I think much like another song “Anti-Matter” (that's also on the same album as this song), this one is also is inspired by a horrifying van crash the band experienced on Nov 3, 2022. This, much like the other track, sounds like it's an extension what they shared while huddled in the wreckage, as they helped frontman Garrett Russell stem the bleeding from his head wound while he was under the temporary effects of a concussion. The track speaks of where the mind goes at the most desperate & desolate of times, when it just about slips away to all but disconnect itself, and the aftermath.
No pennies from heaven, no pennies in my hand
Think your drinkin' wine, Dad, it's blood of the lamb
That's no way to treat your son now is it, Abraham
After he busted his ass for you
You've never known no hunger, never took a risk
Through you know you should, you know you'd never raise a fist
If the boss asked you to jump you know
You'd find the nearest cliff
That man talks down to you
And you talk down to me too now
Master and Slave in equal parts
split down the middle,
drinkin' doubles at the bar
Master and Slave,
God bless you both
I got two for the price of one
Master and Slave in equal parts
split down the middle,
drinkin' doubles at the bar
Master and Slave,
God bless you both
I got two for the price of one
Such a deal for your only son
When will this tension be all over
For fallen sons and fathers too
I'm down to my last dime
No faith in mankind
c'mon let's swing into the groove...
Like Jack Horner wrapped up in a corner
But I never saw a slice of no pie
Ooh, too busy standin' in line
Just waitin' for bread
But the father he walks the water
He ain't never tossed a nickel to his son
Ain't I your prodigal boy?
Ain't I your pride and joy?
Friends and Romans, I'm your brother
I'm scratchin' to hang on
The pursuit of happiness is just a carpetbaggers con
When a can of pork and beans could change my attitude
You won't give it up but I coulda been you
While the masters and slaves scratch
For pieces of the dream
For purple mountain majesties
Whatever the hell that means
They give up on each other
And that's the way they get ahead
But I can still see the stars
Through these red, white, and blue prison bars
Master and Slave in equal parts
split down the middle,
drinkin' doubles at the bar
Master and Slave,
God bless you both
I got two for the price of one
Master and Slave in equal parts
split down the middle,
drinkin' doubles at the bar
Master and Slave,
God bless you both
I got two for the price of one
Such a deal for your only son
Master and slave
Master and slave
Ooh, Master and slave
Think your drinkin' wine, Dad, it's blood of the lamb
That's no way to treat your son now is it, Abraham
After he busted his ass for you
You've never known no hunger, never took a risk
Through you know you should, you know you'd never raise a fist
If the boss asked you to jump you know
You'd find the nearest cliff
That man talks down to you
And you talk down to me too now
Master and Slave in equal parts
split down the middle,
drinkin' doubles at the bar
Master and Slave,
God bless you both
I got two for the price of one
Master and Slave in equal parts
split down the middle,
drinkin' doubles at the bar
Master and Slave,
God bless you both
I got two for the price of one
Such a deal for your only son
When will this tension be all over
For fallen sons and fathers too
I'm down to my last dime
No faith in mankind
c'mon let's swing into the groove...
Like Jack Horner wrapped up in a corner
But I never saw a slice of no pie
Ooh, too busy standin' in line
Just waitin' for bread
But the father he walks the water
He ain't never tossed a nickel to his son
Ain't I your prodigal boy?
Ain't I your pride and joy?
Friends and Romans, I'm your brother
I'm scratchin' to hang on
The pursuit of happiness is just a carpetbaggers con
When a can of pork and beans could change my attitude
You won't give it up but I coulda been you
While the masters and slaves scratch
For pieces of the dream
For purple mountain majesties
Whatever the hell that means
They give up on each other
And that's the way they get ahead
But I can still see the stars
Through these red, white, and blue prison bars
Master and Slave in equal parts
split down the middle,
drinkin' doubles at the bar
Master and Slave,
God bless you both
I got two for the price of one
Master and Slave in equal parts
split down the middle,
drinkin' doubles at the bar
Master and Slave,
God bless you both
I got two for the price of one
Such a deal for your only son
Master and slave
Master and slave
Ooh, Master and slave
Lyrics submitted by JoKeR4MeNToR
Master and Slave Lyrics as written by Steve Perry
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
Add your thoughts
Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.
Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!
More Featured Meanings
Dreamwalker
Silent Planet
Silent Planet
I Can't Go To Sleep
Wu-Tang Clan
Wu-Tang Clan
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.
Just A Little Lovin'
Dusty Springfield
Dusty Springfield
I don't think it's necessarily about sex. It's about wanting to start the day with some love and affection. Maybe a warm cuddle. I'm not alone in interpreting it that way! For example:
"'Just a Little Lovin’ is a timeless country song originally recorded by Eddy Arnold in 1954. The song, written by Eddie Miller and Jimmy Campbell, explores the delicate nuances of love and showcases Arnold’s emotive vocals. It delves into the universal theme of love and how even the smallest gesture of affection can have a profound impact on our lives." https://oldtimemusic.com/the-meaning-behind-the-song-just-a-little-lovin-by-eddy-arnold/
Magical
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
How would you describe the feeling of being in love? For Ed Sheeran, the word is “Magical.” in HIS three-minute album opener, he makes an attempt to capture the beauty and delicacy of true love with words. He describes the magic of it all over a bright Pop song produced by Aaron Dessner.
Blue
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
“Blue” is a song about a love that is persisting in the discomfort of the person experiencing the emotion. Ed Sheeran reflects on love lost, and although he wishes his former partner find happiness, he cannot but admit his feelings are still very much there. He expresses the realization that he might never find another on this stringed instrumental by Aaron Dessner.
Professor Knowitall has gotten what appears to me a closer touch on the song.
I honestly have no idea what its about, but my ex said its a reference to a book "East of Eden." Which is about a man who has twins (Two for the Price of one.) and his wife leaves him and he get all depressed.
I'm not entirely sure if thats true, seeing as I've never read the book, but from what she said, it makes sense.
The biblical reference I assume is the man referencing to God that he never helped his son, and the same with the father/son quotes. The Master and slave is him with his depression. He's a Master of it, meaning he can deal with it when he wants, but he's also a slave to it. Same with the doubles at the bar.
The references to American iconography and being poor, is the man lives on a farm, and I assume it is set in the past.
This is just what I've heard, not entirely sure if its true.