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've sirened your pride in with banners flying the nation, and they all read "come see about me". We both bend in strong winds, but it seems we all can't fend the break, so stay brave if your arbors fall. You're under lock and key and I could break in but I've never been a thief. All done with this old place, with the romance of sunlight on your face, and friendships too much like disease. Dear sovereign, I'm thinking that passion left town when your heart did. (you're at it again) But you used to beat the bright out of the sky. You steal meaning from seasons, break silence like a bone of mine. Come closer, or don't come at all. You're under lock and key and I could break in but I've never been a thief.
Lyrics submitted by Mint Floss
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This song means the world to me. I was young and in love when it came out and this album as a whole, it really made me realise that i was going to get hurt. this song in particular, "But you used to beat the bright out of the sky!" and "You've sirened your pride".... it's just about arrogance and selfishness... i loved this song so mu ch
i think it's about a girl the speaker is fascinated with, a girl who's independent and aloof, "under lock and key" a "sovereign" nation. she's been through a lot in this town ("stay brave if your arbors fall) and needs to leave. the speaker is lamenting this fact, but realizes that she is unreachable emotionally if not physically and accepts it because he's "never been a thief" and leaves her to her sovereignty.