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.
It's a mask you see but whose beneath?
it's a mystery whats underneath,
its a voice i knew,
i recognized,
calling me deep inside.
Time creates a masquerade you can't escape
you're a fool to bend the truth but still, you're just a fake!
why are you still hiding in your front?
when you know this isn't really what you want.
It's a false belief to free life's,
you can change the place but not the lies
you can't run from what you've become.
What did you expect from all this mess you made?
and you know you can't neglect and hope it goes away...
I really hope to god, you don't believe,
that ignorance is bliss cause you're naive
You're burning, but don't burn it down
You're burning up, but don't burn it down.
It's a mold you know,
you'll never flinch till you force yourself to leave an end.
no ones perfect,
hows it worth it?
Did you really think that this is best for you?
and how many times do you think god is testing you?
I want you to know that lies don't last,
all the lies you tell yourself, its such a mask!
You're burning, but don't burn it down
You're burning up, but don't burn it down.
it's a mystery whats underneath,
its a voice i knew,
i recognized,
calling me deep inside.
Time creates a masquerade you can't escape
you're a fool to bend the truth but still, you're just a fake!
why are you still hiding in your front?
when you know this isn't really what you want.
It's a false belief to free life's,
you can change the place but not the lies
you can't run from what you've become.
What did you expect from all this mess you made?
and you know you can't neglect and hope it goes away...
I really hope to god, you don't believe,
that ignorance is bliss cause you're naive
You're burning, but don't burn it down
You're burning up, but don't burn it down.
It's a mold you know,
you'll never flinch till you force yourself to leave an end.
no ones perfect,
hows it worth it?
Did you really think that this is best for you?
and how many times do you think god is testing you?
I want you to know that lies don't last,
all the lies you tell yourself, its such a mask!
You're burning, but don't burn it down
You're burning up, but don't burn it down.
Lyrics submitted by Logan Prince
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