Their sophomore album, Leave It All Behind (2008) found The Foreign Exchange much closer in geography (Nicolay becoming a resident of Wilmington, NC), but located much further from their hip-hop origins. On the strength of their exhilarating live show and several nationally programmed music videos, Leave It All Behind became the group's most successful album to date, culminating in a Grammy-nomination for the album's first single, Daykeeper.
Authenticity, released on October 12, 2010 on +FE Music, is The Foreign Exchange’s third album.
House of Cards
The Foreign Exchange Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Rehearsed every line
Covered all my steps
This is why
CHORUS
[MUHSINAH] I've seen a side of you werent meant for
[PHONTE] Your house of cards is gonna fall
[PHONTE] Your house of cards is gonna fall
[MUHSINAH] Too late to cry your gonna get yours
[PHONTE] Your house of cards is gonna fall
[MUHSINAH] Replay yesterday
Kept track of my time
Covered all my steps
This is why
CHORUS
[BOTH] Ive seen a side of you werent meant for
[MUHSINAH] Your house of cards is gonna fall
[BOTH] Sooner or later you will pay for
[MUHSINAH] Your house of cards is gonna fall
[BOTH] Too late to cry your gonna get yours
Your house of cards is gonna fall
[PHONTE] Gotta find my way home
Maybe there's a new day
Can't stand it anymore
Gotta change these dirty ways
When you dont know what to do
And there's nothing left to lose
There's no one else to blame
The worst in me is you
Gonna be such a long way down
When you fall [
MUHSINAH] When there's nothing more to say
In your bed your gonna lay
No disguise to help you hide
It's the end of your masquerade
Gonna be such a long way down
When you fall
CHORUS
[BOTH] I've seen a side of of you? werent meant for
[PHONTE] Your house of cards is gonna fall
[BOTH] Sooner or later You will pay for
[MUHSINAH] Your house of cards is gonna fall
[BOTH] Too late to cry your gonna get yours
Your house of cards is gonna fall
The lyrics of The Foreign Exchange’s “House Of Cards” delve into a relationship that is on the brink of collapse due to one partner's deceitful actions. The opening lines of the song are spoken by Phonte, who states that he has practiced and rehearsed every word and line, and covered all his steps. He is referring to his partner's lies and deception, which he has uncovered through his own meticulous investigation. The chorus sung by Muhsinah echoes Phonte's sentiments, stating that she has seen a side of her partner that he did not intend for her to see, and that his "house of cards" is going to fall. The imagery of a "house of cards" signifies that the partner's actions are fragile and easily destroyed, and there will ultimately be consequences for their actions.
The second stanza sung by Muhsinah mirrors Phonte's sentiments, as she too has kept track of her time and covered all her steps. The two vocalists sing in unison in the chorus, emphasizing the certainty that the partner's deceitful actions will come to light and there will be repercussions. The following stanzas sung by Phonte and Muhsinah speak of the partner’s impending downfall, as they find their way home and acknowledge the need to change their ways. The song's final lines suggest that the partner will have to face the consequences of their actions as they fall from their high pedestal and confront the reality of their deceit.
Overall, "House Of Cards" is a powerful and emotional track that delves into the theme of betrayal and the consequences that come with dishonesty in a relationship.
Line by Line Meaning
Practiced every word
I have rehearsed and prepared myself thoroughly.
Rehearsed every line
I have practiced every sentence or phrase thoroughly.
Covered all my steps
I have planned and accounted for every action and outcome.
This is why
I have mentally and strategically prepared for what is to come.
I've seen a side of you weren't meant for
I have witnessed an unexpected or surprising side of you.
Your house of cards is gonna fall
Your deceptive or unstable facade will eventually crumble, leading to consequences.
Sooner or later You will pay for
You will eventually face the repercussions of your actions or behavior.
Too late to cry your gonna get yours
It is too late to feel remorse, as the consequences for your actions are unavoidable.
Replay yesterday
I am reflecting on the past and analyzing previous events.
Kept track of my time
I have been mindful and aware of how I have spent my time.
Gotta find my way home
I need to go back to a place of stability or a familiar environment.
Maybe there's a new day
Perhaps there is a chance for progress or growth in the future.
Can't stand it anymore
I have reached my limit and can no longer tolerate the situation.
Gotta change these dirty ways
I need to change my negative or unacceptable behavior.
When you don't know what to do
When you are uncertain or lost in a situation.
And there's nothing left to lose
When everything has been risked or sacrificed without anything to gain.
There's no one else to blame
There is no one besides oneself to hold accountable for the situation.
The worst in me is you
The negative qualities or actions in me are triggered by you.
When there's nothing more to say
When there is no further conversation or explanation necessary.
In your bed your gonna lay
You will suffer the consequences of your actions alone and reflect on them.
No disguise to help you hide
You can no longer conceal or pretend to be someone else.
It's the end of your masquerade
It is the finale or closing chapter of your deceptive act or facade.
Gonna be such a long way down
The downfall or consequences will be significant and difficult to cope with.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@leoviolinmusic
Phonte is so talented sings beautifully and sick rap skills
@bluesilkdesigns
Here in 2020!!!
@Falliblelife
2022...and this is still one of the most moving tracks and videos I've ever come across. FE, forever relevant.
@jo0386
This is my top 5 song of all time
@BlueGuru11
Favorite group of all time. They deserve all the recognition and fame in the world. Life is truly not fair. Thank Goodness I'm not in the dark.
@static1736
I think this is my favorite Foreign Exchange song...I love Muhsinah's voice!!!!
@DEBONAIRMAN
The videos from FE are just as engaging as their music.
In 3 minutes and 15 seconds, we were provided with a basis for the plot of what could potentially be a good movie.
@PHRESHbyNature
This is so beautiful and sad. I can't watch this video too much longer. It's like the perfect score to a film. Respect.
@vainsmith
the foreign exchange & muhsinah make a great a pair of talented artist. i love this song.
@coreymontez6071
Absolutely love this song, i love real music that moves me. Alot of people don't get it..