Tar Pit
Wu-Tang Clan Lyrics


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[Hook: Method Man (George Clinton)]
Get that money, God, keep your sword sharp (Eastside, Westside)
Get that money, God, keep your sword sharp (Eastside, Westside)
Get that money, God, keep your sword sharp (Eastside, Westside)
Get that money, God, keep your sword sharp (Eastside, Westside)
Get that money, God, keep your sword sharp (1-2-3-4)

[U-God]
Blood money mercenaries, think you can muscle Wu?
It's a foot race, who can out-hustle who?
Hip hop junkie flunky, monkey see, monkey do
Great minds connect like mobster rings
Sit back, let me do my, Sinatra thing
I'm in the Hip Hop Hall of Fame, on the wall is the plaques
Old ball and chain, I named her Madam X
She love big cannons, sex unprotected
You better respect it, kid, we 'bout to set trip
You get ya neck ripped, eyeballs are scoping
I don't sell crack, I sell dopium
Catch him at the podium, nah, he moving too fast
Professor X, behind the bulletproof glass
You need a Wu pass, a bag of that high
Easy with the flicks, baby, I'm camera shy

[Hook: Method Man (George Clinton)]
Get that money, God, keep your sword sharp (1-2-3-4)

[Cappadonna]
We might have to 8 Diagram one of y'all MC's
We grind everyday and we hustle for cheese
Got our face on the front of CD's, we off the hook
W.T.C. y'all soft and shook
Y'all not built like the Cuban Linx Clan that get CREAM
And back heads down every time we sing
Give us a hundred grand for a show, let us rock
For more money, more chicks, more private stock

[Streetlife]
They call me Streetlife, slap the taste
Out ya mug, know ya place, you ain't thug, fix ya face
Throw a slug, catch a case
Meanwhile, beat trial, back on that cash cow
Getting CREAM, however, a street brother know how
Point blank, I'm pulling rank, calling shot, I got bank
Pass the rock, my hand's hot, hit 'em with the showshotter
Peace to my ala mater, Wu-Tang block scholars
Never settle for less, promoters pay us top dollar

[Hook: Method Man (George Clinton)]
Get that money, God, keep your sword sharp (Eastside, Westside)
Get that money, God, keep your sword sharp (Eastside, Westside)
Get that money, God, keep your sword sharp (Eastside, Westside)
Get that money, God, keep your sword sharp (Eastside, Westside)
Get that money, God, keep your sword sharp (Eastside, Westside)
Get that money, God, keep your sword sharp (Eastside, Westside)
Get that money, God, keep your sword sharp (Eastside, Westside)
Get that money, God, keep your sword sharp (Eastside, Westside)
Get that money, God, keep your sword sharp (1-2-3-4)

[Outro: George Clinton]
The Clan'll talk, Calabama niggaz all'll quit
Talking that short dick shit, we was s'posed to be cool
Only the clue's on the other end of the stick
Somebody let the monkeys out the cage
Over-crowded police blood bamboo bimbo
Chickenhead skeezer crackrock hoodrat
Somebody let the monkeys out the cage
Barney here is down to a feeding dreadlock
Armpit like two Buckwheat's in a headlock
Macy Gray's hair between your leg lock
Somebody let the monkeys out the cage
Ya mother's so cross-eyed, when she cry tears roll down her back
Somebody let the monkeys out the cage
Somebody let the monkeys out the cage
[coughs] This shit is strong, god damn, what you got in there?
Over-crowded police blood bamboo bimbo
Chickenhead skeezer crackhead hoodrat
Somebody let the monkeys out the cage
Ya mother's so cross-eyed, when she cry tears roll down her back
Calabama niggaz all'll quit
Talking that short dick shit
Speak up, no loud speaker but I'm speaking loud
Venacular ass kicking, truth got there in crowd
Shit, they call me the lethal lip
The linguistic, full metal jacket of venacular ballistic
Shooting out at the mouth without Chap or Blistec
Here's a mothafucka, I didn't flunk diaper rash
I'm verbally toxic, metal-piercing, forked, hollow point tongue
Dumb dumb, pow, shot from gattling gums
Hooked on phonics, packing a vicious vocabulary
Malicious, with malice and mayhem
Fuck a dictionary, give me the mic and I'll slay
Them and literally poetic symptoms
Pissing me the fuck off, missing me with that shit
I stick a venacular foot so far up in ya ass
You won't be able to pass verbal gas
So far in ya ass that one of my knees will rise so far above ya head
And you drown of a poetic ass kicking
Leaving lyrical lacerations on your lungs, from a verbal hangnail
That hung on my big toe, as I flow upward
Kicking yo on ya eardrum, you wanna hear some?
Tap dance on ya tonsils, leaving kiwi shoe polish on ya breath
Cavity in ya best rhyme, and I'm the access on the rest
Call me the proverbial verbal menacing dentist
With the drill, I got lyrical skills
I could perform oral root canals
It's unwise to fuck with me
Kick ya wisdom teeth down ya throat
Leaving you to choke
On where it hurts, unspoken vocals
Tying down ya vocal cord and windpipe tight




With toe jamming and ya mothafucking hemmoroids
Fuck the dumb shit...

Overall Meaning

In Wu-Tang Clan's "Tar Pit," the lyrics revolve around the importance of making money but also staying sharp and constantly hustling. The hook repeats the phrase "Get that money, God, keep your sword sharp" and emphasizes the need to excel in the competitive world of hip hop. The rappers take turns spitting verses full of wordplay, explicit language, and references to their Wu-Tang Clan brotherhood. U-God describes himself as a hip hop hall of famer and boasts of his Lady X's love for sex and big cannons. Cappadonna mentions the group's "Cream" and "private stock" while Streetlife talks about his rank and the money they make from performing. George Clinton closes the song with an outro, along with a few insults directed at opponents.


Line by Line Meaning

Get that money, God, keep your sword sharp (Eastside, Westside)
Focus on obtaining wealth, my friend, while also staying vigilant and prepared for any challenges or threats that may arise in both the East and West sides.


Blood money mercenaries, think you can muscle Wu?
Do these individuals who engage in nefarious activities for financial gain truly believe they can overpower and intimidate the Wu-Tang Clan?


It's a foot race, who can out-hustle who?
The situation at hand is a competition to see who can outwork and outsmart the others in terms of making money and succeeding in their endeavors.


Hip hop junkie flunky, monkey see, monkey do
Do not succumb to being a mere imitator in the world of hip hop, like a flaky follower who mimics what they see without originality.


Great minds connect like mobster rings
When brilliant individuals come together, their collective intelligence and influence resemble the interconnectedness and power of mobster organizations.


Sit back, let me do my, Sinatra thing
Relax and observe as I perform my own version of excellence and mastery, much like the legendary Frank Sinatra.


I'm in the Hip Hop Hall of Fame, on the wall is the plaques
I have achieved such monumental success in the realm of hip hop that my accomplishments have been acknowledged and celebrated by being enshrined in the prestigious Hip Hop Hall of Fame.


Old ball and chain, I named her Madam X
I refer to my beloved firearm as my partner, for it is a trusted and powerful ally in my endeavors. I affectionately call her Madam X.


She love big cannons, sex unprotected
Madam X greatly admires and is partial to large firearms, much like how some individuals possess a preference for unprotected sexual encounters.


You better respect it, kid, we 'bout to set trip
You would be wise to show proper respect and acknowledgement, my friend, as the Wu-Tang Clan is embarking on a journey towards domination and greatness.


You get ya neck ripped, eyeballs are scoping
If you dare oppose us, you will face severe consequences, such as having your neck violently torn apart, while our vigilant eyes carefully observe the situation.


I don't sell crack, I sell dopium
I do not partake in the illegal drug trade of selling crack cocaine, but rather, I engage in the distribution of a different substance, known as 'dopium,' which perhaps signifies a potent form of music or art.


Catch him at the podium, nah, he moving too fast
Attempt to apprehend him while he is delivering a public speech or presentation? No, it would be futile, as he is too swift and agile in his movements.


Professor X, behind the bulletproof glass
Similar to the character Professor X from the X-Men, I possess immense mental prowess and intellect, remaining protected from harm behind a barrier of impenetrable bulletproof material.


You need a Wu pass, a bag of that high
In order to gain access to our esteemed group, you require a special pass from the Wu-Tang Clan, as well as an abundant amount of a powerful substance or experience that brings about euphoria and pleasure.


Easy with the flicks, baby, I'm camera shy
Please refrain from taking excessive photographs, my dear, for I am rather uncomfortable and unwilling to be captured by the lens of a camera.


We might have to 8 Diagram one of y'all MC's
There may come a time when we must execute a complex and coordinated attack on one of your fellow MCs, using our skills and artistry akin to the concept of the '8 Diagrams.'


We grind everyday and we hustle for cheese
Each and every day, we engage in relentless hard work and tireless effort to acquire wealth and success, much like hustling for delicious cheese.


Got our face on the front of CD's, we off the hook
Our visages grace the covers of countless CDs, signifying our immense popularity and the fact that we are incredibly talented, setting us apart from others.


W.T.C. y'all soft and shook
The Wu-Tang Clan stands strong and unshakeable, while others, such as W.T.C., are perceived as weak and fearful.


Y'all not built like the Cuban Linx Clan that get CREAM
You lack the resilience and strength possessed by the Cuban Linx Clan, a subgroup within the Wu-Tang Clan, who are known for their ability to obtain Cash Rules Everything Around Me (CREAM).


And back heads down every time we sing
Whenever we bless the world with our musical performances, the opposition is forced to lower their heads in submission and deference.


Give us a hundred grand for a show, let us rock
Provide us with a substantial sum of one hundred thousand dollars for a live performance, and witness the sheer brilliance and energy we exude as we entertain and captivate the audience.


For more money, more chicks, more private stock
In exchange for increased financial wealth, an influx of attractive individuals of the opposite sex, and exclusive supplies of fine alcoholic beverages, we are willing to deliver top-notch performances.


They call me Streetlife, slap the taste
I am recognized by the moniker 'Streetlife,' and I possess the ability to metaphorically strike individuals with such force that it alters their perception and causes them to reconsider their words and actions.


Out ya mug, know ya place, you ain't thug, fix ya face
Remove that contemptuous expression from your countenance, my acquaintance, for you lack the characteristics and demeanor of a genuine gangster. Adjust your visage accordingly.


Throw a slug, catch a case
Engage in a physical altercation by throwing a projectile bullet, but be aware that this action may result in legal repercussions and a criminal case being filed against you.


Meanwhile, beat trial, back on that cash cow
In the midst of facing legal trials and challenges, we swiftly overcome them and return to focusing on our lucrative ventures that generate substantial amounts of wealth.


Getting CREAM, however, a street brother know how
As we strive to attain Cash Rules Everything Around Me (CREAM), a term denoting the acquisition of financial dominance, it is essential to understand the mindset and practical knowledge possessed by those experienced in the street life.


Point blank, I'm pulling rank, calling shot, I got bank
Directly and assertively, I assert my superior position and authority, making decisions and taking control, all the while possessing great wealth and financial resources.


Pass the rock, my hand's hot, hit 'em with the showshotter
Allow me to take control of the situation and provide me with the responsibility, as my abilities and skills are exceptional and primed for success, allowing me to deliver powerful performances that leave a lasting impact.


Peace to my ala mater, Wu-Tang block scholars
I extend my sincere greetings and well wishes to my esteemed educational institution, where individuals of the Wu-Tang Clan and the surrounding community acquire knowledge and become intellectual scholars.


Never settle for less, promoters pay us top dollar
We refuse to accept anything beneath our true worth, as event organizers and promoters are compelled to compensate us generously, providing a substantial amount of money for our services and performances.


The Clan'll talk, Calabama niggaz all'll quit
The Wu-Tang Clan possesses tremendous influence and ability to communicate, causing individuals from a particular region called Calabama to cease their activities and abandon their pursuits.


Talking that short dick shit, we was s'posed to be cool
Engaging in petty and insignificant conversations that revolve around derogatory remarks and insults, as we were initially expected to maintain a positive and harmonious relationship.


Only the clue's on the other end of the stick
However, the evidence and understanding of the situation lies at the polar opposite end of the spectrum, providing a different perspective and revealing the deception.


Somebody let the monkeys out the cage
An individual or group has mistakenly released individuals who exhibit erratic and unpredictable behavior, akin to monkeys being freed from their captivity.


Over-crowded police blood bamboo bimbo
The current situation involves an excessive presence of law enforcement officials who are corrupt and lack integrity, alongside individuals who are easily manipulated and lack intelligence.


Chickenhead skeezer crackrock hoodrat
Furthermore, there are individuals present who display promiscuous and unintelligent behavior, engaging in drug addiction and participating in unlawful activities within impoverished communities.


Ya mother's so cross-eyed, when she cry tears roll down her back
The mother figure you hold dear possesses such a severe case of strabismus that when she becomes emotional and sheds tears, they cascade down her spine rather than following the expected path down her face.


This shit is strong, god damn, what you got in there?
This substance or situation possesses an exceptionally powerful and potent effect, my goodness! I am compelled to inquire about the specific contents within, as it is quite remarkable.


Ya mother's so cross-eyed, when she cry tears roll down her back
Once again, let me emphasize the incredible cross-eyed nature of your beloved mother, as her tears deviate from the usual trajectory and proceed down her spinal column.




Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing, Universal Music Publishing Group, Downtown Music Publishing
Written by: Darryl Robert Hill, George Jr. Clinton, Lamont Hawkins, Patrick Charles, Robert F. Diggs

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Amina Love

I love it!!! I grew up around this music when I was little can't get enough

AlexOVarietyHour

This is a dope track.

Allan Wandall

I found this by searching for "his armpit was rank"

Chris B

We all end up in strange places on YouTube lol

Jeremiah Tayler

It sure was on the CD, I got it on mine, too

Kyler Stevens

George makes this a classic on top of the classic verses so thats like classic classic haha!

kierand76

i think it was a bonus track made just for europe releases it defiantly on this album as i have the cd for it and i got the lyrics from a website so iam not certain if the lyrics are right

supervegeta101

@thebalance888 that shit was hilarious, also that's why it's a bonus track

2HHB

Anyone know why this is not on the spotify album?

mrgreanjeans

I don’t know why they took it off.It was on the original album for sure I had it on cd when it was first released. This track has been removed in a lot of formats. There’s some questionable lyrics and maybe the fact that George fires up at the end(what I don’t know) would be my guess. I know that seems weird given the context… just speculation.

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