They are known for their sometimes confrontational style, combined with socialist lyrics focused on both militant social justice, and also positivity. The duo maintains an ethical stance against corporate control over the media, especially hip-hop record labels.
A New Beginning
dead prez Lyrics
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There's nothing to discuss. Just make adjustments, time is up
This crazy world we live in, they taking, ain't no giving
Consuming, not producing. We got a problem, Houston
Its worse than genocide, they get inside your mind
Tricked 'ya. You thought the finish line was 1999, didn't 'ya?
Try to save the trees but you can't go green without that black and red
If we gon' get free we got to change that light bulb in our head
The end of the world don't mean too much to us
It's a new beginning
Ashes to ashes, dust to dust to us
It's a new beginning
Stock market crashing daily, they say that times are scary
They dollar's losing value, but the hood knew that already
The price of gas been rising, at times we can't afford it
The oil supply is leaking, facing a global shortage
According to news reporters, every year its getting warmer
These violent weather patterns, some say it's just nature's karma
They planting they seeds of fearing, genetic engineering
Interfering with the crops and now the bees are disappearing
Don't know what is upon us, just know one thing for certain
Change is so necessary cause they system is not working
Maybe it would take destruction to make a better world
And if that's what it takes then I hope Babylon just keep on burning
We, we got a problem, Houston
We, we got a problem, Houston
We, we got a problem, Houston
The end of the world don't mean too much to us
It's a new beginning
Ashes to ashes, dust to dust to us
It's a new beginning
The end of the world don't mean too much to us
It's a new beginning
Ashes to ashes, dust to dust to us
It's a new beginning
The end of the world don't mean too much to us
It's a new beginning
Ashes to ashes, dust to dust to us
It's a new beginning
In Dead Prez's song A New Beginning, the lyrics make it clear that societal change is necessary. The opening lines subtly convey that the current situation is not new and the time for discussion is over; we must make adjustments now. The world we live in is all about taking and not giving back, which is leading to a problematic situation. The song states that the problem is worse than genocide and can get inside your mind - a reference to how the masses are being brainwashed to believe in the existing system. The line "You thought the finish line was 1999, didn't 'ya?" is referring to the computer systems' predicted catastrophe on 31st December 1999. But the song points out how society has evolved, and the issue of change is more significant.
The song continues to touch on important issues such as the economy, the environment, and how genetically modified agriculture is killing off bees. The song refutes nature's karma as a reason for natural disasters and shows that mankind's interference is causing climatic changes. Finally, the song concludes with the idea that maybe destruction is the only way out, and just hoping that the current system will burn.
To summarize, Dead Prez's song A New Beginning addresses several issues that affect our society. The lyrics suggest that change is necessary to alleviate these issues, and if we don't bring about change, destruction may be the only solution.
Line by Line Meaning
Times is getting rough, huh? That's nothing new to us
Life's hardships are inevitable, and we've grown accustomed to them
There's nothing to discuss. Just make adjustments, time is up
Instead of discussing problems, it's time to take action and adjust accordingly
This crazy world we live in, they taking, ain't no giving
The world we live in is unfair - with people taking more than they give
Consuming, not producing. We got a problem, Houston
Society's focus is on consumption rather than production, and it's becoming a problem
Its worse than genocide, they get inside your mind
The harm caused by manipulation of thoughts and beliefs is worse than that of genocide
Tricked 'ya. You thought the finish line was 1999, didn't 'ya?
People were misled into thinking that the year 1999 represented some sort of end or finish line
Try to save the trees but you can't go green without that black and red
Transitioning to a more environmentally friendly society requires a change in economic systems and power structures
If we gon' get free we got to change that light bulb in our head
To achieve freedom, individuals must change their mindset and way of thinking
The end of the world don't mean too much to us
It's a new beginning
Ashes to ashes, dust to dust to us
It's a new beginning
The end of the world isn't important to us, as it represents a new beginning and a cycle of life and death
Stock market crashing daily, they say that times are scary
The constant stock market crashes and economic instability lead to fear in society
They dollar's losing value, but the hood knew that already
The devaluation of the dollar has a greater impact on those living in lower-income areas
The price of gas been rising, at times we can't afford it
The rising cost of gas makes it difficult for some individuals to afford basic necessities like transportation
The oil supply is leaking, facing a global shortage
The continual loss of oil reserves contributes to a global shortage of resources
According to news reporters, every year its getting warmer
The media reports that the Earth's temperature is rising each year due to climate change
These violent weather patterns, some say it's just nature's karma
Some believe that the extreme weather events we experience are a result of humanity's mistreatment of the planet
They planting they seeds of fearing, genetic engineering
People use fear and manipulation to control others, and genetic engineering further complicates our relationship with nature
Interfering with the crops and now the bees are disappearing
Manipulating and changing natural ecosystems can lead to the disappearance of important species like bees
Don't know what is upon us, just know one thing for certain
We may not know what the future holds, but we know that change is necessary
Change is so necessary cause they system is not working
The current system is flawed and not working for the benefit of all individuals in society
Maybe it would take destruction to make a better world
And if that's what it takes then I hope Babylon just keep on burning
Destruction may be necessary for necessary change to occur, and Babylon (a metaphorical representation of oppressive power structures) could be destroyed in this process
We, we got a problem, Houston
There are major problems in society that need to be addressed
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: CLAYTON ANGELO GAVIN, DIRK PATE, LAVONNE ALFORD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@donaldkimbro470
This CD is astounding. Still relevant almost 10 years later.
@bilalmega3349
This song is even more prolific today than when they made it. One of the best rap duos of all time. All facts 💯. Big respect to one of my favorite groups who created part of the soundtrack of my life.
@EspydelaO
Luv this song. Go Dead Prez!!Â
@xochidelao6885
Dead Prez is amazing.. I love this song.:-) :-) :-)
@godos23
Tryina save the trees but you can’t go green without that black and red...DEEP! Translation; to go green (Change our ways from oil to green) first black (burn everything down to ashes) then red (blood, people have to die)....smh...these boyz are the real shit!!
@joelswe86
Love this song!! I have much respect for the hip-hop culture #Itsbiggerthan hip-hop#
@RyanEm
i love this album
@StanginNbangin
STILL BUMPIN IN 2018
@PatrickPierceBateman
2022*
@darkcyansky
love it