Jean moved to Brooklyn, New York when he was nine, then to Northern New Jersey, where he began playing the guitar and studying jazz in his high school. In 1987, Jean, his friend (so close they told people they were cousins growing up) Prakazrel Michel (Pras) and his classmate, Lauryn Hill, formed a group called the Tranzlator Crew before becoming The Fugees. Wyclef worked as a cabdriver.
Recently he has been finding success as a collaborator - with his turn on Shakira's 2006 track 'Hips Don't Lie' hitting number one in many countries around the world.
In August of 2010, Jean announced his intent to seek the presidency of Haiti. This move came after his increasingly-high profile humanitarian work in the wake of the earthquake that devastated that nation.
I Pray
Wyclef Jean Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Wyclef Jean, I just landed in Jamaica
I Pray
For China man
I pray, for Vybz Kartel yea
I pray, for Ninja Man yea I
And ma brother Buju Banton
Amma do this one fah ma homies gone, yea
The judge hit the hammer they ain’t coming home, (nah)
We all up from the danger zone (True)
Dah devil pull the card and he said choose one (choose one)
I chose music ma homies chose yeaa
Some of ma ballers chose the NBA
Cousins on da block man dey gang bang gang bang
Funeral parlors make all dah change yea
Yoo when ma cousins got his first cut yea
I was playing Jimi Hendrix in the basement
All I wanted to be was a rockstar
And all he wanted to be was a Escobar, El Chapo, El Chapo
All he wanted to be was a Escobar, El Chapo, El Chapo
Gone, gone
Gone to November he ain’t coming back
I was talking bout ma homies man dat sold crack
Gone from the track hit from the back they hit the steal
Like the hour boy thats hitting on dah dollar bill
Welcome to the rotten apple, The city of lights
No matter how day shine it cyaa steal the nights
Cause wen da ghost knock knock jus before yuh get
Right out at yuh chest
The eagle raid the cucoos nest
Hey amma do this one fah ma homies gone, yea
The judge hit the hammer they ain’t coming home, (nah)
We all up from the danger zone (True)
Dah devil pull the card and he said choose one (choose one)
I chose music ma homies chose yeaa
Some of ma ballers chose the NBA
Cousins on da block man dey gang bang (gang bang)
Funeral parlors make all dah change yea
Yoo when ma cousins got his first take yea
I was playing Mr Marley in the basement
All I wanted to be was a rockstar
And all he wanted to be was an Escobar, El Chapo, El Chapo
All he wanted to be was an Escobar, El Chapo, El Chapo
All he wanted to be was an Escobar
Father
Father, father yea
Spirit
Spirit, Spirt
An wah we tell dem again, yea
When ma cousins got his first cut yea
I was playing Jimmi Hendrix in the basement
All I wanted to be was a rockstar
And all he wanted to be was a Escobar, El Chapo El Chapo
All he wanted to be was a Escobar, El Chapo El Chapo
All he wanted to be was a Escobar
Aye-I Wyclef Jean
Oh all we wanted to be was an Escobar
I Pray
I wanna talk to dah ghetto yutes dem
The lyrics to "I Pray" by Wyclef Jean are a powerful narrative that delves into the struggles and yearnings of individuals caught in difficult circumstances, particularly those affected by violence and criminality. The song opens with an invocation of Jah, highlighting the theme of spirituality and seeking protection from evil forces. The setting of Jamaica adds a layer of cultural context to the lyrics, grounding the narrative in a specific location and community.
The lyrics express a heartfelt prayer for individuals like Vybz Kartel, Ninja Man, Buju Banton, and others who are facing challenges and hoping for a better future. Wyclef Jean reflects on the choices made by himself and his friends, with some pursuing music as an escape while others end up in dangerous situations like gang involvement and drug dealing. The reference to famous figures like Escobar and El Chapo underscores the allure of power and wealth in contrast to the reality of destruction and loss that often accompanies such paths.
The imagery of a fallen comrade who will not return and the lament for those lost to violence paints a somber picture of the harsh realities faced by many in disadvantaged communities. The mention of New York City as the "rotten apple" symbolizes the darker aspects of urban life, where economic hardships and societal pressures often push individuals towards destructive behaviors. The choice between music, sports, or criminal activities reflects the limited options available to young people striving for a way out.
The repetition of the chorus "I Pray" underscores the plea for divine intervention and guidance in a world filled with temptation and danger. Wyclef Jean's introspective lyrics reveal a deep empathy for those entangled in difficult circumstances, as he reflects on his own aspirations and the divergent paths taken by his peers. Ultimately, the song conveys a message of hope and resilience, urging listeners to pay attention to the struggles of marginalized communities and offer support to those in need.
Line by Line Meaning
Jah over evil
God's power is greater than evil influences
Wyclef Jean, I just landed in Jamaica
Arriving in Jamaica, feeling connected to the culture and people
I Pray
Seeking guidance and protection through prayer
For China man
Praying for individuals from China
I pray, for Vybz Kartel yea
Asking for blessings for Vybz Kartel
I pray, for Ninja Man yea I
Requesting divine help for Ninja Man
And ma brother Buju Banton
Seeking support for Buju Banton
Soon come home yea
Hoping for their safe return
Amma do this one fah ma homies gone, yea
Dedicating this song to friends who have passed away
The judge hit the hammer they ain’t coming home, (nah)
Acceptance of the fact that some won't return
We all up from the danger zone (True)
Having escaped a life of danger
Dah devil pull the card and he said choose one (choose one)
Facing a difficult decision influenced by temptation
I chose music ma homies chose yeaa
Being drawn to music, while others chose a different path
Some of ma ballers chose the NBA
Some friends pursued a career in basketball
Cousins on da block man dey gang bang gang bang
Family members involved in gang activity
Funeral parlors make all dah change yea
Deaths impacting the community and causing change
Yoo when ma cousins got his first cut yea
Reflecting on a moment of realization or change
All I wanted to be was a rockstar
Dreaming of fame and success in the music industry
And all he wanted to be was a Escobar, El Chapo, El Chapo
Desiring power and influence like infamous drug lords
Gone, gone
Lost to a dangerous lifestyle
Gone to November he ain’t coming back
Leaving for a place of no return
I was talking bout ma homies man dat sold crack
Acknowledging the dangerous activities of friends
Welcome to the rotten apple, The city of lights
Reference to New York City, known for its contradictions
The eagle raid the cucoos nest
Authority figures targeting vulnerable individuals
Father, father yea
Seeking spiritual guidance and support
Spirit, Spirt
Calling upon a higher power for strength
An wah we tell dem again, yea
Reiterating a message or warning to others
Aye-I Wyclef Jean
Acknowledging the artist behind the song
Oh all we wanted to be was an Escobar
Reflecting on the allure of wealth and power
I wanna talk to dah ghetto yutes dem
Expressing a desire to connect with young people in the neighborhood
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: BARRY REESE, DEVON GOLDER, LAMONT COLEMAN, SEAN LASSITER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Kavansa Kay Enook
When you think you couldn't fall deeper for Wyclef - His voice an Angel!
reba cassius
lol, these people crazy
Jvd Dormil
Kay Shaun right lol
Keymo Dennis
Wyclef been making some powerful music.. the content of this song is inspirational
Samba Nelly
Everything Wyclef Jean makes is incredible 🔥🔥
Jeannie Toussaint
I love wyclef so much and shout-out to all Jamaicans. We are One.
TrTveT
Just don't let him orginize humanitarian concerts in case he robs you too
sabelo mngomezulu
4yrs and I still feel it, big tune
Don Original
Congrats Clef, I am a haitian who have much respect for the Jamaicans our brothers and sisters.Love all the way up!
Espikenson Luxama
Wherever you are Haiti with you we are black all black in the world are brothers and sisters