Tricky
Tricky Lyrics

One-two one-two
Introducing a beat for the song, an invitation for the listener to tune in.

Huh, one-two one-two one-two ( Mikecheck )
An assurance that the microphone is working fine and a repeat of the beat that was introduced earlier.

That one fronts
Talking about a person who is trying to impress others with their stories or actions.

Braggin' on the stunts
The person is boasting and exaggerating about what they have accomplished or achieved.

Coke in ya nose
Suggesting that the person mentioned earlier uses cocaine.

Knock out ya gold fronts
A warning to the person with gold teeth that they may get robbed or hit if they continue to show off their wealth.

Here comes a Nazarene
A reference to a person who is believed to be from a town called Nazareth, which is also where Jesus was raised.

Look good in that magazine
Suggesting that the Nazarene mentioned earlier looks handsome on a magazine cover.

Haile Selassie I
A reference to the former Emperor of Ethiopia, who is considered to be a religious and cultural icon among many Rastafarians.

They look after I
Implies that the artist feels protected or favored by Haile Selassie I.

God will receive us
A belief that God will embrace them when they die and welcome them to heaven.

Got me like Jesus
Comparing themselves to Jesus, implying that they are as loved by God as Jesus is.

Mary magdaleine
A reference to a woman that Jesus is believed to have loved as expressed in the bible.

That'd be my first sin
The singer is referring to being involved with someone that is looked down upon by others.

Being with this temptress
Referring to someone who is very seductive and tempting.

It's a mongrel rage
A sense of unchained, mixed emotions that characterize the artist's feelings.

It's a new age
Suggesting that the song marks the beginning of a different era.

As long as ya humble
Implies that people will have an opportunity to succeed as long as they remain humble and treat others respectfully.

Let ya be the king of jungle
Encouraging people to rise to the top and be successful despite tough circumstances.

We run everything
The artist is suggesting that they are in control of everything.

Always and ever
Forever, without a change in leadership or their control.

Has been has been
Suggesting that the artist believes that they have been empowered for a long time and will remain so.

Heard there's german-jamaicans
A reference to the Jamaican descendants of German settlers and implying that such people exist.

With twisted faces
Suggesting that the German-Jamaicans mentioned earlier have been influenced by their Jamaican culture as well as their German heritage.

Same as it ever was
Suggesting that things remain the same regardless of the background people come from.

Tell me what the race is
The singer is questioning why there is so much emphasis placed on different races.

It's surreal
Referring to an experience or situation that is beyond what one would expect; bizarre.

They're not real
The artist is suggesting that the people they are referring to are fake or phony.

I put them by their places
Implies that the artist has put people where they belong and has put them in their place.

They used to call me tricky-kid
Suggesting that the singer had a nickname in their past.

I live the life they wish they did
The singer is suggesting that they have lived an extraordinary life that people envy.

I lived the life, don't own a car
The artist implies that despite living an exciting life, they don't need fancy cars to be happy.

Now they call me superstar
The artist claims that they are now considered a superstar.

Are you disturbed? i'll be with..
A question to the listener, and making an offer to be there for them if they are feeling disturbed.

Everybody wants to know where my mind is
The singer is suggesting that people are curious about their thoughts.

I'll tell you everything
The artist is willing to share everything about what is going on in their head.

Tell your life
The singer is suggesting that they want to know what is going on in the listener's life as well.

Look deep into my mongrel eyes
The singer is encouraging the listener to look deep into their own soul while using the singer's eyes as a mirror.

If you test and turn the tables
Suggesting that if the listener challenges the singer, the singer will turn against them.

We're gonna get in smoke up
Suggesting that if the listener challenges the artist, tension will arise and they will get into a heated argument.

And we're starting to unturn your label
Suggesting that if people begin to start questioning the artist, some negative things about that person will begin to come out.

And everybody who got a record deal
The singer is saying that anyone who has a record deal is trying to be more like them.

Fuck it the deal
The singer is ready to toss away their record deal because it doesn't matter anymore.

Everybody wants to be naked and famous
The artist is implying that everyone wants to be famous even though they do not deserve it.

And everybody wants to be naked and famous
Repeating the previous line to emphasize it.

And everybody wants to be just like me
The artist is suggesting that everyone wants to emulate them and follow them blindly.

I'm the kid
The singer is referring to themselves as a young person who still has a lot of life ahead of them.

And famous
Suggesting that by following the artist, people will also become famous.

What do you see?
Asking the listener what they see in themselves and the world around them.

If you test and turn the tables
Repeating a line from earlier to further emphasize its meaning.

We're gonna get in smoke up
Repeating a line from earlier to further emphasize its meaning.

And everybody who got a record deal
Repeating a line from earlier to further emphasize its meaning.

And everybody wants to be naked and famous
Repeating a line from earlier to further emphasize its meaning.

Everybody's got a record deal
Suggesting that having a record deal isn't that special.

Naked and famous
Repeating a line from earlier to further emphasize its meaning.

Everybody wants to be just like me
Repeating a line from earlier to further emphasize its meaning.

I'm the kid
Repeating a line from earlier to further emphasize its meaning.

And famous
Repeating a line from earlier to further emphasize its meaning.