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'm waitin' on the sun to set 'cause yesterday ain't over yet
I started smoking cigarettes, there's nothing else to do I guess
Dusty roads ain't made for walkin', spinning tires ain't made for stoppin'
I'm givin' up on love 'cause love's given up on me
Well, I gave it everything I had and everything I got was bad
Life ain't hard but it's too long livin' like some country song
Trade the truth in for a lie, cheatin' really ain't a crime
I'm givin' up on love 'cause love's given up on me
Forget your high society, I'm soakin' it in kerosene
Light 'em up and watch them burn, teach 'em what they need to learn, ha
Dirty hands ain't made for shakin', ain't a rule that ain't worth breakin'
Well, I'm givin' up on love 'cause love's given up on me
Now, I don't hate the one who left
You can't hate someone who's dead
He's out there holding on to someone, I'm holding up my smoking gun
I'll find somewhere to lay my blame the day she changes her last name
Well, I'm givin' up on love 'cause love's given up on me
Well, I'm givin' up on love, hey, love's given up on me
I started smoking cigarettes, there's nothing else to do I guess
Dusty roads ain't made for walkin', spinning tires ain't made for stoppin'
I'm givin' up on love 'cause love's given up on me
Well, I gave it everything I had and everything I got was bad
Life ain't hard but it's too long livin' like some country song
Trade the truth in for a lie, cheatin' really ain't a crime
I'm givin' up on love 'cause love's given up on me
Forget your high society, I'm soakin' it in kerosene
Light 'em up and watch them burn, teach 'em what they need to learn, ha
Dirty hands ain't made for shakin', ain't a rule that ain't worth breakin'
Well, I'm givin' up on love 'cause love's given up on me
Now, I don't hate the one who left
You can't hate someone who's dead
He's out there holding on to someone, I'm holding up my smoking gun
I'll find somewhere to lay my blame the day she changes her last name
Well, I'm givin' up on love 'cause love's given up on me
Well, I'm givin' up on love, hey, love's given up on me
Lyrics submitted by alissadarst
Kerosene Lyrics as written by Steve Earle Miranda Lambert
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
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The last lines in the song fit beautifully...
Red, now you know those last lines don't "fit beautifully." What would your g/f say if she saw what you wrote. (Hint: she wouldn't be too too happy with your cute lil' arse.) I like the artist. I like the song. But, man, you're gonna be with your significant other this afternoon and tonight, so those lines in NO WAY fit your fun life. Geesh...you're hilarious sometimes. Don't "dazzle" me with bull poop, please. "A" for effort, though, which is why I adore you. You are a subborn lil' bugger who never gives up...
Whoa,You talkin' to me? I don't swing that way baby. :) But if I did have a B/f- "HE" would hafta admit that they do fit. No I gotta long standing date with bills and laundry. Now enough t.m.i. about me... Have a Great day! I think Miranda is a great songwriter...