Us3 is a jazz-rap group founded in London in 1991. They use samples of clas… Read Full Bio ↴Us3 is a jazz-rap group founded in London in 1991. They use samples of classic songs released by Blue Note Records. Among them is "Cantaloop (Flip Fantasia)", sampling Herbie Hancock's "Cantaloupe Island" on their first album Hand on the Torch. The song received much attention, approaching platinum status in the United States and being adopted as the theme music to the WBUR public radio program The Connection.

Make Tracks
Us3 Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Makin' crazy tracks it's mellow with the music
Did you know that you have a mind so use it
Now this may sound confusin', yes yes indeed
You got what you want, well I got what I need
Walk down the block and say hi to the fellas
Lookin' at ya funny, maybe it's 'cause they're jealous
Don't let it hit the spot, 'cause they want what you got
To knock you out the box and fill ya empty slot

So hustle like a gigolo and go for what you know
If you need a lesson get tickets to my show
If you called the ho, yo there must be a reason
You caught some ill shit, now ya gotta stop the skeezin'
Get a job hooker, better yet pick up a book
Step in front the mirror and take a long look
This method of attack is opposite of wack
So if ya got the knack it's time to make tracks

Lookin' like the next man, is that who you are?
Copy cattin' nigga's won't take ya very far
So be your own man son, live your life grand
Be your own ruler of your own plot of land
Sellin' crystal meth aka the crack rock
Don't be too mad when ya find ya ass locked
Killin' off ya brothers, stringin' out ya mother
That may not be your case but it surely is for others
Doin' dirty deeds, and pullin' off the capers
Now you're lookin' gassed with ya picture in the papers
Far from being wack, yo if you're proud and black
You'll listen to the rap and then you'll make tracks

Bootleg tapes? Yo, what are you, crazy?
Knockin' niggas out, huh, that shit don't faze me
Don't let me catch you boy, I'll play you like a toy
Not tryin' to be a bully, but I'm quick to stop your ploy
There's better things to do, other ways of getting' paid
Illin', cold chillin', and layin' in the shade
Just look at Hi-see and Rahsaan for example
We're too legit to quit and our dough supply is ample
So if ya gotta brain or a head on your shoulders
Better use it quick 'cause you're only getting' older

It's knowledge that I kick, it's courage that you lack
Ya best to get it fast duke, and make tracks

Overall Meaning

The song “Make Tracks” by Us3 features lyrics that are meant to uplift listeners and urge them to break free from societal pressures and be true to themselves. The opening lines encourage listeners to channel their creativity by making “crazy tracks” and use their minds effectively. The song then moves on to commenting on the tendency to copy others, admonishing those who “copy cattin’ nigga’s won’t take ya very far” and exhorting listeners to “be your own man son, live your life grand”. The song also highlights the importance of steering clear of negative influences, such as drug dealing, and instead promoting positivity and knowledge sharing. The last part of the song advises listeners to make the most of their youth and opportunities, reminding them that “It’s knowledge that I kick, it’s courage that you lack.”

Overall, the song encourages listeners to be themselves and pursue their passions while discouraging them from following the crowd or engaging in negative behavior. Through the use of rap and catchy beats, the song is able to communicate its message effectively while remaining entertaining.

Line by Line Meaning

Makin' crazy tracks it's mellow with the music
Creating unique, memorable paths in life to the beat of the music

Did you know that you have a mind so use it
Advice to use one's intellect

Now this may sound confusin', yes yes indeed
Acknowledging potential confusion

You got what you want, well I got what I need
Different people wanting and needing different things

Walk down the block and say hi to the fellas
Friendly encouragement to greet others

Lookin' at ya funny, maybe it's 'cause they're jealous
Others may not approve of one's motives or success

Don't let it hit the spot, 'cause they want what you got
Envy can lead to harmful actions

To knock you out the box and fill ya empty slot
Competition trying to take one's place in society

So hustle like a gigolo and go for what you know
Push oneself like a professional in order to succeed

If you need a lesson get tickets to my show
If in need of guidance, attend an event

If you called the ho, yo there must be a reason
Reasoning behind one's actions or circumstances

You caught some ill shit, now ya gotta stop the skeezin'
Encouragement to escape harmful cycles or behaviors

Get a job hooker, better yet pick up a book
Advice to pursue education or employment

Step in front the mirror and take a long look
Self-reflection and introspection

This method of attack is opposite of wack
Effective approach to life

So if ya got the knack it's time to make tracks
Indicating readiness to take action and move forward

Lookin' like the next man, is that who you are?
Questioning the importance of conformity

Copy cattin' nigga's won't take ya very far
Imitating others is unlikely to lead to success

So be your own man son, live your life grand
Encouragement to be an individual and lead a fulfilling life

Be your own ruler of your own plot of land
Invoking metaphorical self-reliance

Sellin' crystal meth aka the crack rock
Discouraging dangerous and illegal activities

Don't be too mad when ya find ya ass locked
Consequences for illegal actions

Killin' off ya brothers, stringin' out ya mother
Lamenting violent and destructive behaviors

That may not be your case but it surely is for others
Acknowledgement of societal problems and differences in experiences

Doin' dirty deeds, and pullin' off the capers
Describing criminal activity

Now you're lookin' gassed with ya picture in the papers
Negative public attention and consequences for actions

Far from being wack, yo if you're proud and black
Pride in one's identity and background

You'll listen to the rap and then you'll make tracks
Motivation to take action and succeed

Bootleg tapes? Yo, what are you, crazy?
Disapproval of illegal activity

Knockin' niggas out, huh, that shit don't faze me
Refusal to be intimidated by violence

Don't let me catch you boy, I'll play you like a toy
Warning against dangerous behavior

There's better things to do, other ways of getting' paid
Encouraging pursuing a legitimate livelihood

Illin', cold chillin', and layin' in the shade
Relaxing and enjoying life

Just look at Hi-see and Rahsaan for example
Positive role models

We're too legit to quit and our dough supply is ample
Legitimate success and prosperity

So if ya gotta brain or a head on your shoulders
Acknowledging the potential for intelligence and rational thought

Better use it quick 'cause you're only getting' older
Urgency to take action and live life to the fullest

It's knowledge that I kick, it's courage that you lack
Valuing education and bravery

Ya best to get it fast duke, and make tracks
Encouragement to take action and succeed quickly

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Downtown Music Publishing
Written by: GEOFFREY WILKINSON, HERBIE HANCOCK, HORACE SILVER, KOBIE POWELL, MEL SIMPSON

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

TRACKS