The Dark
The Roots & Dice Raw & Greg Porn Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Yo, mountain high and valley low and river winding to the beat
I have traveled chasing demons screaming all I find I keep
If you don't pay like you lay alright okay that's fine with me
I'ma just spray my heat and say my piece and lay you down to sleep
Ain't nobody tell you clowns to speak
I'm an AK you down the street
Draw that bump that's built for the riots see how quiet y'all can keep
Ain't no wilding it ain't no problem
It ain't no question it ain't no beef
Cut that check then things are sweet
I'ma go buy some diamond teeth
I'll be damned if my setback gonna help you get back on your feet
No surrender no retreat
Nigga we out here trying to eat
Hashtag diamond dog tag
Money bag, nice swag, pockets need an ice bag
Toe tag, body bag
Niggas lose their lives sad
Rockets in their flight path
Breaking bad, make them bad
Choices out here thinking fast
Smoking wet and drinking bad
Soaking wet and sinking fast
Shoot them niggas making cash
Stick them niggas take their stash
The law of gravity meets, the law of averages
Ain't no sense in attempting to civilize savages
Even though I wish I could be spared my embarrassment
I'm a nigga, other niggas pale in comparison
We out in Paris yet but still a nigga perishing
No idea how much time's left, fuck trying to cherish it
A life in times unchecked, now that's American
Inherit the wind, pressure in everything

The world ain't ready for someone like me
And life is sex, stress, drama and I'm hookin out 3
I'd rather O.D. than be the next O.G
Than fronting for a whore that already chose me
One man revolution that's supportin prostitution
I'm trying pimp the game, where balling don't mean hooping
And riding don't mean cruising
It mean keep your bitch-ass moving
If you ain't built for bruising, redrum ain't in your blueprint
In a jungle made of concrete, every animal Jumanji
On Easy-E and PCP, ass-cash or EBT
How you monetize pigeons on a power line
On a road to the riches every dudes a dollar sign
I don't mind, I don't mind, long as all the smoke is mine
And the liquor store delivers faster than a Papa Johns
And I heard that def-ass caller money's on the other line
The last episode of Good Times is my life

'Freeze' they say in the streets when the young players
Get rich or die trying
But the funny thing about that phrase to me
Is that these little niggas be lying
Cause don't nobody wanna die
But everybody trying to get rich though
But the fucked thing about that
These lil' niggas don't how to get rich so
I still run with those angels
Man I still P for those angels
Speaking with guns, sticking in tongues
Talking that Arabic and that Yiddish
Riding them trains, stashing them chains, bangles
Yeah I play for those gangsters
My tag on the wall, you niggas look up
You can still see my name yo
How did I end up where I'm at?
It's kind of hard to explain yo
I remember all I wanted was a gold chain and a Kangol
I remember all I wanted was a gold chain and some Jordans too
Crossed that bitch, then I got that bitch
Now all I want from her's an abortion
My mind filled with distortion
My eyelids say caution
Yeah I sold crack to get my soul back
They say it's gonna cost a fortune
And I wonder if the lord take debit?




"Cause a nigga got real bad credit
If not I ain't got a whole lot so a nigga like me just can forget it

Overall Meaning

The Dark by The Roots, Dice Raw & Greg Porn is a song filled with heavy emotions, intense lyrics, and a deep desire to break out of the chains of life's challenges in a rough and tough world. The lyrics express the thoughts and feelings of people who feel like they are struggling through life and are trying to make the best of their situation. The song talks about chasing demons, screaming all they find and keeping it with them as they have traveled across the mountain high and valley low and river winding to the beat.


The lyrics then move on to talk about the violence and aggression that is rampant in their environment. The song talks about gun violence, riots, and the constant danger of losing one's life over monetary gain. The song also talks about the struggle of being black in America and the constant pressure to prove oneself in a society that often judges by the color of one's skin. Ultimately, the song represents the frustration and angst of people who are trying to make the best of their situation while facing daily battles and struggles.


In summary, The Dark by The Roots, Dice Raw & Greg Porn is an intense representation of life's difficulties and the struggle to survive in a world marred by violence and aggression. The song expresses a powerful message of perseverance and the will to keep fighting, in spite of the constant obstacles that come their way.


Line by Line Meaning

Yo, mountain high and valley low and river winding to the beat
I have experienced the highs and lows of life, going with the flow and adapting to the rhythm of life.


I have traveled chasing demons screaming all I find I keep
I have been on a continuous journey, battling inner struggles and preserving the lessons learned along the way.


If you don't pay like you lay alright okay that's fine with me
If you don't fulfill your obligations, I have no problem with that, I will continue doing what I have to do.


I'ma just spray my heat and say my piece and lay you down to sleep
I will assert myself confidently, expressing my thoughts, and overpowering my opposition.


Ain't nobody tell you clowns to speak
No one gave you the authority to speak foolishly.


I'm an AK you down the street
I am a powerful force, capable of exerting influence and dominance in the neighborhood.


Draw that bump that's built for the riots see how quiet y'all can keep
Release that energy that fuels chaos and observe how silent and submissive you become.


Ain't no wilding, it ain't no problem
There is no unruly behavior or conflict, no issues to worry about.


It ain't no question, it ain't no beef
There is no doubt or disagreement, no feud to be concerned about.


Cut that check then things are sweet
Once the payment is made, everything will be pleasant and satisfactory.


I'ma go buy some diamond teeth
I will indulge in a luxurious and extravagant purchase like diamond-encrusted dental accessories.


I'll be damned if my setback gonna help you get back on your feet
I refuse to let my own difficulties or failures aid you in overcoming your own challenges.


No surrender no retreat
I will never give up or back down, showing unwavering determination and resilience.


Nigga we out here trying to eat
We are out here striving for success and prosperity, seeking to fulfill our desires.


Hashtag diamond dog tag
Symbolizing wealth and status, representing oneself with a luxurious diamond dog tag.


Money bag, nice swag, pockets need an ice bag
Having a significant amount of money, displaying confidence and style, needing a cooling bag for the overflowing wealth.


Toe tag, body bag
Experiencing death and defeat, being overwhelmed by the consequences of one's actions.


Niggas lose their lives sad
People are losing their lives tragically and it is a sorrowful reality.


Rockets in their flight path
Being on a destructive course, destined for a catastrophic ending.


Breaking bad, make them bad
Engaging in illegal and immoral activities, causing harm and corruption.


Choices out here thinking fast
Being forced to make quick decisions and facing the consequences of those choices.


Smoking wet and drinking bad
Engaging in dangerous and self-destructive habits of substance abuse.


Soaking wet and sinking fast
Feeling overwhelmed and sinking quickly into a state of despair or failure.


Shoot them niggas making cash
Violently targeting and eliminating individuals who have acquired wealth.


Stick them niggas, take their stash
Robbing and stealing from individuals, confiscating their accumulated wealth.


The law of gravity meets, the law of averages
The universal force of gravity intersects with the principle of statistical averages.


Ain't no sense in attempting to civilize savages
It is futile to try and instill civilized behavior in individuals who are inherently wild and unruly.


Even though I wish I could be spared my embarrassment
Despite my desire to avoid humiliation and shame.


I'm a nigga, other niggas pale in comparison
Being a black individual, others of the same race cannot measure up to my greatness and achievements.


We out in Paris yet but still a nigga perishing
Although I may be living a seemingly lavish lifestyle in a foreign city like Paris, I am still facing destruction and decay.


No idea how much time's left, fuck trying to cherish it
Being uncertain of the remaining time in life, disregarding the attempt to appreciate or value it.


A life in times unchecked, now that's American
An unregulated and unchecked existence, a representation of the American way of life.


Inherit the wind, pressure in everything
Experiencing the inheritance of chaos and turmoil, feeling pressure in every aspect of life.


The world ain't ready for someone like me
The world is unprepared to handle an individual like myself, with my unique qualities and abilities.


And life is sex, stress, drama and I'm hookin out 3
Life is filled with sexual desires, stress, and conflict, and I am navigating through all of it effortlessly.


I'd rather O.D. than be the next O.G
I would prefer to overdose on drugs than to become the next respected and influential figure in the community.


Than fronting for a whore that already chose me
Instead of pretending to be with a promiscuous woman who has already made her choice.


One man revolution that's supportin prostitution
I am leading a rebellion, advocating for and supporting the sex trade industry.


I'm trying pimp the game, where balling don't mean hooping
I am attempting to control and profit from the system, where being successful doesn't necessarily mean being skillful in sports.


And riding don't mean cruising
Engaging in activities like driving doesn't imply leisure and relaxation.


It mean keep your bitch-ass moving
It implies the need for you to keep moving and stay active, without complaining.


If you ain't built for bruising, redrum ain't in your blueprint
If you are not mentally or physically prepared to endure hardships, the concept of murder or violence is not part of your plan.


In a jungle made of concrete, every animal Jumanji
In a city environment, every individual becomes a wild and unpredictable creature, likening it to the chaos of the game Jumanji.


On Easy-E and PCP, ass-cash or EBT
Under the influence of drugs like Easy-E and PCP, individual's actions are driven by desires for money or government assistance.


How you monetize pigeons on a power line
Figuratively questioning how one can make money from seemingly insignificant and overlooked opportunities.


On a road to the riches every dudes a dollar sign
On the path to wealth, every person becomes a means to earn money or acquire resources.


I don't mind, I don't mind, long as all the smoke is mine
It doesn't bother me, as long as I am the one benefiting and gaining control from the situation.


And the liquor store delivers faster than a Papa Johns
Highlighting the alcohol consumption and reliance on liquor stores, which provide their services quicker than the renowned pizza chain Papa Johns.


And I heard that def-ass caller money's on the other line
Rumors have circulated that there is significant and valuable money waiting to be acquired from another source.


The last episode of Good Times is my life
Comparing one's life to the final episode of the television show Good Times, suggesting a bleak and difficult existence.


'Freeze' they say in the streets when the young players
In the streets, the command 'freeze' is directed towards young individuals who are involved in the game.


Get rich or die trying
The ultimate goal for these individuals is to become wealthy, even if they have to risk their lives in the process.


But the funny thing about that phrase to me
However, this phrase appears ironic and amusing from my perspective.


Is that these little niggas be lying
The truth is that these young individuals are often dishonest and deceitful.


Cause don't nobody wanna die
Because ultimately, nobody truly desires to lose their life.


But everybody trying to get rich though
But everyone is relentlessly pursuing and striving for wealth and success.


But the fucked thing about that
However, the unfortunate aspect of this pursuit is that...


These lil' niggas don't know how to get rich so
These young individuals lack the knowledge and understanding of how to truly achieve wealth.


I still run with those angels
I still associate and align myself with honorable and respected individuals.


Man I still P for those angels
I am still willing to go to great lengths and make sacrifices for those honorable individuals.


Speaking with guns, sticking in tongues
Engaging in violent and aggressive communication, often resulting in threats and intimidation.


Talking that Arabic and that Yiddish
Communicating in various languages, displaying linguistic versatility and cultural diversity.


Riding them trains, stashing them chains, bangles
Traveling by train, hiding jewelry and valuables to avoid theft or loss.


Yeah I play for those gangsters
I show loyalty and dedication to those involved in gang activities.


My tag on the wall, you niggas look up
My graffiti tag displayed on the wall, asserting dominance and making others acknowledge my presence and influence.


You can still see my name yo
My reputation and impact are still visible and remembered by others.


How did I end up where I'm at?
Reflecting on one's current circumstances and questioning the series of events that led to this point.


It's kind of hard to explain yo
It's difficult to provide a clear explanation or reasoning for it.


I remember all I wanted was a gold chain and a Kangol
Reminiscing about past desires for material possessions like a gold chain and a Kangol hat.


I remember all I wanted was a gold chain and some Jordans too
Recalling previous aspirations for belongings like a gold chain and a pair of Jordans.


Crossed that bitch, then I got that bitch
Once I overcame and conquered a particular obstacle, I attained and possessed it.


Now all I want from her's an abortion
Now, all I desire is to end the relationship or connection with her.


My mind filled with distortion
My thoughts and mental state are clouded with confusion and distortion.


My eyelids say caution
My instincts and senses prompt me to be cautious and alert.


Yeah I sold crack to get my soul back
I resorted to selling drugs in an attempt to recover and restore my inner self or core identity.


They say it's gonna cost a fortune
Others claim it will require a significant monetary sacrifice or investment to achieve that restoration.


And I wonder if the lord take debit?
Pondering whether the divine entity accepts payment via debit cards.


"Cause a nigga got real bad credit
Because my reputation and credibility are severely damaged.


If not I ain't got a whole lot so a nigga like me just can forget it
If not, then I don't have much to offer, so I can simply disregard or abandon the idea.




Lyrics © DOMINO PUBLISHING COMPANY, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: AHMIR K. THOMPSON, DAMION WARD, GREGORY ALLEN JR. SPEARMAN, KARL B. JENKINS, TARIK L. COLLINS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

J J

The depth of this is unreal!!! If you don't like it, you don't know the roots of hip/hop or Subsoniq!

Keith L. Butler

Best cut on &TYSYC!

Masingita Travel & Tours

LOVE LOVE LOVE LOTS!! 2018 bby

New Era

mclionel shuping ... 🔥🔥 😊

Emptone

hell yeah

Will Preston

OK - so more hip hop from these guys i guess. seems a shame, they were really good.

at least they've not totally lost it - like the wu tang who's next album will only press one copy and you'll have to go to an art gallery to listen to it on head phones.

Will Preston

wut doucar no, probably not

Ricardo Martinez

the roots have been getting better and better with every album, don't know what you on. they are one of the last hip hop groups that has kept it real and not flipped their style to pop clubby bullshit for the money.

Kar Baptiste

Will Preston clearly you don't understand the lyrics

New Era

Kar Baptiste ...Yes!! He can't relate too the lyrics. Either he didn't live this life or around this life. I can close my eyes and picture North Philly streets 😑

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