Somebodys gotta do it
The Roots Lyrics

Somebody's gotta be there when it gets ugly
There needs to be someone who confronts difficult and unpleasant situations.

Somebody's gotta be there when it gets bloody
There needs to be someone who handles violent or dangerous situations, even if it involves bloodshed.

Somebody's gotta get their hands dirty
Someone has to be willing to do the unpleasant, difficult, or unethical tasks required to get the job done.

Yo, it's a fucked up job but somebody's gotta do it
This is an imperfect and difficult job, but someone must bear the responsibility and take action to get it done.

Somebody's gotta come up with a plan
Someone needs to create a strategy or solution for a given problem or situation.

And be there when the shit hits the fan
That person must be present and prepared for when a crisis or negative situation arises.

I hope y'all out there understand
I hope others recognize the importance of this role and the sacrifices it requires.

Look man it's a fucked up job, but somebody's gotta do it
This job is difficult, unpleasant, or morally complicated, but someone has to carry out this duty.

Yeah y'all, ideal for a lyrical perfectionist
This job requires skill and attention to detail to execute correctly.

Raw, that's what every soldier in my collective is
These individuals are tough, fearless, and unyielding in their commitment to this task.

Thought, control level is that of a gold medalist
These individuals possess incredible mental discipline and focus, like that of a champion athlete.

My level headedness make it come off so effortless
My calm and rational approach makes this difficult job look easy.

The rebel is a opposite extreme of devilish
Being a rebel, or challenging the status quo, is not the same as being evil or malicious.

Back setting it with the answer to your deficit
These individuals have the solution to the problem at hand.

My track record is hot shit, consecutive
I have a history of being successful and trustworthy in this role.

Smug, I got game just like a record executive
I am confident in my abilities, like a successful record label executive.

A kiss to the feminine girls loving a gentlemen
I show appreciation to the women who appreciate polite and respectful behavior.

A genius slash gangsta with a skill for swindling
These individuals possess both intellectual and street smarts, as well as the ability to deceive if needed.

Bet on Black
These individuals are betting on themselves or other black individuals to succeed.

Bet these cats that's all gelatin
These individuals are confident they will win against opponents who lack substance and integrity.

Will fall back spittin' them raps that's unintelligent
Their opposition will retreat after being outsmarted and confronted with weak arguments.

Raps that cap, rabid rattlin' out the gattlin'
Their opponents' raps are weak and lacking substance, like an unreliable gun.

Crippling rhymes whistlin' past, blow you back in
Their powerful and effective rhymes are like a gunshot that knocks you back.

Smellin' your blood now I'm huntin'
I am aware of my opponents' weaknesses and am seeking to exploit them.

Blowin' your front in for frontin' what up cousin?
I am confronting those who are trying to deceive or misrepresent themselves.

Oh, now it's nothin'
Once confronted, their opponents have nothing to say or offer in response.

Yo, you can't go beyond a point of no returning
There are consequences to one's actions that cannot easily be reversed.

I flip like my name Turner
I am unpredictable and can turn a situation around quickly, like Nat Turner leading a rebellion.

That's for certain nigga, Ted Turner, Nat Turner, nigga Ike Turner
These individuals are invoking famous individuals named Turner, both positive and negative, to demonstrate their own transformative power.

The raw sojourner for truth
They are dedicated to fighting for truth and change in its purest form.

The mic burner
They are skilled at using their voice and talent to make an impact.

Mic malevolence defies violence I inherited
Their willingness to speak out and challenge authority is a form of non-violent resistance.

Others just rentin' it like rooms at the Sheraton
Others are only dabbling in this work, not fully committed like long-term guests at a hotel.

I gotta jones like Vanessa in the devil in-
They have an addiction or obsession with their work, like a character in a movie who is possessed by evil forces.

And y'all cold like a show in the Netherlands
Their opponents lack passion and energy, like a poorly attended show in a foreign country.

Cold shoulders and frozen aortic valves -
Their opponents are unfeeling and lacking heart, like a disease affecting the heart.

So I don't form pals - conform to norms - morals different
They do not associate with those who have different values, beliefs, or lifestyles from them.

Gifted - use it to shift shit a mutant shape shifter when I spit it I'm liquid
They have a natural talent and use it to change things in creative and unique ways, like someone who can transform their physical shape.

You could lick a million shots at the character of the body shell
Their opponents can try to attack their reputation, but it will not affect their true character.

They'll just richochette nigga aura's hard as hell
The attacks will bounce back like a ricochet, showing that they are a tough and resilient individual.

Before there was ain't hard to tell
Their talent and ability was always evident, even before they achieved success.

The mic's cycle coincided right with mine as well
Their journey to success has been closely tied to their music and the impact it has had on others.

Since a minor I walked with the spine upstraight
From a young age, they have been confident and unyielding in their beliefs and actions.

I learned to rhyme to feed the dinner plate
Their talent and passion for music was driven in part by their need to provide for themselves and their family.

I scraped barrel - even dined up on wine and steaks
They have experienced hard times and have taken pleasure in even the simplest luxuries, like a good meal.

'Cause in the bone same marrow that apartheid chased
They have experienced discrimination and the effects of segregation in their own lives.

The narrow margin with the haves and the have nots
The division between the rich and poor is a small and easily crossed margin.

Will get smaller as I approach - so watch your stash box
Their influence and power is growing, so others should be careful to protect their possessions and interests.

Fox logo if your fave is local
They are coming for others who think they are safe in their local community or region.

Get bruised till you're the color of the Laker's logo
Their opponents will be beaten down and defeated until they resemble the purple and gold colors of the Los Angeles Lakers basketball team.

This is work niggas
This is difficult and challenging work that requires serious effort and dedication.

I made it - ain't nobody believe in me
Despite the odds against them, they have achieved success through their own determination and hard work.

But this rap game is like selling coke legally
The rap industry can be just as cutthroat and dangerous as the illegal drug trade.

Ain't no innovations - that takes concentration
There are no shortcuts to success, only hard work and dedication can lead to true innovation.

nigga's celebrating not knowing the time they wasting
Others may be celebrating, but they are not truly investing their time and energy into things that matter.

Killin' mics is one of my aesthetics
Their ability to perform and succeed on the microphone is an important part of their overall style or approach.

Rip very live so I'm an entertainer like Cedric
Their live performances and ability to engage with their audience is what sets them apart, like entertainer Cedric the Entertainer.

Shit they play on radio's now give me a headache
The current popular music on the radio is unappealing and unpleasant to them.

Can't slow me down I know where I'm headed
Nothing can stop or distract them from achieving their goals and fulfilling their purpose.

The profit on kill if you let it
There is potential profit and success to be gained from taking risks and confronting tough challenges.

nigga's feeling energetic
Their opponents are feeling confident and energized, but they are not deterred.

want to rumble - guns will come out
Others may try to start a fight or confrontation, but they are willing to use force to protect themselves.

Here come the paramedics
Their opponents will be defeated and may require medical attention from their injuries.

I'm just trying to live like I've Devin
They are inspired by rapper Devin the Dude's laid-back and carefree approach to life.

Tired of my people failin'
They are frustrated by the systemic failures and struggles that affect their community and those they care about.

We all sin - the devil, what di I tell em
Everyone is flawed and makes mistakes, but they are still determined to succeed and overcome challenges.

Somebody gotta get their hands dirty and shoes muddy
Someone must take on the difficult and unpleasant tasks required to make a difference, even if it means getting their hands dirty.

I see things vividly, y'all vision is blurry
They have a clear and focused understanding of what needs to be done, while others are unsure or lack direction.

Even if you hate - through my music you gone love
While some may dislike or disagree with them, their music and message will still resonate and make an impact.

Everybody with me and they was with me when it was ugly
Those who support and stand with them have been through the tough and difficult times and still believe in their vision.