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 wish there was something I could say to you,
something that we both know to be true
to replace those things I didn't do,
or perhaps should I try to be, Something you want me to be,
that would probably fit the shoe too
Maybe if I sing a little louder,
or do well you'd be a little prouder
is that what you really want from me?
I talk fast when I have to go,
and when I'm down I talk real low,
But I always say what you mean to me What you mean to me...it's what you mean to...
Lots of times start to come and go,
as I stand here and think back slow
Of times only me and you could know
The day I kissed and grabbed your hand
And when I told you I was in a band
That night we ran off and came back cold
Memories that I have to keep from everyday of the week
and all the things you have from me,
I just wish I could give you more
Instead of giving you more eyesores,
Something more memorable from me Because of what you mean to me...it's what you mean to...
so I choose now, where to die,
But don't be sad love, please don't cry
I'll always be with you inside,
and even though I'll be gone long
my love for you will carry on,
like the never ending tides
I don't know what's left to say,
I wish we could have one more day
so I could hug you nice and long,
it's time sweet love, I have to go
so let's make this goodbye slow,
It really hurts for me to sing this song because of what you mean to me...it's what you mean to...
something that we both know to be true
to replace those things I didn't do,
or perhaps should I try to be, Something you want me to be,
that would probably fit the shoe too
Maybe if I sing a little louder,
or do well you'd be a little prouder
is that what you really want from me?
I talk fast when I have to go,
and when I'm down I talk real low,
But I always say what you mean to me What you mean to me...it's what you mean to...
Lots of times start to come and go,
as I stand here and think back slow
Of times only me and you could know
The day I kissed and grabbed your hand
And when I told you I was in a band
That night we ran off and came back cold
Memories that I have to keep from everyday of the week
and all the things you have from me,
I just wish I could give you more
Instead of giving you more eyesores,
Something more memorable from me Because of what you mean to me...it's what you mean to...
so I choose now, where to die,
But don't be sad love, please don't cry
I'll always be with you inside,
and even though I'll be gone long
my love for you will carry on,
like the never ending tides
I don't know what's left to say,
I wish we could have one more day
so I could hug you nice and long,
it's time sweet love, I have to go
so let's make this goodbye slow,
It really hurts for me to sing this song because of what you mean to me...it's what you mean to...
Lyrics submitted by persa
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"'Just a Little Lovin’ is a timeless country song originally recorded by Eddy Arnold in 1954. The song, written by Eddie Miller and Jimmy Campbell, explores the delicate nuances of love and showcases Arnold’s emotive vocals. It delves into the universal theme of love and how even the smallest gesture of affection can have a profound impact on our lives." https://oldtimemusic.com/the-meaning-behind-the-song-just-a-little-lovin-by-eddy-arnold/
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"Another head hangs lowly
Child is slowly taken
And the violence caused such silence
Who are we mistaken
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Another mother's breaking
Heart is taking over"
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"But you see it's not me
It's not my family"
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