George was featured on Season 6 of Russell Simmons Presents Def Poetry on HBO. He was the 2006 Youth Speaks Grand Slam Poetry Champion, 2006 Brave New Voices International Poetry Slam Champion, and performed in a record six consecutive Youth Speaks Grand Slam Finals. The last three of those audiences, all topping out at over 3,000, were the largest ever for poetry slams anywhere in the world. In 2009 Watsky was one of three poets who performed live on FOX at the NAACP Image Awards in honor of Russell Simmons’ lifetime achievement award.
George has made strides to bring his poetic sensibilities to the theater world. His one-man show So Many Levels has been presented in Boston, San Francisco, Vermont, and at the Hip Hop Theater Festival Critical Breaks series in New York City. He has also been featured at the San Francisco and Washington, DC arms of the Hip Hop Theater Festival. He played the title character and co-wrote a 2004 adaptation of Dante’s Divine Comedy for the Living Word Festival and his stage play Harold’s Fall or King Will is the recipient of the 2009 Rod Parker Playwriting Fellowship.
Love Letters
Watsky Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But when I'm meeting mentally with beat and melody then
One of me can turn into ten of me
If there's ten of me, tell me how many heavenly similes can we blend?
Like women and men would fall with no friends
Like a rose would fall with no stem
Like most folks follow trends
Like Os follow LMNs
As sunrise kills an evening
As stars die and a night sky is grieving
As man sees what he has when it's leaving
You gone is as asthma to breathing
That's how much I need you in my life
I'm never gonna ever leave you in my lifetime
Cause every time I hear line that shows me I'm not alone it's saving me
Cause I know that that's a lifeline
Like minds—this is our home and they won't ruin it easily
Cause the wolf is gonna blow until he's blue in the cheek
And me and you and the crew can go take a snooze in the street
And the bulldozer can come chew on our feet
We never let em through
We'll build a levy
Limit the river's level
Steady the flood and begin with a pebble
Lend me one syllable
Come if you're ready to shovel
Run if you're shaking
But I know that today is not my Waterloo
You've made a place where I'm welcome
And although I give voice to it seldom
Know I love you
Nobody's above you
And if you love someone then you tell them
Every day the planet's losing IQ points
But people still bumping Ice Cube joints
So I've got hope
And every day I'm seeking my true voice and looking up at a bright new choice
Cause everybody's got a hustle and everyone's trying to push it
It's tricky to find the kush hiking up a mountain of bullshit
And there's another mountain of bullshit next to it littered with glitter, money
And strippers they're selling as good shit
It's nothing new up at the core though
Everything same as it's always been only more so
Of course so same token, while there's life there is truth
While there's truth it demands to be spoken
And someone's gonna speak it
It's really not a secret
You just need to search it
You just need to seek it
And though we like to worship a genius in a coffin
We often forget that there's prophets among us walking
And I know because I hear em when I am in the clouds
And I got my music up and jamming it loud
And dammit whatever I am or could ever become I'm positive that I will
Always be a fan in the crowd
So gimme gimme gimme
Dylan and Biggy
Hit me with Jimi, Emily Dickinson, Eminem, Niki Giovanni Lennon, Kendrick, Gambino, Rafa, Chinaka, Dahlak and Missy, Saul and Beau and Paul and Kweli, Chali 2na and Chance and Seneca
(Go in poet)
86 I was thrown in the mix, saying
(Go in poet)
86 anyone who would stand in the path of a kid saying
(Go in poet)
86 bitches, 86 cups full of lean
(Go in poet)
86 bars, infinity ways to say what I mean
You've made a place where I'm welcome
And although I give voice to it seldom
Know I love you
Nobody's above you
And if you love someone then you tell them
So if you're blocking the future I wanna to walk toward
Suit yourself we're gonna lock swords
But it's a wash if you're saying "Watsky I could rock withcha if you didn't talk
Like some nails on a chalkboard
I can tell, that you're really on your dope writer tip
But you'll trip if you don't try to fit
Maybe you can make it if you ghostwrite a hit
And sell it to somebody who can ghostride a whip"
Shieeet I say no sirree
I can smell the weak shit through the potpourri
So I'm just gonna do what I do
You take a minute or two and Google "Tim and Magoo"
I love the that life I picked even if it ain't plush
I'm too glad complain much
I'm in the lab in a drab world
While these fuckers dab and do dabs and I dab on my pad with my paintbrush
This is for the kids whipping up some home-cooked
Spitting 86 bars, fuckin no hook
Lying in the grass
Passion their chest
And a ballpoint pressed in their notebook
Listen to me, this is for the word
Looking so fine I'm rubbing coconut oil up in the crack of dat spine
This is for the times I'm reminded my mind isn't mine alone
This if for the poems and the lines
(And the letters in em)
(Go in poet)
86 I was thrown in the mix, saying
(Go in poet)
86 anyone who would stand in the path of a kid saying
(Go in poet)
86 bitches, 86 cups full of lean
(Go in poet)
86 bars, infinity ways to say what I mean
You've made a place where I'm welcome
And although I give voice to it seldom
Know I love you
Nobody's above you
And if you love someone then you tell them
The lyrics to Watsky's "Love Letters" speak to the power of finding one's true voice through the experience of creative expression. Watsky cleverly intertwines metaphors about music, poetry, and life throughout the song, culminating in his message of encouragement for anyone who seeks to find their voice. He begins by acknowledging that the drum and the pen are not enemies but can be powerful allies when they work together, and he extends this metaphor to life by emphasizing the importance of blending complementary elements. Watsky goes on to speak about the power of healing that comes from the support of others and the lifeline that is shared when we are not alone in our struggles.
Watsky then turns to the struggle of finding one's true voice in a world that is often overwhelming and noisy. He frames the search for one's voice as a journey up a mountain of bullshit, a struggle against forces that will seek to suppress your individuality, but also recognizes the importance of seeking out the truth and the people who can help you to find it. In this sense, the song represents a powerful message of encouragement and hope for those who might be struggling to find their voice or who feel that they don't fit in with mainstream trends. It encourages them to embrace their individuality and to keep pushing forward on their journey of artistic and personal discovery.
Overall, "Love Letters" speaks to the need for creative expression and the power of the arts to help us connect with others and find our true selves. It is a message of hope and encouragement for anyone who may be struggling to find their place in the world or who feels like they don't fit in with conventional norms or expectations.
Line by Line Meaning
The drum is never the enemy of the pen
The power of music and lyrics complement each other
But when I'm meeting mentally with beat and melody then
When I immerse myself in the creative process of music and lyrics
One of me can turn into ten of me
The creativity can multiply and expand
If there's ten of me, tell me how many heavenly similes can we blend?
The possibilities for poetic expression are endless
Like women and men would fall with no friends
How individuals can feel lost and empty without connections
Like a rose would fall with no stem
The beauty and essence of something can be lost without proper support
Like most folks follow trends
The tendency for people to conform and follow popular culture
Like Os follow LMNs
How letters and words are connected and flow together
That's how well I know life flows with the elements
Understanding the natural flow and rhythm of life
As sunrise kills an evening
The transition from night to day
As stars die and a night sky is grieving
The passing of time and the beauty of the night sky
As man sees what he has when it's leaving
Realizing the value of something only when it's gone
You gone is as asthma to breathing
The feeling of suffocation and loss without you
That's how much I need you in my life
Expressing deep dependency and love
I'm never gonna ever leave you in my lifetime
Committing to stay together forever
Cause every time I hear a line that shows me I'm not alone it's saving me
Finding solace and comfort in music and lyrics
Cause I know that that's a lifeline
Understanding the power and significance of artistic expression
Like minds—this is our home and they won't ruin it easily
Finding a sense of belonging and protection among like-minded individuals
Cause the wolf is gonna blow until he's blue in the cheek
Facing challenges and obstacles without backing down
And me and you and the crew can go take a snooze in the street
Forming a united front and finding solace in each other's company
And the bulldozer can come chew on our feet
Remaining resilient in the face of adversity
We never let em through
Not allowing negativity and obstacles to consume us
We'll build a levy
Creating barriers of protection
Limit the river's level
Controlling the flow of emotions or challenges
Steady the flood and begin with a pebble
Tackling overwhelming situations one step at a time
Lend me one syllable
Requesting a small contribution or support
Come if you're ready to shovel
Join the effort if you're willing to work hard
Run if you're shaking
Escape if you're scared or unsure
But I know that today is not my Waterloo
Having the confidence to face challenges and overcome them
You've made a place where I'm welcome
Feeling accepted and valued in a certain environment
And although I give voice to it seldom
Expressing gratitude for the opportunity to express oneself
Know I love you
Acknowledging deep affection and care
Nobody's above you
Recognizing that everyone is equal and deserving of love
And if you love someone then you tell them
Encouraging open communication and expression of love
Every day the planet's losing IQ points
Observing a decline in collective intelligence
But people still bumping Ice Cube joints
Finding comfort and enjoyment in timeless music
So I've got hope
Maintaining optimism and positivity
And every day I'm seeking my true voice and looking up at a bright new choice
Continuously working towards personal growth and finding new opportunities
Cause everybody's got a hustle and everyone's trying to push it
Observing the competitive nature of society
It's tricky to find the kush hiking up a mountain of bullshit
Navigating through challenges and obstacles to find success
And there's another mountain of bullshit next to it littered with glitter, money
Recognizing the superficiality and distractions that come with success
And strippers they're selling as good shit
Commenting on the commodification of sexuality and the objectification of women
It's nothing new up at the core though
Realizing that despite superficial distractions, the underlying issues remain the same
Everything same as it's always been only more so
Acknowledging the amplified versions of existing problems
Of course so same token, while there's life there is truth
Recognizing that truth can be found in the essence of life
While there's truth it demands to be spoken
Understanding the importance of expressing truth
And someone's gonna speak it
Believing that there will always be voices speaking the truth
It's really not a secret
Highlighting the obviousness of truth
You just need to search it
Encouraging the pursuit of knowledge and understanding
You just need to seek it
Emphasizing the active role in seeking truth
And though we like to worship a genius in a coffin
Society's tendency to appreciate artists after their death
We often forget that there's prophets among us walking
Overlooking the wisdom and insight of living individuals
And I know because I hear em when I am in the clouds
Feeling inspired and connected to the spiritual realm when lost in music
And I got my music up and jamming it loud
Finding joy and escape in loud music
And dammit whatever I am or could ever become I'm positive that I will
Having unwavering confidence in one's potential and future success
Always be a fan in the crowd
Remaining a humble and appreciative supporter of other artists
So gimme gimme gimme Dylan and Biggy
Expressing a desire for the greatness of artists like Bob Dylan and Notorious B.I.G.
Hit me with Jimi, Emily Dickinson, Eminem, Niki Giovanni Lennon, Kendrick, Gambino, Rafa, Chinaka, Dahlak and Missy, Saul and Beau and Paul and Kweli, Chali 2na and Chance and Seneca
Filling the music with diverse influences and inspirations
86 I was thrown in the mix, saying
Ignoring or eliminating negativity and obstacles
86 anyone who would stand in the path of a kid saying
Rejecting anyone who opposes or obstructs personal growth
86 bitches, 86 cups full of lean
Disregarding toxic relationships and harmful habits
86 bars, infinity ways to say what I mean
Having endless possibilities to express thoughts and emotions
So if you're blocking the future I wanna to walk toward
Not allowing anyone to hinder personal progress
Suit yourself we're gonna lock swords
Engaging in a metaphorical battle with opposition
But it's a wash if you're saying 'Watsky I could rock withcha if you didn't talk
Not accepting or appreciating the artist's style and lyrics
Like some nails on a chalkboard
Finding the artist's voice unpleasant or irritating
I can tell, that you're really on your dope writer tip
Recognizing someone's talent and proficiency in writing
But you'll trip if you don't try to fit
Encouraging originality and embracing one's own uniqueness
Maybe you can make it if you ghostwrite a hit
Suggesting an alternative path to success for those who don't appreciate the artist's style
And sell it to somebody who can ghostride a whip
Finding someone who can bring the work to life and market it successfully
Shieeet I say no sirree
Rejecting the proposed compromise or suggestion
I can smell the weak shit through the potpourri
Having a keen sense of detecting mediocrity or insincerity
So I'm just gonna do what I do
Staying true to one's own style and staying committed to personal expression
You take a minute or two and Google 'Tim and Magoo'
Challenging the listener to explore and discover lesser-known artists
I love the life I picked even if it ain't plush
Embracing and appreciating the chosen path, regardless of its challenges
I'm too glad complain much
Being grateful and maintaining a positive outlook
I'm in the lab in a drab world
Engaging in creative work in a less inspiring or mundane environment
While these fuckers dab and do dabs and I dab on my pad with my paintbrush
Contrasting the artist's dedication to creativity with the superficial trends of others
This is for the kids whipping up some home-cooked
Acknowledging and appreciating the efforts of young artists creating their own unique works
Spitting 86 bars, fuckin no hook
Delivering raw and unfiltered lyrics without relying on catchy hooks
Lying in the grass
Finding peace and inspiration in nature
Passion their chest
Feeling the intensity and drive within their hearts
And a ballpoint pressed in their notebook
Expressing themselves through writing and creativity
Listen to me, this is for the word
Urging the listener to pay attention and appreciate the power of language
Looking so fine I'm rubbing coconut oil up in the crack of dat spine
Describing the sensuality and beauty of written words
This is for the times I'm reminded my mind isn't mine alone
Reflecting on the shared experiences and interconnectedness of human thoughts
This if for the poems and the lines
Appreciating and celebrating the art of poetry and lyrical expression
(And the letters in em)
Recognizing the significance and power of individual letters and words
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: GEORGE WATSKY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind