Wolves
Wu-Tang Clan (feat. George Clinton) Lyrics
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Who chased Red through the woods and ate grandma
But a dog is a dog, is a dog, is a dog
Unlike the wolf who made a widower of grandpa
Yo, must I flex my cash to sex yo' ass?
I wet the Ave when I set my path
The 'Vette don't crash, I'm built to long last
Earn my respect, my checks they better cash
Finger on the trigger with my nigga Fred Glass
Knuckles is brass, start snuffin' you fast
Jumpin' outta cabs, grabbin' money bags
Next shot go right through your hovercraft
You do the math my answer tongue slash
When will you learn it's return of Shaft
The genuine thriller, the Miller Draft
My force might blur, the Porsche'll purr
The apple martini, of course it's stirred
I'll do the honor, the Shaolin bomber
Shark skin armor, I'll bring the drama
The fox is kinda foxy, Mr Wolf he's the guy
Who chased Red through the woods and ate grandma
But a dog is a dog, is a dog, is a dog
Unlike the wolf who made a widower of grandpa
Damn, deficatin' on the map
Wu-Tang takin' it back, no fakin' in the rap
How real is that, you niggaz hatin' on the fact
That the kid is blazin' this track and hatin' on 'em back
My dough's stacked up with O's, who the mack
Duckin' po'-po's blowin smoke O's in the 'Llac
To be exact, don't want no hassle with the stack
In the Big Apple, we the rotten apples in the back, yeah
So, it's all grillin', how the fuck y'all feelin'?
Non-stop park killin', on the block we was killin' 'em
The arch villains, when the blood start spillin'
Any stuck start squealin', body bags we was fillin' 'em
Yeah, now I got it in the smash
A ounce of marijuana and a llama in the dash
Me and my comrades followin' the cash
And livin e'ry day like tomorrow is the last
The fox is kinda foxy, Mr Wolf he's the guy
Who chased Red through the woods and ate grandma
But a dog is a dog, is a dog, is a dog
Unlike the wolf who made a widower of grandpa
I'm like the savior dog to ya baby
When you're lost out in the snow
Like a coyote out on the desert
Where the foxes never go and the wolf, they never go
Yo, would you recognize a jewel for what it is when you see it
Or would you take it for somethin' else and get to' the fuck up?
Men come together for the common cause
To beat yo ass just because
There's a line you don't cross offendin' the boss
While of course his one selectin' through your head shot
I'm back in the yard again, the bars callin'
15 sets of this will have you swollen
Ladies like, "Damn papa you lookin' right
I'd love to give you some of this pussy and I'm a dyke"
I write when the energy's right to spark friction
DJ cuttin' it, spinnin' it back mixin'
Great pop knock tickin', poetry description
For the motion picture reenactment
Activate a higher assassin, keep it classic
Rap evolution every black, yo pass that
The fox is kinda foxy, Mr Wolf he's the guy
Who chased Red through the woods and ate grandma
But a dog is a dog, is a dog, is a dog
Unlike the wolf who made a widower of grandpa
I'm like the savior dog to ya baby
When you're lost out in the snow
Like a coyote out on the desert
Where the foxes never go and the wolf, they never go
The song "Wolves" by Wu-Tang Clan featuring George Clinton is a contemplation on the nature of power and loyalty. The opening lines by Clinton set the tone of the song as he compares the fox to Mr. Wolf, emphasizing the latter's dominance over the woods and his role in eating Grandma. Clinton then remarks, "But a dog is a dog is a dog is a dog," highlighting the idea that loyalty is paramount, and that power is nothing without those who are willing to follow.
The rest of the verses continue this theme with Wu-Tang Clan's trademark lyricism, rapping about respect, money, violence, and the struggle for power. Gza's lines, in particular, speak to the dangers of underestimating one's opponents and the importance of being able to recognize a valuable opportunity when it arises.
Overall, "Wolves" is a song that reflects Wu-Tang Clan's enduring fascination with power dynamics and the gritty, often violent realities of life on the streets. The lyrics are both vivid and insightful, illustrating the complexities of human relationships in a world where loyalty and betrayal often walk hand in hand.
Line by Line Meaning
A fox hes got a fox.
George Clinton is saying that a fox has another fox, rather than trying to appear clever by using misdirection and wordplay like a wolf.
Mr. Wolf, hes the guy
The wolf is viewed as the leader or dominant character in the woods.
Who ran the woods and ate Grandma
The wolf terrorized the woods and was guilty of eating Grandma.
But a dog is a dog is a dog is a dog
A dog is a simple creature with no hidden motives or tricks, unlike the wolf.
Unlike the wolf, who made a widower of Grandma
The wolf caused Granny's death and grief to her husband. A dog is incapable of such cunning.
Must I flex my cash, to sex your ass
U-God seems to suggest that his sexual prowess does not have anything to do with the amount of money he has readily available.
I wet the ave, when I set my path
U-God has an overwhelming impact wherever he goes and he will leave a permanent impression.
Earn my respect, my checks they better cash
U-God demands mutual respect from those around him, and if he is owed money, he expects to get paid what is owed to him.
When will ya learn its the return of Shaft
U-God seems to be referring to himself as a legendary movie character, and it's history repeating itself with his return.
Damn, deficatin on the map, Wu-Tang takin it back, no fakin in the rap
Method Man indicates that Wu-Tang Clan is taking back the rap scene and not to be overlooked.
The arch villans, when the blood start spillin, any stuck start squealin, body bags we was fillin em
Method Man elaborates on the danger of the group, their willingness to spill blood and deal with snitches.
Would you recognize a jewel for what it is when you see it
Gza suggests that recognizing something of value is often difficult and requires a discerning eye.
Men come together for the common cause
Gza is talking about the sense of unity and purpose that men share in their missions.
I'm back in the yard again the bars callin
Gza has returned to the studio and feels like he is called back to jail for his musical talent.
I'm like the savior dog to ya baby when your lost down in the snow
George Clinton believes he is like a dog who saves a lost child in the snow. Dogs are considered trustworthy animals who are willing to help when their owners are in need.
Like a coyote out in the desert
Coyotes are often viewed as outsiders who are harmlessly trying to survive.
When the first will never go, and the wolf, they never go
George Clinton is suggesting that some things, like coyotes and wolves, will not change and are therefore trustworthy because of their consistency.
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing, Universal Music Publishing Group, Downtown Music Publishing
Written by: Clifford Smith, Elgin Turner, George Clinton, Lamont Hawkins, Robert F. Diggs
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
John E
U-God is amazing. The fact that U-God is generally seen as one of the weaker members of Wu, only proves how extremely high the level of talent in the group is.
John E
I feel this song is mad underappreciated and overlooked.
gardensofthegods
I don't really remember getting hardly any airplay back in the day... but it's definitely a great modern classic that will always sound as good now as it did the first time you heard it... they don't write music like this nowadays
gucci the 9
definitely, I wish it stayed highly relevant for longer.
Gino Novak
Facts
Danny Knighten
Facts!! I’m still here in 2021 still banging this
Anonymous The General
Agreed
gardensofthegods
You know this is a great modern classic because it sounds as good now as the first time you heard it years ago... and it never gets old.. they're not writing music like this now a days .. or like criminology .
gardensofthegods
1/1/23
2:19 p.m. CST
Los Aguilar
We TRULY ARE BLESSED TO BE ABLE TO HEAR WU!!!! PEACE TO ALL MY REAL WU HEADS!! WU TANG POR VIDA!!!