Slow Down
t.i. & wyclef Lyrics
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We cry for peace (uh-huh) but we live for war
(You know I got that chopper in the Chevy, what it is?)
We ain't start the wiretaps, down in Baltimore
(But I'm still slangin' bricks where I live)
Sometimes she love me, sometimes she love me not
(Doin' ten, now my girl turnin' tricks at the crib)
Bullet take out those eyes, when they in the city Chi'
Evil lurks, in the heavenly disguise
(Tryin' to get the root of all evil, 'bout a mill')
I seen two birds, crash into two New York giants
(Bush still lyin', he don't never keep it real)
I wish Katrina spoke French at the Quarter to New Orleans
(Haha, what you'da told her daddy?)
I woulda spoke French back, seduced her stoned (okay)
Told her "Je t'aime!", please don't rain on my people!
Where'd the hope go? Where'd the hope go (I don't know)
I seen the whole world turn into a war zone (what?)
Ain't no love in the city keep your vest on (that right)
Guns 'n Roses, "Welcome to the Jungle"
On the flip side (ay) she shakin' her back side (shake it for me)
That's the only way tuition' gon' come right
He got a crush on Mary Jean (ay, ay)
Unless you got five on she ain't doin' her thang
(Come on, you know you need to)
Slow doww-ow-ow-own, young girl
Keep it real hon', got to keep it real hon'
Unless she slow down, somebody gon' crash
(Come on, you know you need to)
Slow dow-ow-ow-own, young girl
Keep it real hon, got to keep it real hon (Ay ay, you know we used to)
(You know we used to, ay ay ay ay ay) unless she slow down, somebody gon' crash (okay)
If you livin in the street, you know you livin free
(And if you ain't you doin time like me)
Thugs with the heat, are the coldest ones to meet
(And you can catch yourself a case and get a five, do three)
We flyi'n high, but still can't touch the sky
(But on conspiracy you doin' ten at the least)
Everbody's a gangster, but nobody wanna die
(With all this snitchin' you might never see the streets)
Nuclear testin, replacin' the SAT's
(With all this goin' on, why they worried 'bout me?)
Stem cell research, there's another you, another me
(I'm just hustlin' in the streets tryin' to flip a couple ki's)
What goes up must come down, the laws of gravity
(I know I seen it happen to my partner Big Meech)
(We miss you shorty!) To win at chess
You've got to trap the king
Where'd the hope go? Where'd the hope go (I don't know)
I seen the whole world turn into a war zone (what?)
Ain't no love in the city keep your vest on (that right)
Guns 'n Roses, "Welcome to the Jungle"
On the flip side (ay) she shakin' her back side (shake it for me)
That's the only way tuition gon' come right
He got a crush on Mary Jean (ay, ay)
Unless you got five on she ain't doin' her thang
Slow dow-ow-ow-own, young girl
Keep it real hon, got to keep it real hon'
Unless you slow down, somebody gon' crash
(Come on, you know you need to) Slow dow-ow-ow-own, young girl
(Ay ay, you know we used to) keep it real hon', got to keep it real hon'
Unless you slow down, somebody gon' crash (okay)
E'rybody know we gon' keep rollin' when the police rollin
And your coke dealer told 'em what you doin
Boy you better slow down, ay, ay, slow down, ay
You wanna show 'em that the dope keep comin
But these sheep keep runnin 'they mouth
They'll have you stuntin' jacker comin
Boy you better slow down, ay, ay, e'rytime homeboy
Slow down, start snitchin', ay, ay, homebwoi
Hey I remember get money, all we did was get money
'Til the feds raided the trap and they took my (thang) from me
Put me in a room alone, separated the click from me
Next thing you my lawyer said (my partner snitched on me)
Now ain't that a bitch homey? (They ain't had a thing) on us
Until you started tellin', now they talkin big numbers
We coulda split charges up, missed five or six summers
Instead you tryin to talk, tellin so you can walk
How could you tell 'em who we sold told to? E'rything we bought?
How we used to get in all the way 'til we can ship it off?
(Who woulda thought?) Hey, hey keep it pimpin', wait a minute
(Whoa!) Hey, hey hey keep it pimpin', wait a minute, ay
Where'd the hope go, where'd the hope go
I seen the whole world turn into a war zone (what?)
Ain't no love in the city keep your vest on (that right)
Guns 'n' Roses, "Welcome to the Jungle"
On the flip side (ay) she shaki'n her back side
That's the only way tuition gon' come right
He got a crush on Mary Jean (ay, ay)
Unless you got five on she ain't doin' her thang
Slow dow-ow-ow-own, young girl
Keep it real hon', got to keep it real hon'
Unless she slow down, somebody gon' crash
(Come on, you know you need to)
Slow dow-ow-ow-own, young girl
(Ay ay, you know we used to) keep it real hon', got to keep it real hon' (you know we used to, ay ay ay ay ay)
Unless you slow down, somebody gon' crash (c'mon)
I'mma let my guitar do the talkin' now, okay?
The lyrics of T.I. & Wyclef's song "Slow Down" describe the state of the world where everyone is seeking peace, but in reality, they are living in chaos and destruction. The song reflects on various societal issues, such as crime, drug use, and the fear of death. The lyrics address the dangers of trying to make quick money, living in the streets, and dealing with corrupt authorities. The song suggests that the key to achieving success is in keeping it real and taking things slow, as opposed to chasing materialistic possessions and instant gratification.
The song also talks about the importance of hope and the effects of losing it. It highlights the shift in the world towards a more violent and ruthless society, where people are more concerned about their immediate success than the welfare of others. The song talks about the consequences of such actions and how it makes the world a more dangerous place to live in. The lyrics aim to inspire listeners to slow down and refocus their attention on the things that matter most, such as family, friends, and good health.
Line by Line Meaning
Ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three, two, one
Countdown to a critical moment.
We cry for peace (uh-huh) but we live for war
Humans crave peace but resort to war instead of seeking peaceable solutions.
We ain't start the wiretaps, down in Baltimore
We may not be guilty, but we continue doing illicit trade, violence, and activities.
Sometimes she love me, sometimes she love me not
Love is never constant, but rather an ebb and flow.
Bullet take out those eyes, when they in the city Chi'
Shootouts are lethal and merciless.
Evil lurks, in the heavenly disguise
Misdeeds are hidden, presented, and excused in the form of virtues, justice, or other sanctity symbols.
I seen two birds, crash into two New York giants
Political leaders show no care or responsibility for their citizens even in a crisis.
I wish Katrina spoke French at the Quarter to New Orleans
It is impossible to undo disasters and calamities even though people wish it did not happen.
Where'd the hope go? Where'd the hope go (I don't know)
Despair, pessimism, and disillusionment can lead to a loss of hope.
I seen the whole world turn into a war zone (what?)
Conflict and hostility are pervasive, infecting entire nations and regions.
Ain't no love in the city keep your vest on (that right)
Cities are breeding grounds for violence, hostility, and danger.
Guns 'n Roses, "Welcome to the Jungle"
The fierce and challenging environment of the urban jungle.
On the flip side (ay) she shakin' her back side (shake it for me)
The alluring and erotic nature of women's body displayed as an entertainment commodity.
That's the only way tuition' gon' come right
Stripping and other forms of demeaning labor are the only ways to make a decent living according to the situation.
He got a crush on Mary Jean (ay, ay)
Crushing admiration for a person, idea, or thing.
Unless you got five on she ain't doin' her thang
Everybody has a price or limit that one can go for sensual favors.
Slow doww-ow-ow-own, young girl
Caution against rushing and not thinking the consequences through.
Keep it real hon', got to keep it real hon'
Be honest, authentic, and true to oneself and others.
If you livin' in the street, you know you livin' free
Living in the streets can give one a sense of freedom, autonomy, and control over life despite the harsh realities.
Thugs with the heat, are the coldest ones to meet
Those carrying guns and weapons can pose a more significant threat to one's safety and well-being.
We flyin high, but still can't touch the sky
We are striving to achieve greater things, but the potential and opportunities are still limited.
Everbody's a gangster, but nobody wanna die
People brag and pretend to be tough or violent, but are not ready nor willing to confront the deadly consequences of their acts.
Nuclear testin, replacin' the SAT's
The world gives less regard to intellectual growth and education, while focusing on nuclear growth and power.
Stem cell research, there's another you, another me
Manipulating biology and genetic materials lead to an identity crisis and devaluation of human life.
What goes up must come down, the laws of gravity
Gravity is a metaphor for the balance and consequences of life events and how everything has to return to its original state.
To win at chess, you've got to trap the king
The game of chess is used as an analogy for how to succeed by attacking and weakening the key person or institution.
E'rybody know we gon' keep rollin' when the police rollin
People show resilience and adapt to the presence or impact of the police.
Boy, you better slow down
Avoid danger by being more cautious and aware of the consequences.
I remember get money, all we did was get money
There was a time when making honest money was easier and more valued compared to the current situation with illicit trade and illegal methods.
Until you started tellin', now they talkin big numbers
Snitching and ratting out one's partners could lead to a significant impact and consequences on the lives of other people.
We coulda split charges up, missed five or six summers
Had they not snitched on each other, they could have shared the burden of consequences and missed prison time.
How could you tell 'em who we sold told to? E'rything we bought?
Betraying one's partners goes against loyalty, trust, and honor codes.
I'mma let my guitar do the talkin' now, okay?
The guitar symbolizes the power of music and the way to express oneself and depict a certain mood or emotion.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: DEVON GOLDER, LAMONT COLEMAN, JERRY DUPLESSIS, CLIFFORD HARRIS, WYCLEF JEAN, MAURICE TOBY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind