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.
Da-da-dun-da
Hey J
It's been a long time since I've seen you last
A half and twenty-six years
(How time goes fast)
I'm well
Though I've gone through some deep changes in my life
It hasn't been easy
Oh no, not for me
It's been difficult at times
Sometimes I sit down and cry
And ask God, "Oh, why?"
(Fair, what is?)
I know how you're feelin'
Same thing I did deal with
You're not as alone as you may feel
You see, but, oh
It catches up to us fast
We have to deal with our past
I know it's painful but
There you'll find specialness
'Cause everybody needs to feel real special
We need to remember
That love lies deep within ourselves
We have to want it, so
It starts with us and only us
We must learn we're all born
With specialness inside of us
I have the need to feel real special too
You see
You can't run away from your pain
Because wherever you run
There you will be
You have to learn to water your spiritual garden
Then you will be free
I know how you're feelin'
Same thing I did deal with
You're not as alone as you may feel
You see, but, oh
It catches up to us fast
We have to deal with our past
I know it's painful but
There you'll find specialness
'Cause everybody needs to feel real special
We need to remember
That love lies deep within ourselves
We have to want it, so
It starts with us and only us
We must learn we're all born
With specialness inside of us
I have the need to feel real special too
Work in progress
Hey J
It's been a long time since I've seen you last
A half and twenty-six years
(How time goes fast)
I'm well
Though I've gone through some deep changes in my life
It hasn't been easy
Oh no, not for me
It's been difficult at times
Sometimes I sit down and cry
And ask God, "Oh, why?"
(Fair, what is?)
I know how you're feelin'
Same thing I did deal with
You're not as alone as you may feel
You see, but, oh
It catches up to us fast
We have to deal with our past
I know it's painful but
There you'll find specialness
'Cause everybody needs to feel real special
We need to remember
That love lies deep within ourselves
We have to want it, so
It starts with us and only us
We must learn we're all born
With specialness inside of us
I have the need to feel real special too
You see
You can't run away from your pain
Because wherever you run
There you will be
You have to learn to water your spiritual garden
Then you will be free
I know how you're feelin'
Same thing I did deal with
You're not as alone as you may feel
You see, but, oh
It catches up to us fast
We have to deal with our past
I know it's painful but
There you'll find specialness
'Cause everybody needs to feel real special
We need to remember
That love lies deep within ourselves
We have to want it, so
It starts with us and only us
We must learn we're all born
With specialness inside of us
I have the need to feel real special too
Work in progress
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beautiful