Atonement
The Roots feat. Jack Davey of J*Davey Lyrics
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As I wait for atonement
Trapped in the heat of the moment
Feelin' like I can't control it
As I wait for atonement
Trapped in the heat of the moment
[Black Thought]
With tension runnin' deep as the ocean
Many are called, but so few are chosen
As I go through the motions, of medication uppin my dosage
Bangin' Earth, Wind & Fire "Devotion" as I admire the focus
Takin' the city with a grain of salt
Where they tastin' foul, chase it down, with the latest malt - liquor
Roll and hit it, knife did it, hope you got some smarts wit'chu
Hope you got some heart it ain't no stoppin' when it start, nigga
Feel somethin' bigger got a hold on me
And I ain't trippin' not a Bobby Brown, lippin' with my nose runnin'
Basically I had two, options I just chose one
And then got ghost, like my picture was on a most wanted
Coast to coast, from L.A. to Chicago
Now I'm faced, with the weight of survival, plus the taste
From the way I been lied to while the preacher man spittin' his gospel
I can win if I try to
[Chorus]
The lyrics of "Atonement" by The Roots feat. Jack Davey of J*Davey explore the theme of seeking forgiveness for past wrongs. The chorus with lines like "As I wait for atonement, trapped in the heat of the moment, feeling like I can't control it" reflects the anxiety, guilt, and pain that come with making mistakes or failing to do the right thing. The urgency of seeking redemption is highlighted by the metaphor of being trapped in the heat, unable to escape the consequences of one's actions.
In Black Thought's verse, he talks about dealing with the pressures of life and the desire to find peace and closure. The steam from the cauldron represents the boiling emotions and frustrations that he's struggling to contain. The medication that he's taking to cope with the stress is a double-edged sword, providing temporary relief but also numbing him to the reality of his situation. The reference to "Devotion" by Earth, Wind & Fire suggests that he's seeking inspiration from music to help him focus and center himself.
The second half of the verse is more introspective, as Black Thought reflects on his choices and regrets. He acknowledges that he had two options but chose one and now has to live with the consequences. The line "I can win if I try to" is a glimmer of hope, suggesting that redemption is possible if he puts in the effort to make amends and turn his life around.
Line by Line Meaning
As I wait for atonement
I'm patiently waiting for redemption
Trapped in the heat of the moment
Feeling stuck in a difficult situation right now
Feelin' like I can't control it
Feeling powerless and unable to influence outcomes
Uh-huh, feelin' the steam from the cauldron
Experiencing intense pressure and tension
With tension runnin' deep as the ocean
Feeling a high level of stress and unease
Many are called, but so few are chosen
Most people have the opportunity to succeed, but few actually do
As I go through the motions, of medication uppin my dosage
I'm going through the motions of increasing my medication to cope
Bangin' Earth, Wind & Fire "Devotion" as I admire the focus
Listening to music and admiring the dedication and intensity of the performers
Takin' the city with a grain of salt
Approaching city life with a cautious and skeptical attitude
Where they tastin' foul, chase it down, with the latest malt - liquor
Dealing with unpleasant experiences but trying to numb the pain with alcohol
Roll and hit it, knife did it, hope you got some smarts wit'chu
Using street smarts and caution to navigate dangerous situations
Hope you got some heart it ain't no stoppin' when it start, nigga
You need courage because once things start, they won't stop until the end
Feel somethin' bigger got a hold on me
Sensing something greater than oneself is guiding their path
And I ain't trippin' not a Bobby Brown, lippin' with my nose runnin'
Maintaining focus and clarity of mind, unlike Bobby Brown in a drug-induced haze
Basically I had two, options I just chose one
There were multiple options, but a decision has been made
And then got ghost, like my picture was on a most wanted
Disappearing quickly and completely, like a fugitive on the run
Coast to coast, from L.A. to Chicago
Traveling extensively across the United States
Now I'm faced, with the weight of survival, plus the taste
Facing the pressure to survive and thrive, while also having to deal with the realities of life
From the way I been lied to while the preacher man spittin' his gospel
Feeling lied to by those in positions of authority, including religious leaders
I can win if I try to
Believing in oneself and their ability to overcome challenges
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: THOMAS EDWARD YORKE, JONATHAN RICHARD GUY GREENWOOD, EDWARD JOHN O'BRIEN, PHILIP JAMES SELWAY, COLIN CHARLES GREENWOOD, TARIK TROTTER, KARL B JENKINS
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