Since its inception, the CM has chosen to define themselves as the Christian or holy division of hip hop culture as opposed to the hip hop or rap division of Christian culture. Within the genre of rap music, there are various subgenres such as gangsta rap, Conscious rap, old school rap, crunk, and reggaeton, but all of it falls under the rubric of rap and, by extension, hip hop. In choosing to define their music as simply being another subgenre - i.e., the Christian rap subgenre - of hip hop culture, the CM attempts to "keep it real" in order to maintain the validity needed to influence members of hip hop culture who may or may not be Christians. In their 2003 release, Holy Culture, The CM stated their reasoning is based on a passage from the Bible, St. John 17:15-19 in which Jesus is reported to have said to God:
“My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified.”
As the word sanctified means "to set apart", the interpretation maintained by the CM is that they are instructed by Jesus to remain a part of hip hop culture while being set apart from the majority of the followers of hip hop culture in order to influence it from within to conform to the mores and moral code preached by the followers of mainstream Christianity. The acceptance of this interpretation has been mixed, however. Despite their claim to be a part of hip hop culture, the CM has slowly found more acceptance, though not total acceptance, in the Christian community than in the secular hip hop community as the majority of their concerts are held at churches or church-sponsored events as opposed to secular venues. In 2006, the CM received a Grammy nomination for “Best Rock Gospel Album,” as opposed to any of the traditional hip hop or rap categories. Additionally, the CM has generally only been recognized at Christian and Gospel awards shows such as the Dove Awards or Stellar Awards as opposed to hip hop-only award shows such as the Source Awards or the Vibe Awards.
Free
The Cross Movement Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I wanna know if you wanna know which way to go
Its a narrow road, and if you carry loads
You can be set free
I don't care about the car you drive
Are you alive?, its do or die, so you and I
Need to be totatlly set free
Who you wanna be like
A man or women wit vision to see right
Do you have any passion to be right, or be light
Shinin like you're a diamond or would it be tight
To roll wit a cat who holds a cat and let the weed light
Quick to brawl and get involved in a street fight
Quick to ball, forget it ya'll, he's enthralled wit street life
He gotcha thinkin he's hype but these type
Never sleep tight, they stay awake countin the sheep, right
He gots the sweet life, please sike
He's phony, he's really lonely thats why he clubs every week night
He can't handle the storm, he's like a cheap kite
He needs Christ, he's the opposite of Levites
Unholy and a contradiction like Free Price
Blind as a bat, or better yet blind as three mice
Either way you look at it the crooks get it
Dont look at me like Im pathetic the book said it
(Chorus)
(The Ambassador)
Do you wanna be the kind of sis
That does the work wit a kiss
Workin her hips, and gotta use a skirt and a twist
Im certain of this, love's what you're searchin for Miss
But earth's an abyss, so love you're certain to miss
Cause most guys from birth, grow to be guys that flirt
Puttin sweet lies to work so as to disguise the purpose
Which is to shoot the gift, just to get you to shift
He's got the tools to get in the skins
You know that's been the trend
Why would you get a wife, when he just have a friend
And with a little gin after a spin in the benz
Wit some R&B he can hit it again and again
I know its sort of bugged out now Im sailin on the waters of
Experience , I know a wife and a daughter's love
So I'm up on things that pertain to "dime pieces"
My mind reaches to share things that remain after my rhymes ceases
Let him keep his cheese, never let him eat for free
Let him meet your needs, and never let him sleep and leave
God's plan is that you marry, so the creep must cleave
And learn about a women's worth like Alicia Keys
Dudes and dudettes, should both do that
So Im exposin this like film when light gets to it
You need to learn about the way the righteous do it
You gotta see what life looks like when Christ get to it
(Chorus)
(Bridge)
I wanna know if you wanna know (Which way to go)
People its a narrow row (Its His way or no)
There's to much wieght on ya (Dude can't you see)
You need truth dropped straight on ya (So you can be free)
(The Ambassador)
This is call to introspection
Some interjection into men's perspect since God calls them into question
All their mindsets and behavioral patterns
" I gave you a pattern" He says "But Im afraid you're an Adam"
So you're made in a manner that we called depraved and this grammar
Its jus a big word to describe that you're enslaved and you cannot
Find the power to do the good you desire
That's even bugged thats like tryin to match the good wit Empire
(Cause) We're on the darkside
Cause life is rougher and tougher then shark's hide
We walk by dissin the same God who on the cross died
For once we need people who's vision is cross-eyed
So we can focus on where hope is wit our jaws wide open
Man, I be hopin all people will all cry out
To the Saviour cause the Judge ain't lettin ya'll slide
Cause He's the Love Boat, now but I panic
Cause ya'll don't understand that He'll be the Titanic
And take under, some men wit a great thunder
He's the great wonder, shunnin Him's the great blunder
See its costly, while ya'll see the floss, we
See what God sees, and its awefully fake like false teeth
Whether its legal or the fast route, when you cash out
You'll see that "ice" is like Frosty in a glass house
And beauty is vain, won't truely remain
You act like you'll be the same, imagine you wit a cane
Or you wit a chain rusted, or you wit the pains of time
Doing the same of what it's done to every human who came before
Now how would that be? My point exactly
Enough said, come on and be set free
(Chorus)
The Cross Movement's song "Free" is a call to introspection and a reminder that we are constantly faced with choices that determine our path. The chorus sets the tone for the song, asking the listener if they want to know the way to go and emphasizing the importance of being set free. The lyrics then delve into specific examples of choices we make in life and how they can either lead us towards or away from freedom.
The Ambassador's verses focus on two different scenarios - one involving a man who is caught up in street life and needs Christ to set him free, and another involving a woman who is searching for love but is likely to fall prey to the wrong kind of man if she isn't careful. In both cases, the message is clear: true freedom can only be found through Jesus Christ.
The song is a commentary on the cultural pressures and societal norms that often lead us down the wrong path. It is a call to reject these influences and seek out the truth, even if it goes against the grain. The bridge emphasizes this point, reminding us that we need truth dropped straight on us in order to be set free.
Overall, "Free" is a powerful reminder that we have a choice in the direction our lives take. We can either continue down the path of slavery to sin or choose to follow Christ and be set free.
Line by Line Meaning
I wanna know if you wanna know which way to go
Do you want guidance on how to live your life?
Its a narrow road, and if you carry loads
Following the path of God can be difficult, especially if you have burdens to carry.
You can be set free
By following God's path, you can be liberated from your struggles.
I don't care about the car you drive
Material possessions are not important.
Are you alive?, its do or die, so you and I
It is a crucial decision to choose whether to follow God's path or not.
Need to be totally set free
It is essential to be completely free from sin and evil.
Who you wanna be like
Who do you aspire to be like?
A man or women wit vision to see right
A person with a strong moral compass.
Do you have any passion to be right, or be light
Do you have a desire to do what is right and spread goodness?
Shinin like you're a diamond or would it be tight
Would you rather shine like a precious gem or be associated with being cool?
To roll wit a cat who holds a cat and let the weed light
Is it worth it to be with someone who is involved with drugs and criminal activities?
He gotcha thinkin he's hype but these type
People who appear cool and charismatic aren't always what they seem.
Never sleep tight, they stay awake countin the sheep, right
People who live this lifestyle are always restless and can't find peace.
Cause most guys from birth, grow to be guys that flirt
Many men are raised to objectify and use women for their own pleasure.
God's plan is that you marry, so the creep must cleave
God's plan is for people to marry and commit to one another, so those who objectify and use others will be separated from them.
And learn about a women's worth like Alicia Keys
People should learn to value women and see them as valuable individuals.
This is call to introspection
This is a call for people to examine their inner selves and their actions.
Some interjection into men's perspect since God calls them into question
This is an interruption in the way men traditionally view themselves, as God is questioning their actions and beliefs.
All their mindsets and behavioral patterns
God is calling attention to the negative ways that men think and behave.
Cause life is rougher and tougher then shark's hide
Life is challenging and can be as tough as shark skin.
We walk by dissin the same God who on the cross died
Many people insult and reject God, even though he sacrificed himself for them.
For once we need people who's vision is cross-eyed
We need people who are focused on God's path.
And take under, some men wit a great thunder
God will judge those who reject him and they will suffer greatly.
You act like you'll be the same, imagine you wit a cane
People think they will always be the way they are, but they need to consider how they will be affected by old age.
Now how would that be? My point exactly
It is important to consider the future consequences of our actions now.
Enough said, come on and be set free
It is time to take action and follow God's path to find true freedom.
Contributed by Noah R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Shawn Mayhall Sr.
on Name Up
Who is the first artist on this track ????