Hangman
billy woods/Kenny Segal Lyrics

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Matisse without the colors
Sharp teeth, new lovers
Suck me deep, heartbeat in my jugular
Snow-capped peaks, rugged
Hindu kush, a Sikh surrounded by thuggers
Chasing dragons on aluminum sheets
It's flying carpets out this motherfucker
I don't sleep, I hover outside myself, watching my body survive

My shell mechanical
People paralyzed by the lies they tell theyself to make it manageable
I know the count right, but I recount on sleepless nights because it's tangible
Any day could be the day they frogmarch you in manacles

Paper and pencil, I wrote the verse like hangman
No need to ask who sent you, it was always just a question of when
An ill wind in the trees, saplings bend
That bird in the hand squeezed dead

I'ma keep it real with you, it's the things you can't undo
The past, the black Rubik's cube
A time-lapse, running in place like old cartoons
I'm old, I go in the booth like cocoon
Rappers' protégés get too big, drift out of orbit, rogue moons
I be the only one laughing in the room, niggas unamused
I crack a smile at what you say is the truth
I be dead serious, laughing in the stu'
Dead ass gas got him gasping at the fumes
Doja pak with the tax, it's giving shrooms
Deathproof, the deathtrap goes vroom, vroom
Adx Supermax born again in a dead womb
Payback always in exact but I be squinting over measuring spoons
Before seeking revenge, dig two graves, gon' need one for you
One for them, one for you
One for them, one for you
One for them

Paper and pencil, I wrote the verse like hangman
No need to ask who sent you, it was always just a question of when
An ill wind in the trees, saplings bend
That bird in the hand squeezed dead

They only want niggas to have a little bit of fun
If I get to talking some mess on your show
They'll take your show, they'll fix you too
If you have too much fun
So, if you're black and you're around white folks

Don't have too much fun
Just grin a little bit, don't grin all the time, nigga

Overall Meaning

The first verse of "Hangman" by billy woods and Kenny Segal is a complex, vivid portrayal of the artist's inner turmoil and external surroundings. The opening lines juxtapose artistic beauty with raw intensity, referencing Matisse and sharp teeth, highlighting a contrast that may represent the inner conflict within the artist. The mention of new lovers and deep desires suggests a yearning for intimacy and connection amidst a rugged and hostile environment. The imagery of snow-capped peaks and chasing dragons on aluminum sheets invokes a sense of danger and mythical exploration, illustrating a surreal and chaotic existence. The theme of dissociation is also prevalent, as the artist describes hovering outside himself and closely observing his own survival, highlighting a disconnect between mind and body.

The second verse delves into the idea of writing as a form of expression and self-reflection, likening the process to playing a game of hangman. The artist implies a sense of inevitability in their words, suggesting that the message they convey was always meant to come to fruition. The reference to an ill wind in the trees and a dead bird in hand evokes a sense of foreboding and loss, adding a layer of dark imagery to the contemplation of fate and consequence. The verses reflect on the weight of past actions and the inescapable nature of time, emphasizing the complexity of life and the choices we make.

The third verse delves deeper into themes of regret, growth, and transformation. The artist grapples with the idea of irreversible mistakes and the complexities of life, comparing the past to a black Rubik's cube that cannot be undone. The imagery of running in place like old cartoons conveys a sense of futility and repetition in trying to escape the past. The artist's introspection leads to a realization of the transient nature of fame and influence, highlighting the impermanence of success and the tendency for proteges to drift away from their origins. The sense of detachment from the expectations of others is palpable, as the artist stands alone in their truth and finds solace in their own introspection.

The final verse touches on themes of racial dynamics and societal expectations, addressing the challenges faced by black individuals in predominantly white spaces. The admonition to not have too much fun and be cautious about displaying too much joy reflects the underlying tensions and microaggressions experienced by marginalized communities. The advice to grin a little but not too much speaks to the delicate balance that people of color often have to navigate in order to be accepted in predominantly white environments. Overall, "Hangman" is a layered and thought-provoking exploration of personal struggle, societal pressures, and the complexities of identity in a turbulent world.

Line by Line Meaning

Matisse without the colors
Expressing beauty and artistry but lacking vibrancy and depth

Sharp teeth, new lovers
The intensity of new relationships and the potential for harm

Suck me deep, heartbeat in my jugular
An intense, deep connection with danger lurking close by

Snow-capped peaks, rugged
The cold, harsh beauty of challenging environments

Hindu kush, a Sikh surrounded by thuggers
A sense of cultural and religious identity amidst chaos and violence

Chasing dragons on aluminum sheets
Engaging in dangerous pursuits on unstable foundations

It's flying carpets out this motherfucker
Escaping reality through imagination and fantasy

I don't sleep, I hover outside myself, watching my body survive
Feeling disconnected from oneself and observing life from a distance

My shell mechanical
Feeling robotic and detached from emotions

People paralyzed by the lies they tell themselves to make it manageable
Being trapped in self-deception to cope with difficult realities

I know the count right, but I recount on sleepless nights because it's tangible
Revisiting past mistakes and regrets late at night, searching for clarity

Any day could be the day they frogmarch you in manacles
The constant fear of being arrested and imprisoned at any moment

Paper and pencil, I wrote the verse like hangman
Crafting lyrics with skill and precision, like a challenging game

No need to ask who sent you, it was always just a question of when
Acknowledging inevitability and the unknown source of influence

An ill wind in the trees, saplings bend
Feeling the impact of negativity and adversity on growth and development

That bird in the hand squeezed dead
Losing something valuable and familiar due to greed or carelessness

I'ma keep it real with you, it's the things you can't undo
Facing the consequence of irreversible actions and choices

The past, the black Rubik's cube
A complex and unresolved history that is difficult to navigate

A time-lapse, running in place like old cartoons
Feeling stuck in a cycle of repetition and stagnation

I'm old, I go in the booth like cocoon
Retreating into a creative space for transformation and growth

Rappers' protégés get too big, drift out of orbit, rogue moons
Young talents becoming detached and lost in their own fame and success

I be the only one laughing in the room, niggas unamused
Seeing humor and irony in a situation while others remain serious

I crack a smile at what you say is the truth
Finding amusement in the contradictions and hypocrisy of others

I be dead serious, laughing in the stu'
Balancing humor with a sense of gravity and sincerity

Dead ass gas got him gasping at the fumes
Overwhelmed and shocked by the intensity of a situation

Doja pak with the tax, it's giving shrooms
Mixing substances and experiences to alter perception

Deathproof, the deathtrap goes vroom, vroom
Invoking a sense of invincibility in the face of danger and risk

Adx Supermax born again in a dead womb
Being reborn into a harsh and unforgiving environment

Payback always in exact but I be squinting over measuring spoons
Seeking revenge with precision and hesitation due to uncertainty

Before seeking revenge, dig two graves, gon' need one for you
Understanding the consequences of seeking vengeance, it leads to destruction

One for them, one for you
The cycle of violence and retribution, causing harm to oneself and others

They only want niggas to have a little bit of fun
Facing oppression and limitation on joy and expression as a black individual

If I get to talking some mess on your show
Voicing dissent and truth in a public platform

They'll take your show, they'll fix you too
Experiencing censorship and consequences for speaking out

If you have too much fun
Being punished for enjoying oneself too freely

So, if you're black and you're around white folks
Navigating racism and discrimination in social settings

Don't have too much fun
Being cautious and restrained to avoid backlash and punishment

Just grin a little bit, don't grin all the time, nigga
Displaying resilience and defiance while dealing with oppression

Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: billy woods

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

x3i4n

50w↑9

Matisse without the colors
Sharp teeth, new lovers
Suck me deep, heart beat in my jugular
Snow-capped peaks, rugged
Hindu kush, hasids surrounded by thuggers
Chasing dragons on aluminum sheets
It's flying carpets out this motherfucker
I don't sleep, I hover outside myself, watching my body survive
My shell mechanical
People paralyzed by the lies they tell theyself to make it manageable
I know the count right, but I recount on sleepless nights because it's tangible

All comments from YouTube:

Will Rosales

51w↑47

That ominous trombone in the backround is haunting. Absolutely incredible

SupremeUnit

51w↑26

My favourite kind of beat for Woods to go over, sparse and almost apocalyptic
This and other songs like Keloid sound like they're heralding the End of Days