Footprints
a Tribe Lyrics

As we start trudgin', me and my brothers, we be lookin' and be buggin'
As we begin walking, united and alert, we observe our surroundings intently.

Vehicles of life, they be rollin' and be mergin'
Life's opportunities and challenges continually present themselves.

Searchin' for the virgins of life
We seek unexplored and unclaimed parts of life.

That be shovin' out the door, that's crack
We avoid negative influences that lead to destruction or addiction.

The valleys of time are always on my feet
We carry our experiences and memories with us, always grounded in the past.

As least the beat will combine
At the very least, music will bring us together.

The calluses and corns, with the funky bass-line
Just like the physical demands of walking, life's challenges are balanced by its joys and pleasures.

You don't need underdog for a nickel shoeshine or the shoes that's phat
You don't need to be an outsider or have flashy possessions to do well in life.

Well, can I get a level on the bass and on the treble?
Can we make sure the music is balanced and clear?

Footin' up and down like a U-N-L-V rebel
We walk with confidence, unyielding in the face of adversity.

The answer be amongst us 'cause we rarely dig acoustics
The solution to life's problems is often within our grasp, but we need to listen closely and seek it out.

Can't be too much flackin', not too much packin'
We can't waste time on negativity or excess baggage if we want to move forward in life.

You must container that, at least to dip your hand in rap
We need to control our negative impulses, at least in order to immerse ourselves in creative expression like music.

Your feet will be infectious, so at least realize the fact
Our actions and attitudes can have an impact on those around us, so we need to be aware of our influence.

The rhythms are inserted, and the nurse can be converted
The power of music can heal and transform us.

This ain't rock 'n' roll 'cause the rap is in control
Our music reflects our unique cultural perspective and worldview.

If you're a megastar, worth will buy you a car
Money and fame are not the keys to happiness nor do they guarantee success.

I'd rather go barefootin', for prints I will be puttin'
I would rather go through life unencumbered, leaving my mark on the world through my actions and creativity.

All over the Earth if we can get there first
We aspire to be pioneers, exploring and advancing the boundaries of human experience and knowledge.

Now that we are in it, footprints are bein' printed,
Now that we are engaging with life, we are making our mark on the world.

So if you recognize 'em you can try to size 'em.
If you see our achievements and contributions, you can try to measure their significance and impact.

They'll probably be the ones with the size not fryin'
Our accomplishments will likely be substantial and lasting, rather than fleeting or inconsequential.

All over reveal, you won't have to yield
Our hard work and progress will be visible and impactful, and we won't have to give up or lose ground.

If you want protection you can hide behind the shield
If you want to play it safe, you can try to avoid risks and seek security, but that won't lead to growth or fulfillment.

You can game on the gallons if you really need to rock
If you really need to achieve something, you can use whatever resources are available to you.

But we walk while we talk as we stompin' through the block
We live our lives authentically and with purpose, walking the walk rather than just talking the talk.

Hand in hand, 'cross the land, as Muhammad cross the fade
We are united and working together, like the legendary boxer crosses his arms in defiance.

It's a Tribe who meanders, precious like a jade
We take a winding and unconventional path, like the precious gemstone of jade.

It's a art, Theo arch rhymes the ground placed upon
Our music is a work of art, reflecting our unique perspectives and experiences.

The mind will unwind, it will soft to beyond
Our music has a calming and transcendent effect on the listener's mind and spirit.

Catch the track, track by trac, get a map to track a trail
We need to stay focused and attentive, plotting our course with precision and care.

You will find yourself behind, for a map does not prevail
If you rely too heavily on plans and maps, you may miss out on opportunities or unexpected developments.

See the levels peakin' as the rhythms keep-a screechin'
Our music reaches new heights of intensity and excitement, as we reach for new levels of achievement.

A quest, oh yes, a quest inside the jam, I will keep preachin'
Our music is infused with a sense of purpose and urgency, as we strive to make a difference.

The point, oh yes, the point, because it's close, but, yet, so far
We are always pushing towards a goal, which is tantalizingly close yet always just out of reach.

The loudiness is ringin' as we scoot across the star
Our music is vibrant and powerful, as we race through life's challenges and achieve new successes.

We are bulgin', I'm indulgin' in a rat-a-tat-tat
We are bursting with energy and passion, always exploring new avenues of expression.

Explanation for the liners that the rhythm is phat
We offer commentary and reflection on our music and its significance.

Keep it wild, wide, and deep; you could dig it in a jeep
Our music is expansive and multifaceted, engaging and relevant to people from all walks of life.

But dig it in the ground because the foot print now
We are leaving our mark on the world, making our impact through our creative work.

If there's a storm that's brewin', it won't keep us from doin'
No matter what obstacles we face, we won't be deterred from pursuing our dreams and goals.

Our thing, as we start swingin', travellin' is bringin'
Our creative expression is essential to who we are, and we won't stop sharing it as we travel through life.

Joy inside the domes as we hit the road to roam
We find joy and fulfillment as we venture out and explore the world around us.

A chair is not a chair, a house is not a home
We seek deeper meaning and purpose beyond material possessions or comfort.

Because my skin is brown, yo, I'm gonna do the town
Our identity and culture are integral to who we are, and we won't shy away from celebrating them.

Rub it in the face, and rub my feet all through the place
We take pride in our cultural heritage and express it through our music and actions.

When you get your finger on the music, it'll linger
Once you connect with our music, it will stay with you, impacting you on a deep level.

Sing a song o' sixpence, sing it like a singer
We encourage others to express themselves creatively and authentically, using their unique voice and perspective.

A Nubian, a Nubian, a proud one at that
We take pride in our African heritage and identity, celebrating it through our music and art.

Remember me? The brother who said, 'black is black'
We take a strong stand against racism and discrimination, using our platform to promote equality and justice.

You can come by request, I don't play, I don't dress
We remain true to ourselves, not trying to fit in or appeal to the masses.

Get emotions off your chest, we are black, we the best
We encourage others to express their feelings and identity, celebrating and lifting up black culture and achievements.

Makin' moves, makin' motions, flowin' like an ocean
We are constantly pushing forward and evolving, like the ebb and flow of the ocean.

The walkin' will continue, we know that we will bring you
We will keep pushing forward and creating, knowing that our work will touch and inspire others.

The times that you have waited, more anticipated
We understand that our fans and supporters are eagerly awaiting our next work, and we will strive to deliver.

Be gone, but not for long, because the feet will stay strong
Although we may temporarily step back or struggle, we will remain committed and motivated to our work and purpose.