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root Lyrics

From The never never tunnels via satellite
Broadcasting from an unknown location through modern technology

Ceremonies be commencing in the candlelight
Formal events are taking place in a dimly lit setting

Yo is I is up in the 'res-in-iduals' tonight
I am present and performing with style and energy tonight

Absolutely because I'm the kid that's on the mic
My confidence and skill on the microphone make me a standout performer

And I believe it's destiny that...
I have a strong conviction that my path was predetermined

I got put in a position to throw lyrics like a shotput
I am compelled to share my words with force and intensity

Yo no matter the circumstance
Regardless of the situation

Thought can always make you dance
Positive thinking can inspire joyfulness and dancing

Like you got the heebie-jeebies or a hotfoot
Causing feelings of nervousness or excitement

The bass is low on the meter, less than zero
The bass is powerfully strong and impressive

So while I'm sinning you be spinning like a planet
I am rapping and performing while you are spinning and mixing music

Yo if you dig the shit I'm sayin' you'll be deeper
If you appreciate and understand my lyrics, you will be more knowledgeable

Wish for little and your wishes shall be granted
Asking for small desires can lead to their fulfillment

We plant the seeds y'all, to grow the roots y'all
We are planting metaphorical seeds to inspire growth in others

And mad knowledge, I got from the archives
I possess vast amounts of knowledge that I have gathered from various sources

But now I got a crazy fat question,
I want to ask a curious and intriguing question

What ever happened to Leonard Parts One to Five?
I am curious about the whereabouts of a specific artistic creation

Why'd you ask me that question? (I don't know)
Confused response to the question being posed

Chariot, Chariot, come swing low 'b'
Invoking biblical imagery of a chariot represented as modern technology

Cause it's on a lower level that I swing low,
My music has a deep and resonant sound

Question, keeps me up, on the swing flow,
My curiosity drives my artistic process

Don't got a whole name, I call him "bro"
Nickname for a close friend or acquaintance

The Roots is comin' through on your audio
The Roots are performing live through the medium of sound

For you to cut The Roots down I don't think so
Criticism of negative comments toward The Roots

Because the sound from the ground is like below
The music created by The Roots is grounded and powerful

And when the liquid kicks in then The Roots grow
The group's artistic abilities are enhanced through the use of substances

Now my ace boom coon plus amigo
A close and trusted friend

Was Shadrach Meshach and N'bendago
Referencing the biblical story of Meshach, Shadrach, and Abednego as a metaphor for strength and unity

There was a Alpha to Omega, motion, system
Allusion to a universal and connected system of life

But I just call them A to O
Simplification of complex ideas into a more understandable form

And in all states, The Roots will rock a fat show
The Roots can perform well in any location or circumstance

Because I drop art like I was Pablo
I create masterful and impressive art similar to Pablo Picasso

But as for cash flow, I don't got no
I am not financially wealthy or successful

Dividends and ends to spend on blow, yo
Money to spend on drugs is not a priority for me

Where did Leonard Parts to Five go?
Reiteration of a curious question about the disappearance of an artistic creation

The second had Oodles and Oodles of..
The second verse contains an abundance of words and rhymes

Speaking of O's, I'm hard to sink like a Cheerio
Making a clever play on words about my buoyancy and skill

And I speak up loud, so you can hear me yo
I project my voice with force so that others can hear and understand me

Is it A Tribe Called Quest? Is it the J.Beez?
Comparing The Roots to other popular and respected hip-hop groups

We're Cool Like dat, but yo we're not the D.P.'s
Acknowledging similarities and differences between The Roots and other groups

It's the group The Roots, with the organic rap style
Clarifying the style and identity of The Roots as a group

Plus the groove from the rhythmic rhyme file
Adding emphasis to the importance of rhythm in hip-hop music

I'm a big fan of the Soul
I have a deep appreciation and respect for soul music

But I'm trying to get this Roots shit in control
I am focused on perfecting the art and identity of The Roots

So I hate when people say,
Expressing frustration with a common comment received

"Umm - you remind me of De La Soul,"
Frequent comparison to another popular hip-hop group

'Cause I got a soul, of my own, and umm
Asserting my unique identity and individuality as an artist

Yo The Roots are taking big steps and
The group is making progress and advancing in their career

You can listen as we progress in
Inviting others to witness and enjoy the journey of artistic growth

Sometimes I might come to teach a lesson
Using music as a platform to share important ideas and learning

Other times it's with a crazy question like..
Occasionally using music to express a quirky and intriguing thought or question

Roots up, Roots up [repeat: x 4]
Chanting of the group's name and symbol of pride and identity

Roots up...
Continuation of the chant