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.
I was searchin' on a one-way street.
I was hopin' for a chance to meet.
I was waitin' for the operator on the line.
(She's gone so long.)
What can I do?
(Where could she be?)
Don't know what I'm gonna do.
I gotta get back to you.
(You gotta) Slow down, sweet talkin' woman.
You got me runnin', you got me searchin'.
Hold on, sweet talkin' lover,
It's so sad if that's the way it's over.
I was walkin', many days go by.
I was thinkin' 'bout the lonely nights.
Communication break down all around.
(She's gone so long.)
What can I do?
(Where could she be?)
Don't know what I'm gonna do.
I gotta get back to you.
(You gotta) Slow down, sweet talkin' woman.
You got me runnin', you got me searchin'.
Hold on, sweet talkin' lover,
It's so sad if that's the way it's over.
I've been livin' on a dead-end street.
I've been askin' ev'rybody I meet.
Insufficient data coming through.
(She's gone so long.)
What can I do?
(Where could she be?)
Don't know what I'm gonna do.
I gotta get back to you.
(You gotta) Slow down, sweet talkin' woman.
You got me runnin', you got me searchin'.
Hold on, sweet talkin' lover,
It's so sad if that's the way it's over.
I was hopin' for a chance to meet.
I was waitin' for the operator on the line.
(She's gone so long.)
What can I do?
(Where could she be?)
Don't know what I'm gonna do.
I gotta get back to you.
(You gotta) Slow down, sweet talkin' woman.
You got me runnin', you got me searchin'.
Hold on, sweet talkin' lover,
It's so sad if that's the way it's over.
I was walkin', many days go by.
I was thinkin' 'bout the lonely nights.
Communication break down all around.
(She's gone so long.)
What can I do?
(Where could she be?)
Don't know what I'm gonna do.
I gotta get back to you.
(You gotta) Slow down, sweet talkin' woman.
You got me runnin', you got me searchin'.
Hold on, sweet talkin' lover,
It's so sad if that's the way it's over.
I've been livin' on a dead-end street.
I've been askin' ev'rybody I meet.
Insufficient data coming through.
(She's gone so long.)
What can I do?
(Where could she be?)
Don't know what I'm gonna do.
I gotta get back to you.
(You gotta) Slow down, sweet talkin' woman.
You got me runnin', you got me searchin'.
Hold on, sweet talkin' lover,
It's so sad if that's the way it's over.
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Haha, this song has a certain special meaning...
This song is an ELO cover.
Is that why he says "ELO I HAVE ALL YOUR ALBUMS!" at the end?
I would assume so