This song is written as the perspective of the boys in the street, as a whole, and what path they are going to choose as they get older and grow into men. (This is why the music video takes place in an orphanage.) The seen, and unseen collective suffering is imbedded in the boys’ mind, consciously or subconsciously, and is haunting them. Which path will the boys choose? Issac Hayes is the voice of reason, maybe God, the angel on his shoulder, or the voice of his forefathers from beyond the grave who can see the big picture and are pleading with the boys not to continue the violence and pattern of killing their brothers, but to rise above. The most beautiful song and has so many levels. Racism towards African Americans in America would not exist if everyone sat down and listened to this song and understood the history behind the words. The power, fear, pleading in RZA and Ghostface voices are genuine and powerful. Issac Hayes’ strong voice makes the perfect strong father figure, who is possibly from beyond the grave.
You took my hands and led me wrong..
Now I’m back and I’m sad.
I cannot stand there,
I will not watch that,
I won’t be left here alone.
Your phony values,
Your stolen pep talk,
You took the stars from my eyes.
You told me.
You fucking told me.
"Everlasting friendship."
You lied.
You told me.
You told me.
"Everlasting friendship."
I trusted you.
Your hatred an excuse against all that happens to you.
Something to fall back upon and I see your stories.
Your hatred, an excuse against all that happens to you.
Something to fall back upon and I see your stories.
You wanted to end the fight my son,
While you attack the defenseless when their guards are down.
It's in the past, leave it behind.
I don’t hate you, but I’ll speak my mind.
You wanted to break the walls, now face up to what you built.
You’re a hypocrite and your double standards create your hate.
Face the lies, you're a hypocrite my friend.
Yes, you are.
Now I’m back and I’m sad.
I cannot stand there,
I will not watch that,
I won’t be left here alone.
Your phony values,
Your stolen pep talk,
You took the stars from my eyes.
You told me.
You fucking told me.
"Everlasting friendship."
You lied.
You told me.
You told me.
"Everlasting friendship."
I trusted you.
Your hatred an excuse against all that happens to you.
Something to fall back upon and I see your stories.
Your hatred, an excuse against all that happens to you.
Something to fall back upon and I see your stories.
You wanted to end the fight my son,
While you attack the defenseless when their guards are down.
It's in the past, leave it behind.
I don’t hate you, but I’ll speak my mind.
You wanted to break the walls, now face up to what you built.
You’re a hypocrite and your double standards create your hate.
Face the lies, you're a hypocrite my friend.
Yes, you are.
Lyrics submitted by WouldItBeYou
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this one is for you tracey d. this is for you.