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
It's Not a Game
Wu-Tang Clan Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
What? Huh?
You know
Huh?
It's like you don't limit yourself to one thing
Your mama
Got to broaden your horizons
Broaden your joints
The struggle goes on
Eryday (ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha)
Eryday
And I'ma live it through my music
(ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha)
You know how we do
Choose or lose from it
Verse One: Method Man
Pull your shoes up, don't get stuck
Or get your frame struck, when my squad blitzin
Hittin like Mack trucks, head splittin paper written
In windy cities like Chicago, no bullshhhh
You see me spittin at the kitten with the lost mitten
As we engage in cold war gettin frostbitten
Once again up in these stank drawers baby listen
One mind and for one cause, heavy hittin
The penalty illegal ruffnecks, we bring ruckus
In pursuit of gold lines, can a n---a touch it
If I can't see ya can't truss it
A shady character like Buzz Buzzard
Lay him out like a plush rug-ged
*mimicking Brand Nubian* Now you can love it, or leave it alone
We drink death and puff bone
Draggin your body out the end zone
And any way the wind blow that's where you flow
That's why you be the first one caught, last to know
Body layin out on the flo', substitute
Heavy players from the run and shoot, we open do'
Third and long, quarterback pack the cannon on
I go deep he drop bombs, *whistle* that's when I touch-down
Six points, what now?
Once again who comin through in the clutch now, perfect strangerous
Ever since I came with this, and wrecked a body
You convinced like Lombardi, that Johnny Dangerous
Offensive shotgun
Calm in the pocket I got one, in the milli gun
Deep threats to chose from, that's how it goes son
You win some you lose some, it's in the game
You win some you lose some (uhh!) that's how it goes son (yeah)
You win some you lose some (uhh!) it's in the game ... (yeah)
You win some you lose some, that's how it goes son
You win some you lose some, it's in the game
Verse Two: Ricky Watters
From the football field
(It's in the game
You win some you lose some, it's in the game)
To the mountain, yaknowhatI'msayin?
(That's how it goes son, that's how it goes
You win some you lose some, it's in the game)
Freestylin, profilin, won't catch me smilin
Straight from Fema Island, buckwhylin, I'm stylin
A funky type of style with the lyrical incision
S--t locked down, like my n----z out in prison
Good riddance, keep it hidden, up in my knapsack
Sippin cognac, while I vibe off this funky track
Yo bring it back, or make it hit harder
Infiltrate your mind like Nino at the Carter, but smarter
So drop harder, if you wanna conjugate
Verbs and nouns, make it profound as I pound
In your earpiece I'm the beast
To say the least, we must increase, the peace
But keep it real, so I can feel, the skills
Funky fresh rhymes I will build so I kill
And thrill, lyrics spittin, through my lips
Doin backflips, it's another hit
Come take a sip, of the running Watters
Lyrically I slaughter, mentally I author
The rhymes that you feel to the map
Crushin double barrels, sing em out like carols
Who it be? It be I, the n---a with the chinky eyes
From NY, city we committee we gets busy
With killa beez on the swarm
Lyrically we storm, mentally a lord
Verbally I bomb (boom!), guard your grill
It's the man that chill, run for the hills from Grassvile
Drillin rhymes straight on tracks and double cuff
Another TV, and they loved it
(You win some you lose some, that's how it go son
You win some you lose some, that's in the game
You win some you lose some, that's how it go son
You win some you lose some, that's in the game
It's in the game
You win some you lose some, it's in the game
It's in the game, it's in the game, it's in the game, it's in the game)
The lyrics to Wu-Tang Clan's song It's Not a Game are packed with imagery and metaphor that speak to the struggles and triumphs of daily life. The song celebrates the spirit of determination and relentlessness that drives people to reach for something more, to "broaden their horizons" and keep "their eyes on the prize." The verses are filled with sports analogies and references to a "cold war" fought on the streets, making the track feel like an epic battle cry.
Method Man's verse describes the intensity and brutality of the struggle, comparing his squad to "Mack trucks" hitting with enough force to split heads. He talks about the pursuit of power and money, acknowledging that it can make people shady and untrustworthy. Ricky Watters' verse takes a more playful approach, boasting about his lyrical prowess and the power of his rhymes. He talks about the importance of staying true to oneself and "keepin' it real" in order to succeed.
Overall, It's Not a Game is a song about never giving up on your dreams or your vision for the future. It's a message of hope and inspiration for anyone who feels stuck or trapped, encouraging them to keep pushing forward no matter what.
Line by Line Meaning
You know I'm bout it bout it
I am fully committed and dedicated to my pursuits
What? Huh?
Puzzled and asking for clarification
You know
You understand and are aware
Huh?
An expression of confusion or surprise
It's like you don't limit yourself to one thing
You have a broad range of interests and talents
Your mama
A reference to maternal guidance and wisdom
Got to broaden your horizons
You need to expand your knowledge and experiences
Broaden your joints
Expand your network and social connections
Keep your eyes on the prize
Stay focused on your goals and aspirations
The struggle goes on Eryday (ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha)
There are challenges every day, but we approach them with humor and resilience
And I'ma live it through my music (ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha)
I express and embody my life experiences through my music
You know how we do
You are familiar with our methods and approach
Choose or lose from it
Make decisions wisely, as they can have consequences
Pull your shoes up, don't get stuck
Prepare yourself and be ready for anything
Or get your frame struck
Avoid getting injured or harmed
When my squad blitzin
When my team aggressively attacks or moves forward
Hittin like Mack trucks
Delivering powerful blows or impacts
Head splittin paper written
Creating lyrics that are intense and impactful
In windy cities like Chicago, no bullshhhh
Navigating through challenging environments without any nonsense
You see me spittin at the kitten with the lost mitten
Engaging in a lyrical battle with someone who is underestimated or overlooked
As we engage in cold war gettin frostbitten
Fighting intense battles that leave us emotionally or mentally drained
Once again up in these stank drawers baby listen
Once again in difficult or uncomfortable circumstances, pay attention
One mind and for one cause, heavy hittin
Unified and focused on a common goal, delivering powerful impact
The penalty illegal ruffnecks, we bring ruckus
We cause chaos and disruption, defying rules and expectations
In pursuit of gold lines, can a n---a touch it
Striving for excellence and mastery in our lyrics, challenging others to reach our level
If I can't see ya can't truss it
If I can't trust or rely on you, then I won't involve myself
A shady character like Buzz Buzzard
Someone with questionable motives and intentions
Lay him out like a plush rug-ged
Defeating him decisively, leaving him helpless
*mimicking Brand Nubian* Now you can love it, or leave it alone
Accept it as it is or reject it entirely
We drink death and puff bone
We embrace danger and live life on the edge
Draggin your body out the end zone
Leaving you defeated and unable to reach your goals
And any way the wind blow that's where you flow
Adapting to different circumstances and going with the flow
That's why you be the first one caught, last to know
Because you lack awareness and foresight, you are often caught off guard
Body layin out on the flo', substitute
Being replaced or surpassed by someone else, left in a disadvantaged position
Heavy players from the run and shoot, we open do'
Skilled individuals who excel in dynamic and fast-paced environments, opening opportunities
Third and long, quarterback pack the cannon on
In challenging situations, the leader takes charge and prepares to strike
I go deep he drop bombs, *whistle* that's when I touch-down
I make significant strides and achieve success when I take risks and give my best effort
Six points, what now?
Achieving a significant victory, leaving opponents confused or uncertain
Once again who comin through in the clutch now, perfect strangerous
Once again, I am proving myself as someone who excels under pressure, defying expectations
Ever since I came with this, and wrecked a body
Since I arrived and made an impact, I have left a trail of defeated opponents
You convinced like Lombardi, that Johnny Dangerous
You are captivated and influenced by my skills and presence, like legendary coach Vince Lombardi
Offensive shotgun
Aggressively and quickly taking control of the situation
Calm in the pocket I got one, in the milli gun
Remaining composed and focused, ready to act decisively
Deep threats to chose from, that's how it goes son
Having many talented options or strategies at my disposal
You win some you lose some, it's in the game
There are victories and defeats, it's a part of life and competition
From the football field
Transitioning from a literal football field to other aspects of life
(It's in the game
Referencing the popular phrase associated with sports video games
To the mountain, yaknowhatI'msayin?
From one challenge or domain to another, do you understand?
(That's how it goes son, that's how it goes
That's the nature of life and competition, my son
You win some you lose some, it's in the game)
There are victories and defeats, it's a part of life and competition
Freestylin, profilin, won't catch me smilin
Expressing myself spontaneously and confidently, maintaining a serious demeanor
Straight from Fema Island, buckwhylin, I'm stylin
Coming from a unique and distinct place, I embrace boldness and individuality
A funky type of style with the lyrical incision
My style is unconventional and captivating, with sharp and impactful lyrics
S--t locked down, like my n----z out in prison
Controlling and dominating the situation, just like my incarcerated associates
Good riddance, keep it hidden, up in my knapsack
I discard negativity and hold onto my secrets, keeping them close and protected
Sippin cognac, while I vibe off this funky track
I indulge in luxury and enjoy the groove of this captivating music
Yo bring it back, or make it hit harder
I request a repetition or a more intense delivery
Infiltrate your mind like Nino at the Carter, but smarter
I enter your thoughts and consciousness like a skilled manipulator, but with greater intelligence
So drop harder, if you wanna conjugate
Deliver your lyrics with more intensity and skill, if you want to compete
Verbs and nouns, make it profound as I pound
Use powerful and impactful words to make your lyrics impressive and meaningful
In your earpiece I'm the beast
I dominate and impress you with my lyrical prowess and skill
To say the least, we must increase, the peace
At the very least, we should strive to promote harmony and tranquility
But keep it real, so I can feel, the skills
Express yourself genuinely, so that I can appreciate and connect with your talent
Funky fresh rhymes I will build so I kill
I create unique and engaging lyrics that captivate and impress
And thrill, lyrics spittin, through my lips
I deliver exciting and captivating lyrics through my vocal delivery
Doin backflips, it's another hit
I am succeeding and impressing once again, creating another popular song
Come take a sip, of the running Watters
Experience and taste the success and talent of Watters, who is always on the move
Lyrically I slaughter, mentally I author
I dominate and excel in my lyrics, creating meaningful and impactful content
The rhymes that you feel to the map
The lyrics that resonate and connect with you on a deep level
Crushin double barrels, sing em out like carols
Overcoming challenges forcefully and confidently, celebrating victory like joyful songs
Who it be? It be I, the n---a with the chinky eyes
It's me, the person with slanted or Asian eyes, identifying myself
From NY, city we committee we gets busy
Representing New York City, our group is actively and diligently involved
With killa beez on the swarm
Having talented and aggressive individuals ready for action
Lyrically we storm, mentally a lord
We dominate and excel in our lyrics, powerful in our mental strength and authority
Verbally I bomb (boom!), guard your grill
I deliver devastating and impactful lyrics, prepare yourself and protect your face
It's the man that chill, run for the hills from Grassville
It's the calm and cool individual, escaping and avoiding danger or trouble
Drillin rhymes straight on tracks and double cuff
Delivering sharp and precise lyrics on beats, with superior skill
Another TV, and they loved it
Another successful and popular piece of work, receiving praise and admiration
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
YeahGor Beats
What a banger !!!
wu tang dan Qc
Rza spitting is pure fire
Adam Gordon
Infinite Arkatechz murdered this beat 🔥🔥
OCR Beats
You may be the only person to properly spell the producer’s name correctly haha…..
StatoBrado
rza verse send me outta space
keyplayatriggz
Still knocks
Kentucky Baby
My ex stole this cd from me in the early 2000s
Em Jay II
Rip
Bardock
Lool that kind of anecdotes
Matthew Bell
Rae's slang is ridicoulous