Prophet
The Slackers Lyrics


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how come you prophet while i profit not
aren't we both eating from the same pot
you get the meat, while i get the bone
you drink the stew and leave me the stone
i see the bucket full, you say it empty
i see the bucket full, you say it empty
i see the bucket full
i want my food

how come you big while i am small?
im not so tiny to help you at all
you may be goliath, but i am the king
and at your head will i aim my sling

how come you prophet while i profit not
aren't we both eating from the same pot
you get the meat, while i get the bone
you drink the stew and leave me the stone
i see the bucket full, you say it empty
i see the bucket full, you say it empty
i see the bucket full
i want my food

how come you use the bucket to draw your fill
while we are waiting at the well still
time slows down, the days grow long
but i am still singing the same old song

how come you prophet while i profit not
aren't we both eating from the same pot
you get the meat, while i get the bone
you drink the stew and leave me the stone
i see the bucket full, you say it empty
i see the bucket full, you say it empty




i see the bucket full
i want my food

Overall Meaning

The song "Prophet" by The Slackers seems to be about the injustices that exist in society, where some people (represented by the prophet) seem to benefit more than others (represented by the singer). The first verse highlights the frustration and resentment of the singer, who questions why the prophet seems to have more when they are both eating from the same pot. The singer is left with the scraps while the prophet enjoys the meat, and even the drink they leave behind hardly has any sustenance. This is a metaphor for the unfair distribution of resources where the rich and powerful hide their abundance while the less fortunate struggle to make ends meet.


The second verse tackles the issue of power dynamics, where the prophet seems to wield more influence and authority over the singer. However, the singer asserts that their size doesn't matter and that they are capable of standing up for themselves. They use the story of David and Goliath, where David, despite being smaller and weaker than the giant, ultimately triumphs through courage and determination. The singer is determined to challenge the prophet's authority and bring them down to size.


The chorus returns to the theme of inequality, with the singer questioning why the prophet enjoys the full bucket while others have to wait for scraps. The well is a symbol of the limited resources that people have to share, and the prophet is accused of hogging it all for themselves. The repetitive nature of the chorus suggests the singer's stubbornness and determination to demand their fair share.


Overall, The Slackers seem to be addressing issues of social justice and inequality, highlighting the frustration and determination of those who are marginalized and oppressed. The song is a call to action, urging listeners to stand up for their rights and challenge unjust power structures.


Line by Line Meaning

how come you prophet while i profit not
Why are you benefitting from this situation while I am left with nothing?


aren't we both eating from the same pot
We both have a stake in this situation and should both benefit equally.


you get the meat, while i get the bone
You are receiving the best part of the reward while I am left with the scraps.


you drink the stew and leave me the stone
You are enjoying the fruits of our labor while I am left with nothing but the remnants and leftovers.


i see the bucket full, you say it empty
I perceive the situation as being positive and successful, but you are portraying it negatively and unproductive.


i see the bucket full
I recognize the potential for prosperity and success in this situation.


i want my food
I deserve to benefit from this situation as well and I am demanding my fair share.


how come you big while i am small?
Why do you hold more power and influence in this situation while I have little to none?


im not so tiny to help you at all
I am not insignificant and can contribute just as much as you can.


you may be goliath, but i am the king
You may hold the upper hand, but I still have a sense of power and authority in this situation.


and at your head will i aim my sling
I will do what I can to level the playing field and make my mark in this situation.


how come you use the bucket to draw your fill
Why are you taking advantage of the resources and opportunities in this situation while others are left with nothing?


while we are waiting at the well still
While we are making an effort to contribute to the situation, we are not reaping any rewards.


time slows down, the days grow long
The situation is becoming stagnant and unproductive, with no resolution in sight.


but i am still singing the same old song
Despite the lack of progress, I am still voicing my concerns and demands.




Contributed by Henry H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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