Can It Be All So Simple
Wu-Tang Clan Lyrics

Hey, you know, everybody's talkin' about the "good old days," right? (Yeah)
Introduction to the topic of the 'good old days'

Everybody, the good old days, the good all days (yeah, the good ol' days, yeah)
Reaffirmation of the topic of the 'good old days'

Well, let's talk about the good old days (let's talk about them shits)
Explicit invitation to discuss the 'good old days'

Know what I'm sayin'?
Confirmation that the artist expects the listener to understand

Take you on this lyrical high real quick
Promise to deliver an impressive experience

1993 exoticness, know what I'm sayin'?
Introduction to the singer's perspective in 1993

Let's get technical, where's your bone at?
Rhetorical question asking where the listener's enthusiasm is

Get up on that shit, aight?
Encouragement to participate in the conversation

Started off on the Island, AK Shaolin niggas wildin'
Introduction to the artist's early life in a tough neighborhood

Gun shots thrown, the phone diallin'
Description of the neighborhood's frequent gun violence

Back in the days, I'm eight now
Reference to a time when the singer was eight years old

Makin' a tape now, Rae gotta get a plate now
Beginning of the artist's music career, and the desire for financial success

Ignorant and mad young, wanted to be the one
A youthful desire for fame and fortune

'Til I got (blaow-blaow-blaow), felt one
Reference to being shot and feeling the pain, which changed the singer's perspective

Yeah, my pops was a fiend since sixteen (word)
Explanation of the singer's father's addiction

Shootin' that "that's that shit" in his blood stream
Reference to the drug the artist's father was addicted to

That's the life of a grimy, real live crimey
Description of the artist's environment and the criminal activity present

If niggas know that habit's behind me
Assurance that the singer is not following in his father's footsteps of addiction

Day one, yo, growin' all up in the ghetto
Reference to growing up in a disadvantaged neighborhood

Now I'm a weed fiend jettin' to Palmetto
Current description of the artist's addiction and behavior

In Medina, yo, no doubt, the God got crazy clout
Description of the artist's current location and social status

Pushin' the big joint from down South (uh, uh)
Reference to drug trafficking and the artist's involvement

So if you're filthy stacked up, better watch your back and duck
Warning to those with wealth and power to beware of danger

'Cause these fiends, they got it cracked up
Reference to the other addicts who will do whatever it takes to get drugs

Now my man from up North, now he got the loft
Reference to a friend with wealth and success

It's solid as a rock and crazy soft
Description of the friend's luxurious home

No jokes, I'm not playin', get his folks
Threat to harm the friend's family if not given what the singer wants

Desert Eagle his dick and put him in a yoke (ah)
Graphic reference to the artist's willingness to use violence

And to know for sure, I got wreck and rip shop
Assurance that the artist is capable of carrying out threats

I pointed a gat at his mother's knot
Further reference to the singer's willingness to use violence for financial gain

(Yo, yo, Rae, don't do that shit, man Yo, don't do that shit) word up Fuck that (word up, nigga)
Exchange between the singer and a friend to encourage the use of violence for financial gain

Dedicated to the winners and the losers (can it be that it was all so simple then?)
Dedication of the song to those of all backgrounds and statuses

(Dedicated to all Jeeps and Land Cruisers)
Reference to common car models at the time

Dedicated to the 5's, 850i's (can it be that it was all so simple then?)
Reference to luxury car models that were popular in the 90s

(Dedicated to niggas who do drive-bys)
Reference to a violent criminal act that was common in some neighborhoods

Dedicated to the Lexus and the Ac's (can it be that it was all so simple then?)
Further reference to luxury car models that were popular in the 90s

(Dedicated to MPV's, phat)
Reference to another car model that was popular at the time

Nigga, yeah, yeah (can it be that it was all so simple then?)
Reaffirmation of the theme of simplicity and nostalgia

Kickin' the fly clichés, doin' duets with Rae and A
Switch to a new topic - the singer's music career

Happens to make my day
Description of the artist's satisfaction with collaborations

Though I'm tired of bustin' off shots, havin' to rock knots
Reference to the artist's past violent behavior and desire to move on from it

Runnin' up in spots and makin' shit hot
Further reference to the singer's past violent behavior

I'd rather flip shows instead of those
Desire to focus on music performances instead of violence

Hangin' on my livin' room wall, my first joint and it went gold
Proud reflection on the artist's first successful music release

I wanna lamp, I wanna be in the shade
Desire for relaxation and luxury

Plus the spotlight, gettin' my dick rode all night
Desire for fame and sexual pleasure

I want to have me a phat yacht
Desire for wealth and luxury

And enough land to go and plant my own sess crops
Desire for independence and self-sufficiency

But for now it's just a big dream
Acknowledgment that these desires are currently unattainable

'Cause I find myself in a place where I'm last seen
Feeling of being forgotten or neglected

My thoughts must be relaxed, be able to maintain
Recognition of the importance of mental health

'Cause times is changed and life is strange
Acknowledgement that the world is constantly changing

The glorious days is gone and everybody's doin' bad
Feeling of nostalgia and recognition of current hardship

Yo, mad lives is up for grabs
Description of the desperation and potential for violence in the singer's environment

Brothers passin' away, I gotta make wakes
Reference to the singer's involvement in funeral preparations for his friends who have died

Receivin' all types of calls from Upstate
Reference to receiving news of friends in prison

Yo, I can't cope with the pressure, settlin' for lesser
Description of feeling overwhelmed and settling for less in life

The God left the lessons on my dresser
Reference to the artist's belief in God and finding guidance through religion

So I can bloom and blossom, find a new way
Desire to move forward and grow despite current hardships

Continue to make more hits with Rae and A
Focus on continuing to create successful music with friends

Sunshine plays a major part in the daytime
Acknowledgment of the importance of positivity and optimism

(Peace to mankind, Ghostface carry a black .9, nigga)
Random shoutout and reference to a weapon

Word up, it's on like that
Final statement and affirmation of determination