Phrentrow )
The Roots Lyrics


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I the beginning
It was me
I was rhythm
I was life
Two turntables
And one m




Overall Meaning

ic
One voice
One love
One tribe


The opening lines of The Roots’ “Phrentrow” are an introspective and existential exploration of the origins of music, with lead singer Ursula Rucker reflecting on the primal nature of rhythm and its innate connection to life itself. As she proclaims, “In the beginning, it was me,” she sets the stage for the song’s celebration of the power of music to unite people across all boundaries and create a sense of community in ways that nothing else can.


As the beat kicks in and the song builds momentum, Rucker’s words take on a more urgent tone, suggesting that music is not just a way to bring people together, but also a means of resistance against forces that seek to divide and conquer. She emphasizes the importance of unity and love in the face of adversity, arguing that only by working together as “one tribe” can we hope to overcome the social, economic, and political issues that plague our world.


Overall, “Phrentrow” is a powerful statement about the enduring value of music as a force for social change and human connection. Its lyrics, while simple at first glance, reveal a deep understanding of the role that rhythm plays in our lives and the ways in which it can inspire us to come together in pursuit of a common purpose.


Line by Line Meaning

I the beginning
At the very start of it all, I existed


It was me
I was the origin, the essential element


I was rhythm
I provided the beat, the pulse, the cadence


I was life
I embodied the vitality, the energy, the essence of existence


Two turntables
A pair of record players, tools of my craft


And one microphone
A device through which my voice could be amplified and heard by others




Lyrics © YELL MUSIC LTD
Written by: AHMIR THOMPSON, OMAR EDWARDS, URSULA DESIRE RUCKER

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@devinewynder5443

This is a classic album...I don't skip no tracks. It's a verbal movie.

@KmT81

Never had the occasion to listen to it!
In the 2000s I more remained in the 90s Golden Era but also listened to some 2000s not very well known Underground on radio.

@Flyacom

Great Page👍

@PM_Anthony_Albanese

This album really didn't age well. It was too experimentally cheesy and felt like it was trying too hard to be "obscure" but comes off now as just a bit wanky. The weird song titles, the chop and change of the songs, it all was weird for no good reason.

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