The founders of the Wu-Tang Clan were RZA, GZA, and Ol' Dirty Bastard, who had previously formed the group Force of the Imperial Master (later known as All In Together Now after the release of a popular single by that name). The group attracted the attention of some notable figures in the industry, including Biz Markie, but did not manage to secure a record deal. After the crew dissolved, GZA and RZA (then known as Prince Rakeem) embarked on their solo careers with Cold Chillin' Records and Tommy Boy Records respectively, but to little success. Their frustration with the workings of the hip hop music industry would provide the main inspiration to Wu-Tang Clan's revolutionary business plan. According to The Wu-Tang Manual, at the group's inception, RZA promised the members that if he had total control of the Wu-Tang empire, it would conquer the hip hop world within a dynastic cycle, after which he would relinquish his total control.
Wu-Tang Clan was gradually assembled in late 1992 from friends and accomplices from around Staten Island, New York, with RZA as the de-facto leader and the group's main producer. Two of the cousins, GZA (pronounced Jizza) and RZA (pronounced Rizza), created their new Wu-Tang aliases by mimicking the sound that the words "genius" and "razor" would make when scratched on a turntable.
"Wu-Tang" comes from the name of the Taoist holy mountain Wu Dang in northwest Hubei Province in central China; it was also the site of the Ming Dynasty Purple Imperial City built during the reign of the Yongle Emperor in the early 15th century. RZA and Ol' Dirty Bastard adopted the name for the group after seeing the kung fu film Shaolin and Wu Tang, which features a school of warriors trained in Wu-Tang style. The group's debut album loosely adopted a Shaolin vs. Wu-Tang theme, dividing the album into Shaolin and Wu-Tang sections and using dialogue excerpts as skits.
The group have also developed various backronyms for the name (as hip hop pioneers like KRS-One and Big Daddy Kane did with their names), including "We Usually Take All the Niggas' Garments," "Witty Unpredictable Talent and Natural Game" and "Wisdom, Universe, Truth, Allah, Nation, and God".
Method Man has also mentioned that the "Wu" is the sound a sword makes when cutting through the air, and "Tang" is the sound it makes against a shield.
The Clan first became known to hip hop fans, and to major record labels, in 1993 (see 1993 in music) following the release of the independent single "Protect Ya Neck", which immediately gave the group a sizeable underground following. Though there was some difficulty in finding a record label that would sign Wu-Tang Clan while still allowing each member to record solo albums with other labels, Loud/RCA finally agreed, releasing their debut album, Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers), in late 1993. This album was popular and critically-acclaimed, though it took some time to gain momentum. Though hip hop had long had a gritty texture, the surreal aggression and minimalist production of 36 Chambers nevertheless had a huge impact on the genre, and was to prove massively influential over the next decade. By the beginning of the 21st century, the album had become a regular fixture on "Best Albums of the 90s" lists as well as a frequent choice for "Best Albums of All Time" lists. The success of Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) established the group as a creative and influential force in early 1990s hip hop, allowing GZA, RZA, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Method Man, Ol' Dirty Bastard, Inspectah Deck, U-God, and Masta Killa to negotiate solo contracts.
www.wutang-corp.com
I Can't Go To Sleep
Wu-Tang Clan Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Peace to Biggie, 2Pac, Big L and Big Pun
Havoc on the streets of Staten, snitches
House niggas, children watch as they produce the same pattern
Somebody raped our women, murdered our babies
Hit us with the cracks and guns in the early 80's
For those that murdered me shall stand before God
To fall at the hands of fate, then out comes the rod
What the fuck is going on, I can't go to sleep
Feds jumping out their jeeps, I can't go to sleep
Babies with flies on they cheeks, it's hard to go to sleep
Ish bowled two 6's twice, I couldn't go to sleep
Aiyyo we deep in the stairs, we carry big guns
Whippy got hit up with the big shit, bong bong
Stop at the cheeba spot, then pass the leak spot
Drove past y'all niggas again, you took a cheap shot
Not knowing, fucking with me you get your meat chopped
You thought we fell on our face, you need to be stopped
Call on the chariots, call on an ambulance
You better smile, my nigga you on Candid Cam
Gangsta broad, these be the laws, walk with big balls
Nigga, motherfucking eunuch, I even take which was yours
I'm the nigga that made you, man
When your rap wasn't doing well I'm the nigga that gave you a hand
Don't kill your brother, learn to love each other
Don't get mad, cause it ain't that bad
Look at who you are, you've come too far
It's in your hands, just be a man
Get the jelly out your spine
Cobwebs out of your mind
I can't go to sleep, I can't shut my eyes
They shot the father at his mom's building seven times
They shot Malcolm in the chest, front of his little seeds
Jesse watched as they shot King on the balcony
Exported Marcus Garvey cause he tried to spark us
With the knowledge of ourselves and our forefathers
Oh Jacqueline you heard the rifle shots crackling
Her husband's head in her hands, you tried to put it back in
America's watching, blood-stained ink blotches
Medgar took one to the skull for integrating college
What's the science? Somebody? This is trick knowledge
They try to keep us enslaved and still scrape for dollars
Walking through Park Hill, drunk as a fuck
Looking around like these Devils
I'm ready to break this world down
They got me trapped up in a metal gate
Just stressed out with hate
And just give me no time to relax and use my mind to meditate
What should I do, grab a blunt or a brew
Grab a .22 and run out there and put this fucking violence in you
I can't go to sleep, I can't shut em, son.. I
The power is in your hands
Stop all this crying and be a man
The lyrics to Wu-Tang Clan's song "I Can't Go To Sleep" showcases the grim realities of the world and the struggles that the black community has faced for years. The song begins with an acknowledgment of great rappers who passed away, including Biggie, 2Pac, Big L, and Big Pun. Then, it shifts to the hardships faced by blacks, including rape, murder, and drug addiction, which have plagued the community since the early 80s. The musician mentions that the people that have committed these atrocities will be answerable to God.
The song then shifts to a more violent tone, with the rapper talking about gang violence and fighting in the streets. He mentions how people try to take advantage of them, but they are ready to fight back. The reference to the "jelly in your spine" and "cobwebs in your mind" highlights how society and people have made them weak, and they need to fight back.
However, the music then becomes more reflective, with the musician talking about non-violent ways to achieve change. He tells the fans that the power is in their hands and that they should learn to love each other and not get mad. The song ends with the reminder that "the power is in your hands, stop all this crying and be a man."
Line by Line Meaning
Technique is ill son, watch how I spill one
This is a warning to those who underestimate my skill and those who I'm about to lyrically defeat.
Peace to Biggie, 2Pac, Big L and Big Pun
In memory of the old legends of hip-hop, my respects are paid.
Havoc on the streets of Staten, snitches
There's chaos on Staten Island caused by snitches who are betraying the community.
House niggas, children watch as they produce the same pattern
Kids growing up seeing that many African Americans are living in poverty and how some of them are being preconditioned to accept it and be complacent.
Somebody raped our women, murdered our babies
Acknowledging the heinous crimes committed against innocent people of color especially women and children throughout history.
Hit us with the cracks and guns in the early 80's
The systemic targeting of ghetto communities was done by the government in the form of drugs and guns proliferation in the early 80's.
For those that murdered me shall stand before God
Those who are responsible to take my life away will ultimately face divine justice.
To fall at the hands of fate, then out comes the rod
It is a warning to those who wish me harm, they shall feel the wrath of fate, bringing punishment to them.
Bring it back, bring it back, bring it back
The song repeats and rewinds a couple of times in a loop, emphasizing the need to recognize and focus on issues that one faces and not trivialize or forget them just like rewinding the tape.
What the fuck is going on, I can't go to sleep
The situation is getting too out of hand and oppressive, I feel powerless and helpless and can't rest.
Feds jumping out their jeeps, I can't go to sleep
Government officials are scrutinizing and limiting the freedoms of individuals without just causes and this infuriates me.
Babies with flies on they cheeks, it's hard to go to sleep
The misery and suffering that many children of color face every day is distressing, and it's hard to sleep knowing that nothing much is being done for their betterment.
Ish bowled two 6's twice, I couldn't go to sleep
Ish has bowled two double strikes in a row in a game of bowling, and the excitement and adrenaline rush from the game are keeping me from sleeping.
Aiyyo we deep in the stairs, we carry big guns
We're in a dangerous neighborhood, and we're well aware of the potential risks. Therefore, we always carry weapons for self-protection.
Whippy got hit up with the big shit, bong bong
Whippy had a run-in with the law, and the situation ended up escalating quickly and becoming violent.
Stop at the cheeba spot, then pass the leak spot
Stop by the weed dispensary, and afterward, pass by the place where crack cocaine is sold.
Drove past y'all niggas again, you took a cheap shot
Passing by folks, and they keep trying to insult or harm me, but it's only because they're cowards and cannot tolerate what they cannot understand.
Not knowing, fucking with me, you get your meat chopped
Don't decide to go against me, blindly, and attack me because you'll get injured, and the outcome won't be positive.
You thought we fell on our face, you need to be stopped
You're mistaken, we're still going strong, and your ignorance needs to be put to rest.
Call on the chariots, call on an ambulance
I'm in need of help, whether it's for medical, spiritual, or mental reasons, and I don't know who else will help me but God himself.
You better smile, my nigga you on Candid Cam
This is where I'll prove that I'm unbeatable, and the whole world can see it. Smile because this is all going to be recorded!
Gangsta broad, these be the laws, walk with big balls
Be bold, have a big heart, stand up for what's right, and don't back down just because people advise you otherwise.
Nigga, motherfucking eunuch, I even take which was yours
I'll take everything you have, and you won't be able to stop me.
I'm the nigga that made you, man
I'm the one who helped teach and inspire you to grow into your current form, so don't take me for granted.
When your rap wasn't doing well, I'm the nigga that gave you a hand
I helped and supported you when you were struggling and did not leave you out on your own accord.
Don't kill your brother, learn to love each other
Don't diminish and harm one another; instead, learn how to build bridges and care for each other.
Don't get mad, cause it ain't that bad
Stay calm and don't let small things bother you because they aren't that significant.
Look at who you are, you've come too far
Reflect on your progress, and the many places you've been to and experiences you've been through; you're capable of accomplishing much more.
It's in your hands, just be a man
You have the power to control your situation and prove to yourself and others your worth and value.
Get the jelly out your spine, cobwebs out of your mind
No more hesitation and fear become more self-assured and confident, remove mental barriers and increase focus and grit.
I can't go to sleep, I can't shut my eyes
I'm too worked up and agitated to fall asleep, and I don't know when I will be able to rest satisfactorily.
They shot the father at his mom's building seven times
There's a sense of hopelessness and vulnerability when authorities target and execute black men, and the incidents keep happening at an alarming rate.
They shot Malcolm in the chest, front of his little seeds
Malcolm X's assassination was a traumatic event, where even his family could not be spared from the violence.
Jesse watched as they shot King on the balcony
Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination was witnessed by those close to him, adding to the grieving and pain of his loss.
Exported Marcus Garvey 'cause he tried to spark us
Marcus Garvey tried to teach African Americans about our heritage, culture and encouraged pride, but he was exiled because his teachings were contrary to that of the government.
With the knowledge of ourselves and our forefathers
To gain knowledge and enlightenment about oneself and the struggles of one's ancestors, which were not usually taught in schools.
Oh Jacqueline you heard the rifle shots crackling
The echoes of gunshots are traumatizing, especially when it involves someone dear, such as John F. Kennedy's wife, Jacqueline.
Her husband's head in her hands, you tried to put it back in
Jacqueline Kennedy had to deal with the gruesome reality of her husband's assassination, which left her holding his head in her hands in a desperate attempt to save his life.
America's watching, blood-stained ink blotches
The events mentioned above have been captured and broadcast on TV, and the trail of blood and violence isn't something that can be ignored.
Medgar took one to the skull for integrating college
Medgar Evers was assassinated for attempting to integrate a college, exemplifying how one is met with deadly force for seeking progress and equality.
What's the science? Somebody? This is trick knowledge
What is happening? Can anyone explain why there is so much violence and oppression? It seems like things are being concealed and deliberately distorted.
They try to keep us enslaved and still scrape for dollars
The country's economic system is such that those in power are still trying to oppress and keep people of color in subordinate positions through financial bondage.
Walking through Park Hill, drunk as a fuck
Walking around Park Hill, intoxicated and feeling lost and out of sorts.
Looking around like these Devils
Observing the actions of the wicked, including the government and other figures who seek to oppress people of color.
I'm ready to break this world down
I'm frustrated and ready to break down everything that's corrupting society and stop those who are trying to keep others oppressed.
They got me trapped up in a metal gate
I feel stuck and restricted, constrained within the boundaries of a life where I don't feel free.
Just stressed out with hate
Filled with anger and emotions that are challenging to deal with; therefore, the person is always stressed.
And just give me no time to relax and use my mind to meditate
There's no time and space to clear my head and think; hence, meditation seems almost impossible.
What should I do, grab a blunt or a brew
The person is going through a difficult time and is trying to figure out the best way to alleviate that stress, by either smoking marijuana or drinking alcohol.
Grab a .22 and run out there and put this fucking violence in you
Just go out there and let everything out. Get over the distress and confusion by exerting oneself through violence.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: BURT BACHARACH, HAL DAVID, ROBERT F. DIGGS, DENNIS COLES, ISAAC HAYES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@kevlar1482
Ghost can do EVERYTHING. Emotion, wordplay, crazy slang, vivid imagery, one of the best storytellers, gangsta shit, deep relatable life shit, unique flows / delivery, vocab, rhyme schemes ... WTF? 🔥
@nizxxy
And He Got the GANZI
@nayf7682
He's the GOAT for me!
@ronnieturner3110
That y he the best and wu
@cha.numba1
GHOST!
@JacobTanks
The fact that they didn’t just sample Issac Hayes’s song, but they invited him to record his vocals for this track is showing us RZA’s perfectionism, and Respect to the Original Artists! ✊
The Song is fire with a deep message! R.I.P Issac Hayes, R.I.P O.D.B
Wu-Tang Forever! 👐🏿👐🏾👐🏽👐🏼👐🏻👐
@palma420
This might be the greatest Wu tang song. It goes HARD
@HTHTHTHTHTHTHTHTHTHTHTHTH
it does indeed go HARD
@kingjett98
Gotta be... What the FUCK is goin' on?! I can't Go to Sleep!
@glossypompom4465
This is beyond rap. It’s poetry and social, historical commentary