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 sit me down to explain all
the trials you've endured
Around and around the refrain
rings the same each time it's heard
Entertain the notion,
entertain the notion
That the only thing I hear is
the crack of a smile in a face
That ain't so sincere
When I'm measuring out your qualities
It is only as deep as your modesty
As your insides fall to pieces,
shattered by the silent treatment
Things are only fragile 'til they break
Feigning your humility
It only serves to weaken the most
common observations that you make
Drown me out in conversation,
surf a wave of provocation
Wash away my interest in your wake
I think you can, reach a place
where the impetus is pure
You'll understand, a disgrace is
the thing that makes us feel..
"Level on the inside,
level on the outside"
I'm content to know it
Level on the inside,
level on the outside
I don't need to show it
the trials you've endured
Around and around the refrain
rings the same each time it's heard
Entertain the notion,
entertain the notion
That the only thing I hear is
the crack of a smile in a face
That ain't so sincere
When I'm measuring out your qualities
It is only as deep as your modesty
As your insides fall to pieces,
shattered by the silent treatment
Things are only fragile 'til they break
Feigning your humility
It only serves to weaken the most
common observations that you make
Drown me out in conversation,
surf a wave of provocation
Wash away my interest in your wake
I think you can, reach a place
where the impetus is pure
You'll understand, a disgrace is
the thing that makes us feel..
"Level on the inside,
level on the outside"
I'm content to know it
Level on the inside,
level on the outside
I don't need to show it
Lyrics submitted by salparadise04
Level on the Inside Lyrics as written by Charles Spaulding Gladfelter
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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This song is so awesome!
I can't believe no one commented on it. I like the meaning of it, too. This person is trying to make the singer be, or do, something that isn't him. TThis person just talks crap to get their way and it's not working this time around.
good call. this is a fantastic song, one of my a/t faves.
This is a really good song. I cant beleive that its been out for so long with no comments. I think he is talking about mental disorders he or someone he knows may have and how that makes them feel on the inside. Level on the inside, level on the outside might mean that his mood is level or stable. I have bipolar disorder and i sorta feel like this song makes sense. These pills try to level you out but they dont really take it away.