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.

Sheep
Us3 Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Walking, thinking, feeling, responding
Uncovering and discovering new things about myself
And this mad world around me
Many philosophies, many tongues, many dialects and tones
Different styles but wild is wild
Calm is calm, but cool is mature

Most cool cats are kids at heart

Now there's business along with the art
A chef with words, a chef with herbs
A chef with vegetables, soy products and bean curd

Some look at my face and say, "You're quite absurd"
And I say, "Why, 'cos I'm not down with the herd?"

Of the world I haven't seen much
But with the mind I escape the ghetto's clutch
Loose cigarettes, ass bets on celo games
Abandoned cars and colorful names on walls

Suburb days were filled with sun rays
And crooked cops who looked at me sideways
Singin' that same old song
Where ya from, 'cos here you don't belong
Long strolls unravel my soul like a scroll
Telling many stories untold

Some look at my face and say, "You're quite absurd"
And I say, "Why, 'cos I'm not down with the herd?"

I an' I light up the sky, who be the sun
To stir up your adrenaline like African drums
Status quo, no, along with the grain, no
I got my own flow

Similar to none, dangerous like itchy fingers on guns
Yet graceful like swans but there's a built in bomb
Must defuse, must choose, right or wrong, win or lose
Born to die, that's why I ask, "Why is it so hard to get a piece of the pie?"

Some look at my face and say, "You're quite absurd"?
And I say, "Why, 'cos I'm not down with the herd?"

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Us3's song "Sheep" are an introspective exploration of self-discovery and individuality in the face of societal pressure to conform. The verses delve into the artist's personal experiences with navigating his way through a world filled with various philosophies, cultures, and expectations. He examines the dichotomy between being cool and mature, while still holding onto the youthful spirit that drives creativity and artistic expression. He also shares his struggles with growing up in a ghetto that constrained his opportunities, yet also served as a source of inspiration and storytelling.

Throughout the song, the artist challenges the idea of blindly following the herd - whether it be societal norms or personal insecurities. He asserts his own identity and unique approach to life, regardless of how others may perceive him. He acknowledges the danger and risk-taking involved with this approach, but ultimately values the freedom it provides to express himself authentically.

Overall, "Sheep" is a thought-provoking and honest reflection on the complexity of identity in a world that often favors conformity over individuality.

Line by Line Meaning

Walking, thinking, feeling, responding
I am taking in my surroundings, reflecting on my thoughts and emotions, and reacting accordingly.

Uncovering and discovering new things about myself
I am exploring my identity and learning more about myself through my experiences.

And this mad world around me
I am witnessing the chaos and complexities of the world around me.

Many philosophies, many tongues, many dialects and tones
There are a multitude of belief systems, languages, and cultural expressions in the world.

Different styles but wild is wild
Despite the variety in expression, wildness remains an innate quality.

Calm is calm, but cool is mature
While remaining calm in the face of challenges is important, true maturity is exemplified through a cool demeanor.

Most cool cats are kids at heart
Those who are cool and collected often possess a childlike sense of wonder and curiosity.

Now there's business along with the art
In addition to creativity, there is also a need to prioritize business and practical considerations.

A chef with words, a chef with herbs
Like a culinary artist, I am skilled in crafting words and mixing herbs to create a memorable experience.

A chef with vegetables, soy products and bean curd
In addition to traditional ingredients, I am also knowledgeable in creating delicious dishes with plant-based foods.

Some look at my face and say, "You're quite absurd"
Certain individuals perceive me as strange or odd due to my non-conformist nature.

And I say, "Why, 'cos I'm not down with the herd?"
I ask why conforming to societal norms and expectations is seen as more desirable than individuality and authenticity.

Of the world I haven't seen much
I have yet to experience a great deal of what the world has to offer.

But with the mind I escape the ghetto's clutch
Despite being born and raised in the inner city, I am able to transcend my surroundings through my thoughts and imagination.

Loose cigarettes, ass bets on celo games
I observe activities such as gambling and smoking in the streets of my neighborhood.

Abandoned cars and colorful names on walls
I also see abandoned vehicles and graffiti art in my surroundings.

Suburb days were filled with sun rays
In contrast to my current environment, my memories of the suburbs are characterized by warmth and sunshine.

And crooked cops who looked at me sideways
However, even in the suburbs, I encountered corrupt law enforcement who viewed me with suspicion.

Singin' that same old song
Their actions were predictable and routine.

Where ya from, 'cos here you don't belong
My presence in these different environments often prompts questions about my background and a feeling of outsiderness.

Long strolls unravel my soul like a scroll
Taking leisurely walks allows me to explore the depths of my being in a meditative manner.

Telling many stories untold
During these walks, I uncover and reflect on personal stories that have gone unshared.

I an' I light up the sky, who be the sun
Using Jamaican Patois, I assert my individuality and importance as a unique shining force in the world.

To stir up your adrenaline like African drums
My presence and energy evoke a feeling of excitement and primal rhythm like African drums.

Status quo, no, along with the grain, no
I refuse to conform to the societal status quo or follow the masses.

I got my own flow
I have a distinct and individual way of doing things.

Similar to none, dangerous like itchy fingers on guns
My style is unmatched and may even be seen as rebellious or dangerous to some.

Yet graceful like swans but there's a built in bomb
Despite my non-conformist nature, I am still graceful and composed, but there is also an underlying potential for explosive action.

Must defuse, must choose, right or wrong, win or lose
There are times when I must make difficult decisions and navigate moral complexities, with potential consequences that may result in either success or failure.

Born to die, that's why I ask, "Why is it so hard to get a piece of the pie?"
As a mortal being, I am aware of my own mortality and question why success and abundance seem so difficult to attain in life.

Contributed by Skyler E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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