I guess it has been a minute
And the south paw aint felt right without the pen in it
Sent for incentive and sittin’ submissive
But nothin’ bringin’ Jimmy back, you know that – prayin’ a waste of wishes
I made a decision – carry on, honor lives in the deed
Though the muse moves in decreased speed
Due to the wait, my dude lose patience with me?
Favor the Blue, you knew what I was trainin’ to be
I came for the takin’ of something they aint seen back in Henry
The proximity to Knox’s Fort’s not given any but
Cause to envy – Lord when have we fought the enemy
With more that afforded, we’re stormin’ the port of entry
In memory of the James Clan, my symphony of the
Flames fan to conquer, when the song come on – pay the band
Send a percentage back, Oldham owed, factor in estate tax
Or waive it if it goes to pave Tobacco Road

Some memories I kept
Others left, others I must have let go to protect
Hold a check for the row I set – ready? No, not yet
Well lemme know and I’ll return to collect
They never found me ‘cause Valerie’s boy had a different rhythm to play to
And he gon’ use his tools to break through
Mindful of the nights in that state, who they say life is what you make it
When really life is what makes you

Payin’ homage, with a big nod to Aubrey
The schools failed me, thank God the farm taught me
The value of a calloused hand, how to work and plow this land
How even a modest crop will make your pop the proudest man
Harvest of a thousand fans, sans a gram of seeds broadcast
Through loud speakers, in the weeds I was born last
Profound effect on my volume, plus the readiness to fill it
In the field you should hear what they call ‘em
Regardless I should have spent another year on the bottom tier
Instead of trynna dodge what it was I thought got ‘em here
89 the number, 84 lumber – another summer
Fightin’ for cash to mash on the likening
Of cycles I’ve seen – those not keen on college
Lost direction or went to be correctional officers
No opportunity was offered us, I had my sights on
Being gone ‘fore they cut the lights on, Ryan’s song
Right or wrong, tie it tighter, I’m tired of buying into
Guidance gone awry, my father fought it with firearms and
Died in the trauma the violence spawned a child of drama
No wonder he’s prone to wander, knowin’ his home is haunted
Prayin’ that over yonder they still know
How much I love ‘em I just had to go, had it with the status quo
They’re askin’ me if I’ll be back when I’m old
In fact, no – these are my last tracks along Tobacco Road

But I’ll forever call it home
And I feel it whenever I call home (X4)


Lyrics submitted by spasmodic

Tobacco Road song meanings
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4 Comments

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  • +2
    General Comment

    I'm suprised nobody's paying much attention to common market on this site :( He's one of the most articulate and 'real life' hip hop artists about! No gangster bollocks.

    This song is really moving, makes me think about my newly distant childhood. I think it's pretty easy to figure out, his journey from his home to his new life and the differances, memories, history etc. The ending of the 2nd verse into outro is really good :)

    Tsonumion January 07, 2009   Link
  • +1
    General Comment

    Anybody who leaves home to pursue a better life should look back every now and then. This song goes deep.

    calafontaineon February 10, 2011   Link
  • +1
    General Comment

    i agree with Tsonumi, i just found this band and fell in love with them, great lyrics and rhymes, and i think this song is about looking back to ur family or "old life" u once lived in. and thinking of where u came from

    pink69on April 19, 2011   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    same here guys. you need to listen to blue scholars too then... same dj (sabzi)

    izryelon February 29, 2012   Link

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