Mista Mista
The Fugees (DAE) Lyrics


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Mista mista
Can I get five dollars
So I can get something to eat
Hell no motherfucka
You can't get no money from me
'Cause every time I give you a dollar
You go get shot up with more and more needles
And you tell me that you're drug free
Drug free

Mista mista
I haven't ate anything for a week
Can I get a quarter?
Hell no motherfucka
What can a quarter get you?
Nothing motherfucka
You are just fucked up
Off them fucked up drugs
You know you need to fucking leave alone
But you keep telling me that you're drug free

Motherfucka
You ain't drug free, you're a fiend
And every time I try to help you
You pretend as if it's okay
Then later on in the week
You go back to shootin' needles, to sniffin'
Oh motherfucka, but you told me you were drug free
Drug free




You ain't drug free motherfucka
So you damn well, can't get no motherfucking money from me

Overall Meaning

The Fugees (DAE)'s song "Mista mista" is a poignant critique of the experience of drug addiction, the desperate struggle to feed oneself, and the lack of compassion shown to those struggling with addiction. The song features the voice of a person in need, asking for help in the form of money, and a voice replying in anger and frustration. The lyrics reveal the complicated and heartbreaking cycle of addiction and the challenges faced by those who try to help.


The first voice pleads for five dollars to get something to eat, but the second voice refuses, citing the first voice's drug use as the reason for not wanting to give money. The second voice goes on to accuse the first voice of lying about being drug-free, stating that any money given would be used to buy more drugs. The first voice tries again, this time asking for a quarter, but once again is met with anger and judgment from the second voice. The refrain of "Drug free" is repeated throughout the song, further emphasizing the damage and frustration caused by drug addiction.


The lyrics of "Mista mista" are a powerful commentary on the challenges faced by addicts and the lack of understanding and empathy shown by society. The song sheds light on the devastating effects of addiction and highlights the need for support and compassion for those struggling with substance abuse.


Line by Line Meaning

Mista mista
Addressing the person begging for money


Can I get five dollars
Requesting for $5


So I can get something to eat
Asking for money for food


Hell no motherfucka
Refusing the request in a harsh language


You can't get no money from me
Declining the request for money outright


'Cause every time I give you a dollar
Explaining why the request is being denied


You go get shot up with more and more needles
Suggesting that the person is using drugs instead of buying food


And you tell me that you're drug free
The person begging for money is claiming to be drug free


Drug free
Reiterating the claim of being drug free


I haven't ate anything for a week
Requesting for a quarter after mentioning not having eaten in a week


What can a quarter get you?
Asking what the person can buy with just a quarter


Nothing motherfucka
Claiming that a quarter isn't enough to buy anything


You are just fucked up
Using harsh language to describe the person begging for money


Off them fucked up drugs
Blaming the use of drugs for the person's situation


You know you need to fucking leave alone
Suggesting that the person should stop using drugs


But you keep telling me that you're drug free
Reiterating the claim of being drug free


You ain't drug free, you're a fiend
Accusing the person begging for money of being a drug addict


And every time I try to help you
Explaining that the singer has tried to help the person before


You pretend as if it's okay
Suggesting that the person doesn't take the help seriously


Then later on in the week
The person goes back to using drugs despite claiming to be drug free


You go back to shootin' needles, to sniffin'
Explaining the method of drug use


Oh motherfucka, but you told me you were drug free
Expressing frustration and anger at being lied to


Drug free
Reiterating the claim of being drug free


You ain't drug free motherfucka
Pointing out that the person is lying about being drug free


So you damn well, can't get no motherfucking money from me
Refusing to give money to someone who is lying about their drug use




Lyrics ยฉ OBO APRA/AMCOS

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Comments from YouTube:

Matthew Huskins

This album will forever be the best thing that ever happened to me. The purity and passion canโ€™t be matched.

j h

Hands down best hip hop album of all time <3

John Moreno

It still sounds ๐Ÿ˜ƒ๐Ÿ‘ great!

Cs Scott

This song is hilarious and underrated on the album. ๐Ÿคฃ๐Ÿคฃ๐Ÿคฃ

BoyZ48

๐Ÿ˜‚๐Ÿ˜‚๐Ÿ˜‚

Mari :3

I loved this very good greetings from Argentina :3

John Moreno

Whoa! I can't believe they played the WHOLE thing...
Movin' on...

John Moreno

That's a great song...and that's it.

Matt Grant

This song used to make me laugh so much.

Spoon Love From Up Above

I get you. It's a serious topic.... drug and other addiction, possible homelessness, but his voice makes me laugh.

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