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.
Way Of Life
dead prez Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
(Verse 1)
What you know about the running, the stretching
The cars, the weapons
The path, the journey
The jewels, the learning
The fear, the focus
The contact sparrin', the breaks, the sprains
The trial and error, the ranks, and belts
The spiritual growth, the science of breath
The tests, the techniques
The forms, the stances
The flow, the rhythm, the internal answers
The herbs, the healing, the quiet meditation
The truths reveal through daily dedication
The love for the art, the sweat on your shirt
The mind, the body, and the spirit that work
The feelings of failure, the hope to succeed
The battles of questions like "Should I smoke weed?"
(Verse 2)
The water, the thirst
The cleansing, the blessings
The flash of insights, the teachings, the lessons
The grappling and locking, trapping and boxing
The training and slacking
The starting and stopping
And stayin' committed, when your homies ain't with it
The hours or practice after the class is finished
The cause of your ignorance, flaws in your discipline
Broken laws of nutrition, and pork and dishin'
The vitamins and supplements
Salads and ointments
The kingships, pull joints in doctor appointments
The dues, the pads, the wraps, the gloves
The mouthpiece you left home, the taste of your own blood
The hunger, the blocks
The punches, the squats
The crunches, the example you set for the youngsters
The will, the skills, the kill or the hill
The separation between what's fake and what's real
The laws of physics, The class "comradery"
The vows of humility, the bow, the courtesy.
*guitar plays*
(Sample)
Self defense doesn't mean you run and attack someone
But you do have the right to defend yourself by any means necessary
If you in that position to defend yourself (Ha!)
The lyrics of the song "Way of Life" by dead prez describe in detail the discipline, dedication, and hardships required in pursuing a martial arts or any skill that demands effort and focus. The song describes the highs and lows of the journey, including the physical pain, mental challenges, long hours of practice, and the sacrifices required to achieve success.
The verses elaborate on the different aspects involved in martial arts like the techniques, stances, forms, spiritual growth, and the importance of the body and mind coordination. The lyrics also address other critical components of achieving physical and mental wellness like nutrition/regimen, the struggle against societal pressures (weed smoking contest), and self-defense.
The song drives home the message that achieving excellence in any field takes a certain kind of mindset and requires consistent hard work, discipline, and perseverance.
Line by Line Meaning
What you know about the running, the stretching
Are you familiar with the exertion, and the physical limitations of endurance training?
The cars, the weapons
Do you understand how the modes of transportation and defense can intersect?
The path, the journey
Are you familiar with the route and distance you must travel?
The jewels, the learning
Do you see the value in both material possessions and acquiring knowledge?
The fear, the focus
Can you handle and overcome your apprehensions?
The aches, the pains
Are you familiar with the physical stress of training?
The contact sparrin', the breaks, the sprains
Are you experienced in the controlled physical combat of sparring and the dangers that come with it?
The trial and error, the ranks, and belts
Do you understand the learning process, and the importance of measurable progress?
The spiritual growth, the science of breath
Have you found meaning in your training, and the possibilities of controlling your breath?
The tests, the techniques
Are you familiar with the examinations and the methods taught?
The forms, the stances
Do you understand the foundations and necessary postures?
The flow, the rhythm, the internal answers
Are you able to see the connection between fluidity and balance, and the internal solutions to problems?
The herbs, the healing, the quiet meditation
Are you familiar with the benefits of natural remedies, relaxation, and contemplation?
The truths reveal through daily dedication
Do you recognize the revealed truth through daily hard work?
The love for the art, the sweat on your shirt
Is your dedication rooted in love for the process, and the physical evidence of your work?
The mind, the body, and the spirit that work
Are all three aspects of your being engaged in your training?
The feelings of failure, the hope to succeed
Have you felt the sting of defeat, yet hold onto the optimism to overcome?
The battles of questions like "Should I smoke weed?"
Are you able to discern the positive and negative influences on your training and lifestyle?
The water, the thirst
Are you aware of your hydration needs?
The cleansing, the blessings
Have you acknowledged the spiritual and physical benefits of hygiene?
The flash of insights, the teachings, the lessons
Are you able to grasp moments of clarity, and recognize the valuable lessons within your teachings?
The grappling and locking, trapping and boxing
Are you adept at the precise physical movements of grappling, trapping, and boxing?
The training and slacking
Have you maintained consistent training over time?
The starting and stopping
Are you familiar with the frustrations of inconsistent dedication?
And stayin' committed, when your homies ain't with it
Are you able to maintain your dedication alone, despite lack of support from your peers?
The hours or practice after the class is finished
Do you maintain additional hours of practice beyond class time?
The cause of your ignorance, flaws in your discipline
Can you identify the cause of your mistakes and flaws with disciplined self-awareness?
Broken laws of nutrition, and pork and dishin'
Are you able to recognize flaws in your diet and discontinue harmful dietary practices?
The vitamins and supplements
Do you supplement your diet with appropriate vitamins?
Salads and ointments
Are you attentive to healthy food choices and medicinal remedies?
The kingships, pull joints in doctor appointments
Are you attending to medical appointments and listening to professional advice?
The dues, the pads, the wraps, the gloves
Are you making the necessary investments in your gear?
The mouthpiece you left home, the taste of your own blood
Are you experiencing the consequences of forgetting necessary protective gear?
The hunger, the blocks
Are you able to overcome hunger, distractions, and maintain focus?
The punches, the squats
Are you able to handle the physical demands of both striking and lower body strength training?
The crunches, the example you set for the youngsters
Are you setting an inspiring example for younger generations by your dedication to training?
The will, the skills, the kill or the hill
Do you have both the mindset and the physical capabilities to overcome any obstacle?
The separation between what's fake and what's real
Are you able to distinguish between falsehood and truth in all aspects of life?
The laws of physics, The class "comradery"
Do you understand the physical laws that govern motion in your training? Are you able to appreciate the sense of brotherhood within your classes?
The vows of humility, the bow, the courtesy.
Are you aware of the importance of modesty, respect for others, and traditional signifiers of respect?
Lyrics © Royalty Network
Written by: LAVONNE ALFORD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind