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.
What if Christmas didn't come this year?
And no one paid for Christmas cheer?
Who would cry the biggest tear?
The child,
or the store.
Why do brides wear virgin white?
Most do not reserve that right.
But to choose a color of they're delight.
Would surely bring on the frowns.
To defy the laws of tradition.
It's a crusade only of the brave.
Suppose the taxman,
he comes to town.
And you don't lay your money down.
Yet Mr. Jones,
he killed Mr. Brown
the other day.
Well I wonder.
Who's gonna go to Hell?
And no one paid for Christmas cheer?
Who would cry the biggest tear?
The child,
or the store.
Why do brides wear virgin white?
Most do not reserve that right.
But to choose a color of they're delight.
Would surely bring on the frowns.
To defy the laws of tradition.
It's a crusade only of the brave.
Suppose the taxman,
he comes to town.
And you don't lay your money down.
Yet Mr. Jones,
he killed Mr. Brown
the other day.
Well I wonder.
Who's gonna go to Hell?
Lyrics submitted by knate15
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I think the meaning is pretty clear. This person got really burned in a previous relationship, and because of this is unable to love and show care in his present one, even though he so badly wants to. It's lovely song, and very sad. You can really feel how defeated and frustrated he is with himself.
This song should be my theme song...the first two verses sum up my feelings toward that bloodsucking institution called organized religion. It's outlived its purpose therefore all "priveleges" it has been extended should hereby be permanently revoked.
Nice job on the lyrics but you forgot the:
Im just a bill and Im only a bill and Im stiting here on capital hill Ill be a law some day Yeah Ill be a law here we go.
Nice job on the lyrics but you forgot the:
Im just a bill and Im only a bill and Im stiting here on capital hill Ill be a law some day Yeah Ill be a law here we go.
@melloncollie45 Really nice job on the lyrics, General Comment. Thank you. I would like to add the fact that Les says "goodbye" towards the ending. Wish all the lyrics companies would include all the lyrics to a song and update them as we go along.
OH MAN Les is a genius there are to many truths in this song well at least three. Its great when there are songs about societys problems.
yeah i listened to this song and only appreciated the instrumentation, but now that i see the lyrics, i'm like wow.
I think that this is Les' evaluation of society and our current ideas of right and wrong. It also seems like the title of the song may somewhat be Les' manifesto for his music career. I mean, look at all he's accomplished while remaining so unique. It seems like a challenge he's facing against society, calling out brave individuals "to defy the laws of tradition."
This is one of my favorite Primus songs..the groove is tight and the guitar part is sick. Primus rules.
It's nice that lyrics are easy to understand too, i suppose.
in the last verse, does the taxman part refer to the mr. Jones part? that confuses me alot. I love this song so much, one of my favorite primus songs. I just got frizzle fry the other day and I automatically liked it.
Yes, With the Taxman and the Mr. Jones it's saying, this guy didn't pay his taxes, but this guy killed a man. Which was the worst crime?
Both...the state uses the same court system to grind you up and spit you out.
Definitely a different kind of song, but I love the song. It's damn awesome.