The Spark
The Roots Lyrics

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Yo, the feet that I walk with
The ears that I hear with, the eyes that I see with
The mouth that I talk with, the terror that I stalk with
Now it's time to spark shit

Yo, the feet that I walk with
The ears that I hear with, the eyes that I see with
The mouth that I talk with, the terror that I stalk with

Now it's time to spark shit

Look God, I walk around a little edgy already
Y'all MC's come into my face, but my aim's steady
M-illitant is skilled in most strategic plan
I float across seas and, breezed across land
Standin', in these thoughts of murder within
The structure of this world that's corrupted with sin
I'm always hittin', to leave MC's guessin'
For any transgression, in my perimeter
There will be a blessing, and your explicit intoxicated
Buddha session, to stop stressin'
Me with the madness, puttin' niggaz on my had list
No sadness is felt, you shuffled and your cards get dealt
Jim Carrey ass niggaz start to melt
Impact like a buckle bein' swung from off a belt
Any help for shelter, when in the realms of a welter
My weight will tilt ya, hold alignments and change your filter
My attitude a product of society
So sometimes for gratitude, you know you can't rely on me
Niggaz eyein' me, with looks of they anxiety
Wonderin' what's in my heart, velocity or piety
Yo, it depends on which one, you bring to surface
At times I get trife, but what to worship is my purpose
Malik be blend with the tree, to spot an enemy
You cloggin' me up cat, now vacant the vicinity

Yo, the feet that I walk with
The ears that I hear with, the eyes that I see with
The mouth that I talk with, the terror that I stalk with
Now it's time to spark shit

Yo, the feet that I walk with
The ears that I hear with, the eyes that I see with
The mouth that I talk with, the terror that I stalk with
Now it's time to spark shit

I'm symbolic to a ballot, it's Abdul Malik
Don't approach with bullshit, I'm quick to call it invalid
Route through your district, we keep it simplistic
No need for the rapper to talk, put it on halt
Show me the vault, or the safe, cause I'm on the paper chase
Wade through route states for bout thirty down my waist
I'm tryin to get it, these rain bottlin' thoughts become acidic
With one in the chamber, ready to aim and spit it
A girlfriend and team made nigga cash just splintered
I take what you got to give, cause I got to live
The last hour, I bet your ass you act sour
Might act up, but I still can pass dowa
I'm usin' new ways to try to reach these better days
Instead of tryin' to take you under I just make you wonder
I still fast, make salaat, and pay zakaat
I didn't make Hajj yet, but that's my next project
Livin' two lives, one of turn and one with true lies
Keepin' a hoe, knowin' these hands into my do'as
In the quarters livin' modest with my nigga Trotter
I circle my foes, like tawaf around the kaba
I used to live life, like there was no mañana
Now I'm treatin' every breath, like it was your honor
I'm Mill-itill-itant with the Fifth that stand firm
Like a pillar, I'm I and T-L like Manilla

Yo, the feet that I walk with
The ears that I hear with, the eyes that I see with
The mouth that I talk with, the terror that I stalk with
Now it's time to spark shit

Yo, the feet that I walk with
The ears that I hear with, the eyes that I see with
The mouth that I talk with, the terror that I stalk with
Now it's time to spark shit

This is what it's all about

Overall Meaning

The Roots's song The Spark features a deep reflection on the singer's identity formation and worldview. The opening lines "the feet that I walk with/ the ears that I hear with/ the eyes that I see with/ the mouth that I talk with/ the terror that I stalk with" introduces the singer and his/her faculties as they affect and are affected by the world around them. These lines setup later themes of conflict and violence that are present in the song.

The second verse features the singer's anxieties and strategic plans for survival amidst a world corrupted with sin. The line "I'm always hittin', to leave MC's guessin' / For any transgression, in my perimeter/ There will be a blessing, and your explicit intoxicated/ Buddha session, to stop stressin'" highlights the singer's aggression against anyone who comes too close, coupled with their dismissing care for other's beliefs and lifestyles. This ethos carries to later verses, with the singer highlighting their militant and strategically planful attitude.

Overall, The Spark is a song about the singer's guarded and confrontational stance towards the world around them. The lyrics cover a range of themes, including identity formation, militant aggression, and the corrupting influence of society.

Line by Line Meaning

Yo, the feet that I walk with
I am aware of every step I take and where I place my feet.

The ears that I hear with, the eyes that I see with
I am using all my senses to be aware of my surroundings.

The mouth that I talk with, the terror that I stalk with
I use my words to influence others, and I use fear to protect myself.

Now it's time to spark shit
It's time to make a change and take action.

Look God, I walk around a little edgy already
I am always cautious and aware of what's happening around me.

Y'all MC's come into my face, but my aim's steady
I am confident and focused on my goals, despite distractions from others.

M-illitant is skilled in most strategic plan
I am an experienced strategist and know how to plan effectively.

I float across seas and, breezed across land
I am always moving and exploring, never staying in one place for too long.

Standin', in these thoughts of murder within
I constantly battle with violent thoughts that reside within me.

The structure of this world that's corrupted with sin
The world is full of corruption and sin, which influences my thoughts and actions.

I'm always hittin', to leave MC's guessin'
I am unpredictable and strategic in my approach, always keeping others guessing.

For any transgression, in my perimeter
Anyone who threatens me or crosses me will face consequences, within my boundaries.

There will be a blessing, and your explicit intoxicated
If you cross me, there will be consequences, even if you're drunk or high.

Buddha session, to stop stressin'
I use meditation and relaxation techniques to cope with stress.

Me with the madness, puttin' niggaz on my had list
I am easily angered and will place those who cross me on a list of people to watch out for.

No sadness is felt, you shuffled and your cards get dealt
I have no sympathy for those who cross me, they will face consequences.

Jim Carrey ass niggaz start to melt
People who are fake or insincere will face the consequences of their actions.

Impact like a buckle bein' swung from off a belt
My impact and force is like a strong belt swing, hitting hard.

Any help for shelter, when in the realms of a welter
When I am facing difficulties, I will seek shelter or safety from others.

My weight will tilt ya, hold alignments and change your filter
My actions and influence can change the course of your life.

My attitude a product of society
My behavior is influenced by the society and environment I live in.

So sometimes for gratitude, you know you can't rely on me
I am not always capable of showing gratitude, depending on the situation.

Niggaz eyein' me, with looks of they anxiety
Others are anxious and curious about my actions and intentions.

Wonderin' what's in my heart, velocity or piety
Others question whether my heart is motivated by speed or morality.

Yo, it depends on which one, you bring to surface
My actions and intentions depend on the situation and what is brought to the surface.

At times I get trife, but what to worship is my purpose
I can be stubborn and unyielding, but I am always motivated by my beliefs.

Malik be blend with the tree, to spot an enemy
I am always observant and perceptive, using my surroundings to my advantage.

You cloggin' me up cat, now vacant the vicinity
You are hindering my progress, so you must leave my surroundings.

I'm symbolic to a ballot, it's Abdul Malik
My identity and presence is powerful and representative of my beliefs.

Don't approach with bullshit, I'm quick to call it invalid
Do not waste my time with meaningless talk, I will immediately dismiss it.

Route through your district, we keep it simplistic
We travel through your neighborhood, keeping our actions and intentions simple.

No need for the rapper to talk, put it on halt
Others should not waste time with superficial talk, and instead focus on taking action.

Show me the vault, or the safe, cause I'm on the paper chase
I am focused on obtaining wealth and assets, and will do what it takes to achieve it.

Wade through route states for bout thirty down my waist
I am willing to travel and take risks to obtain what I desire.

I'm tryin to get it, these rain bottlin' thoughts become acidic
My obsessive thoughts and desire for wealth are negatively affecting me.

With one in the chamber, ready to aim and spit it
I am always alert and prepared for any threat or danger.

A girlfriend and team made nigga cash just splintered
My relationships and financial aspirations have caused problems and conflict.

I take what you got to give, cause I got to live
I am constantly in survival mode, taking what I need to get by.

The last hour, I bet your ass you act sour
When faced with your final moments or death, you will regret your actions.

Might act up, but I still can pass dowa
I may not always be perfect, but I still have faith and belief in my religion.

I'm usin' new ways to try to reach these better days
I am constantly seeking ways to improve my life and situation.

Instead of tryin' to take you under I just make you wonder
Instead of trying to harm or defeat others, I prefer to have them question and wonder about my intentions.

I still fast, make salaat, and pay zakaat
I continue to practice and follow my religious beliefs and practices.

I didn't make Hajj yet, but that's my next project
I have not yet completed one of the most significant religious practices, but it is a goal of mine.

Livin' two lives, one of turn and one with true lies
I am leading two different lives, one that is in the open and one that is hidden.

Keepin' a hoe, knowin' these hands into my do'as
I continue to engage in negative behaviors, despite my religious beliefs.

In the quarters livin' modest with my nigga Trotter
I live a simple and humble life with my friend, Trotter.

I circle my foes, like tawaf around the kaba
I am always aware of my enemies and surround them with caution and deliberation, like the religious practice of circling around the Kaba.

I used to live life, like there was no mañana
I used to live recklessly and without concern for the future.

Now I'm treatin' every breath, like it was your honor
I am now more mindful and appreciative of each moment and breath I take.

I'm Mill-itill-itant with the Fifth that stand firm
I am militant and unwavering in my beliefs and actions.

Like a pillar, I'm I and T-L like Manilla
I stand tall and strong, like a pillar, and represent my beliefs and origin, like the city of Manila.