still die
Feel helpless


I’m strong. But I’m not
Appear strong but have vulnerabilities


When I’m alone. I cry
Experience emotional pain in private


Out for you, is hard to do.
Have trouble conveying feelings


I can’t see you, so doubt for you
Experience doubt in relationships


And out my mouth I sprout the noose, too much Vodka, and Mountain Dew
Make poor decisions when drinking alcohol


Blasphemin' ain’t what I be meanin’.
Not intending to be sacrilegious


If you listen fast you’d think I was a heathen, but
Misunderstandings can arise with quick judgements


The last Sunday receivin’ the preachin' from the pastor,
Recently attended church


And I ain’t even believin’ the bastard
Lack faith in religious leaders


But no Hatties', God’s baby, God made me, a lil crazy
Have faith in higher power but still struggle with personal demons


When I’m off, I’m gone, my life, is my songs
Music is a form of escape


Its what I mean? When I sing, "still on a wing and a prayer."
Surviving on hope and faith


But if I listen to what was written in the scripture maybe it’ll get me there
Searching for guidance


Share with the people I swear it isn’t evil, scared that It might be in vain
Want to inspire others but fear it won't have an impact


But if I say I’m the genius, and like Jesus, everybody gonna know my name
Aspire for recognition and influence


I’ve been working like a slave, oh Lordy
Work hard to make a living


And I get tired aβ€˜long this lonesome journey
Feel fatigued on personal life journey


I done stumbled on the road, I’ve been wrong I know
Made mistakes in life


I know that there’s no peace, in my shelter
Lack inner peace


Oh, Lord, Lord, Lord
Expression of frustration and despair


I need reparations due to devastations from the state of present situations
Want compensation for personal struggles


And it’s not easy to walk a narrow path and mock Jesus
Struggle with adhering to religious values


It’s hard when you’re family wonderin’
Face pressure from loved ones


When you’re gonna make enough to stop leavin’
Feel financial pressure to succeed


Stop breathin for a minute cause it’s all, Artificial when them laws, tryna get you
Feel suffocated by societal expectations


When them haters right behind em, wanna shove a double barrel sawed off, in your dental
Feel under threat by enemies


What can I do to stop a big catastrophe
Unable to prevent disaster


When niggas after me and bitches after me
Constantly in danger


Wanna have my baby, missin nagga’s lately, Trails and tribulations tackle me
Struggle with relationship issues and personal problems


My momma think I made it, she feelin’ elated, Proud of her only son born
Bring happiness to family


My kids think I’m the greatest, I can not display a smile, feelin like a funion Salty and all
Children's admiration does not alleviate personal struggles


(You’ll be ?)
Unclear or unspecified


Locked in a stall
Feeling trapped


(? Tryin’.)
Unclear or unspecified


Lost in the cause
Feel misguided or confused


(truly ? no denyin’)
Unclear or unspecified


Ain’t nobody gonna do it for me, for the M.O.,don't let it drive me insane
Take responsibility to prevent insanity


Solicitation of a prostitute cause you're a ho’ when you’re playin' this game
Desperate means to make money


But it’s ok I’ am gon' ride till I triumph.
Determined to succeed


'Cause everybody once upon a time was a slave
Acknowledging shared history of oppression


I work. I Play. And I drink booze every day
Mix of work, leisure, and coping mechanisms


Tryin' ta muffle the blues I'ma say, used in the way, fools run astray
Music as a way to reduce sadness, but may lead to poor decisions


Alla, God, Jesus, Jah somebody please help me
Desperate appeal for divine assistance


Momma got a problem with diabetes it don’t seem healthy
Concerned for mother's health


Everything depends on N9na
Personal success affects others


Fame hitten Dantez’s senior
Personal success compared to father's


Gotta nigga thinkin' some of the fans I’m makin' it will they wanna do me like Selena
Fear being harmed by fans


Devil laughing like a hyena
Oppressed by evil forces


Losin' all the good in my demeanor
Struggle to maintain positive attitude


I don’t wanna go psycho but yo the flow ya know, I got to go and Charlie sheen ya’
Music as a way to alleviate stress but may lead to risky behavior


Tryina stay good with the old lady
Strive to maintain good relationship with partner


My mind made her go crazy
Personal problems affect relationship


No time for my poor babies
Personal problems affect parenting


So don’t let a mother fucker play me
Not willing to be taken advantage of


When I say F-U pay me
Demand payment for work


Even though I’m getting money, you can still see I’m still hungry like I’m in Haiti
Financial instability despite some success


What am I to do?
Feel uncertain about next steps


What am I to you?
Question what others expect of them


Butt a lot I'm cool
Appear calm on the outside


But I’m not amused?
Discontent with current situation


Can’t you see? I’m stressed, not free
Feel burdened by stress


From y’all, I’m sick. My body’s hot
Feel drained from interpersonal interactions


If 'n this pressure, don’t let up, this will probably stop for Tech N9na
Fear that stress will become too much to bear




Lyrics Β© O/B/O APRA AMCOS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found
Most interesting comments from YouTube:

@karlocali686

[Intro: Tech N9ne]
Fight the pain, inside the rain
A rebel know, to let the devil go
So now to get paid, about to be working like a slave

[Verse 1: Krizz Kaliko]
I'm kinda good, kinda bad, kinda get money can't be mad
I'm kinda broke but I'm kinda rich
Wishing I had a corner I could put a bitch in
They ain't gonna do nothing
Ain't like I'm suffering
Food for my baby's mouth
Then I bought a house for my baby mother and
What's wrong? I try, don't matter, still die
I'm strong, but I'm not
When I'm alone, I cry
Out for you, it's hard to do
I can't see you so doubt for you
When out my mouth I sprout the noose
Too much vodka and mountain dew
Explainin' what I be meanin'
If you listen fast you think I was a Heathen
But the last Sunday receivin' the preacher from the pastor
Ain't even believin' the bastard
But no Hades, god's baby
God made me, a little crazy
And I'm off, I'm gone
My life is my songs
What I mean when I sing, still on a wing and a prayer
But if I listen to what is written in the scriptures maybe it will get me there
Share with the people I swear it is an evil scam that might be in vain
But if I say I I'm the genius then like jesus everybody gonna know my name
(KALI)

[Chorus]
I've been working like a slave oh, lord
And I get tired along this lonesome journey
I done struggled on this road, I've been wrong
I know, I know that there's no peace in my shelter
There's going to be no peace in my shelter

[Verse 2: Kutt Callhoun]
[OHH LORD LORD LORD]
I need reparations due to devastation from the state of present situations
And it's not easy to walk a narrow path in my jeans
It's hard when your family wondering when your going to make another
Stop leaving, stop breathing for a minute cuz it's all artificial when the laws trying to get you
When them haters right behind em and you wanna shove a double barrel sawed off in your dental
What can I do to stop a big catastrophe
When niggas after me and bitches after me
Wanna have my baby, listen niggas lady
Trials and tribulations tackle me
My mama think I made it, she feeling elated
Proud of her only son born
My kids think I'm the greatest
I cannot display this
Smile feelin like a funyon
(Salty and all) you'll be (locked in a stall) trying (lost in the cause) truly, no denying
Ain't nobody gonna do it for me
For the moment let it drive me insane
Solicitation of a prostitute
Cuz you a ho when you're playing this game
But it's okay, I am gonna to ride till I triumph
Cause everybody once upon a time was a slave
This is Callhoun

[Chorus]
I've been working like a slave oh, lord
And I get tired along this lonesome journey
I done struggled on this road, I've been wrong, I know
I know there's no peace in my shelter

[Verse 3: Tech N9ne]
I work, I play, and I drink booze every day
tryin to muffle the blues
Imma say used in a way
Fools run astray
Allah, God, Jesus, Jah somebody please help me
Mama got a problem with diabetes it don't seem healthy
Everything depends on ninna fame hittin dantez sr
Got a nigga thinkin some of the fans I'm makin would they wanna do me like Selina
Devil laughin like a hijena
Losin all the good in my demeanor
I don't wanna go psycho
But choke the flow you know I got ta go and charlie sheen yaa
Tryina stay good with the old lady
My mind made it go crazy no time for my poor babies
So don't let a motherfucker play me
When I say FU pay me
Even though I'm gettin' money you could still see I'm hungry like I'm in Haiti
What am I to do? What am I to you?
Bought alot of coo, but im not immune
Can't you see? I'm stressed not free
From yall. I'm sick. My body's hot
If in this (pressure) don't let up this will probably stop for
Technina..

[Chorus]
I've been working like a slave for long
And I get tired along this lonesome journey
I done struggled on this road, I've been wrong
(I been wrong)
I know, I know that there's no peace in my shelter
There's no peace.



@injunuity775

Intro: Tech N9ne]
Fight the pain, inside the rain
A rebel know, to let the devil go
So now to get paid, about to be working like a slave

[Verse 1: Krizz Kaliko]
I'm kinda good, kinda bad, kinda get money can't be mad
I'm kinda broke but I'm kinda rich
Wishing I had a corner I could put a bitch in
They ain't gonna do nothing
Ain't like I'm suffering
Food for my baby's mouth
Then I bought a house for my baby mother and
What's wrong? I try, don't matter, still die
I'm strong, but I'm not
When I'm alone, I cry
Out for you, it's hard to do
I can't see you so doubt for you
When out my mouth I sprout the noose
Too much vodka and mountain dew
Explainin' what I be meanin'
If you listen fast you think I was a Heathen
But the last Sunday receivin' the preacher from the pastor
Ain't even believin' the bastard
But no Hades, god's baby
God made me, a little crazy
And I'm off, I'm gone
My life is my songs
What I mean when I sing, still on a wing and a prayer
But if I listen to what is written in the scriptures maybe it will get me there
Share with the people I swear it is an evil scam that might be in vain
But if I say I I'm the genius then like jesus everybody gonna know my name
(KALI)

[Chorus]
I've been working like a slave oh, lord
And I get tired along this lonesome journey
I done struggled on this road, I've been wrong
I know, I know that there's no peace in my shelter
There's going to be no peace in my shelter

[Verse 2: Kutt Callhoun]
[OHH LORD LORD LORD]
I need reparations due to devastation from the state of present situations
And it's not easy to walk a narrow path in my jeans
It's hard when your family wondering when your going to make another
Stop leaving, stop breathing for a minute cuz it's all artificial when the laws trying to get you
When them haters right behind em and you wanna shove a double barrel sawed off in your dental
What can I do to stop a big catastrophe
When niggas after me and bitches after me
Wanna have my baby, listen niggas lady
Trials and tribulations tackle me
My mama think I made it, she feeling elated
Proud of her only son born
My kids think I'm the greatest
I cannot display this
Smile feelin like a funyon
(Salty and all) you'll be (locked in a stall) trying (lost in the cause) truly, no denying
Ain't nobody gonna do it for me
For the moment let it drive me insane
Solicitation of a prostitute
Cuz you a ho when you're playing this game
But it's okay, I am gonna to ride till I triumph
Cause everybody once upon a time was a slave
This is Callhoun

[Chorus]
I've been working like a slave oh, lord
And I get tired along this lonesome journey
I done struggled on this road, I've been wrong, I know
I know there's no peace in my shelter

[Verse 3: Tech N9ne]
I work, I play, and I drink booze every day
tryin to muffle the blues
Imma say used in a way
Fools run astray
Allah, God, Jesus, Jah somebody please help me
Mama got a problem with diabetes it don't seem healthy
Everything depends on ninna fame hittin dantez sr
Got a nigga thinkin some of the fans I'm makin would they wanna do me like Selina
Devil laughin like a hijena
Losin all the good in my demeanor
I don't wanna go psycho
But choke the flow you know I got ta go and charlie sheen yaa
Tryina stay good with the old lady
My mind made it go crazy no time for my poor babies
So don't let a motherfucker play me
When I say FU pay me
Even though I'm gettin' money you could still see I'm hungry like I'm in Haiti
What am I to do? What am I to you?
Bought alot of coo, but im not immune
Can't you see? I'm stressed not free
From yall. I'm sick. My body's hot
If in this (pressure) don't let up this will probably stop for
Technina..

[Chorus]
I've been working like a slave for long
And I get tired along this lonesome journey
I done struggled on this road, I've been wrong
(I been wrong)
I know, I know that there's no peace in my shelter
There's no peace.



All comments from YouTube:

@imhazy212

man this is fucking art, its really a shame how many is missin out on this

@2ntnun

This song.. Is so dope. So under rated. Tech's verse is deep for his old lady.

@Xenoslap7

Word!
Excellent Production! Definately one of Strange Musics Best!

@otonielaburtobermejo4774

Man I'm mad how long it took for me to find this masterpiece πŸ”₯

@karlocali686

[Intro: Tech N9ne]
Fight the pain, inside the rain
A rebel know, to let the devil go
So now to get paid, about to be working like a slave

[Verse 1: Krizz Kaliko]
I'm kinda good, kinda bad, kinda get money can't be mad
I'm kinda broke but I'm kinda rich
Wishing I had a corner I could put a bitch in
They ain't gonna do nothing
Ain't like I'm suffering
Food for my baby's mouth
Then I bought a house for my baby mother and
What's wrong? I try, don't matter, still die
I'm strong, but I'm not
When I'm alone, I cry
Out for you, it's hard to do
I can't see you so doubt for you
When out my mouth I sprout the noose
Too much vodka and mountain dew
Explainin' what I be meanin'
If you listen fast you think I was a Heathen
But the last Sunday receivin' the preacher from the pastor
Ain't even believin' the bastard
But no Hades, god's baby
God made me, a little crazy
And I'm off, I'm gone
My life is my songs
What I mean when I sing, still on a wing and a prayer
But if I listen to what is written in the scriptures maybe it will get me there
Share with the people I swear it is an evil scam that might be in vain
But if I say I I'm the genius then like jesus everybody gonna know my name
(KALI)

[Chorus]
I've been working like a slave oh, lord
And I get tired along this lonesome journey
I done struggled on this road, I've been wrong
I know, I know that there's no peace in my shelter
There's going to be no peace in my shelter

[Verse 2: Kutt Callhoun]
[OHH LORD LORD LORD]
I need reparations due to devastation from the state of present situations
And it's not easy to walk a narrow path in my jeans
It's hard when your family wondering when your going to make another
Stop leaving, stop breathing for a minute cuz it's all artificial when the laws trying to get you
When them haters right behind em and you wanna shove a double barrel sawed off in your dental
What can I do to stop a big catastrophe
When niggas after me and bitches after me
Wanna have my baby, listen niggas lady
Trials and tribulations tackle me
My mama think I made it, she feeling elated
Proud of her only son born
My kids think I'm the greatest
I cannot display this
Smile feelin like a funyon
(Salty and all) you'll be (locked in a stall) trying (lost in the cause) truly, no denying
Ain't nobody gonna do it for me
For the moment let it drive me insane
Solicitation of a prostitute
Cuz you a ho when you're playing this game
But it's okay, I am gonna to ride till I triumph
Cause everybody once upon a time was a slave
This is Callhoun

[Chorus]
I've been working like a slave oh, lord
And I get tired along this lonesome journey
I done struggled on this road, I've been wrong, I know
I know there's no peace in my shelter

[Verse 3: Tech N9ne]
I work, I play, and I drink booze every day
tryin to muffle the blues
Imma say used in a way
Fools run astray
Allah, God, Jesus, Jah somebody please help me
Mama got a problem with diabetes it don't seem healthy
Everything depends on ninna fame hittin dantez sr
Got a nigga thinkin some of the fans I'm makin would they wanna do me like Selina
Devil laughin like a hijena
Losin all the good in my demeanor
I don't wanna go psycho
But choke the flow you know I got ta go and charlie sheen yaa
Tryina stay good with the old lady
My mind made it go crazy no time for my poor babies
So don't let a motherfucker play me
When I say FU pay me
Even though I'm gettin' money you could still see I'm hungry like I'm in Haiti
What am I to do? What am I to you?
Bought alot of coo, but im not immune
Can't you see? I'm stressed not free
From yall. I'm sick. My body's hot
If in this (pressure) don't let up this will probably stop for
Technina..

[Chorus]
I've been working like a slave for long
And I get tired along this lonesome journey
I done struggled on this road, I've been wrong
(I been wrong)
I know, I know that there's no peace in my shelter
There's no peace.

@RandomLBS

i can never listen to this less than 3 or 4 times back to back

@brutock

Righttttt

@autisticpete8903

The song I listen to every day before I go to work.

@dwightwright6334

Autistic Pete lol me to

@scottfellows9267

4 shere at the end of work day cheifin a fatty Blunt!!

More Comments

More Versions