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 recall a time when we were lovers
Before you, I hadn't any others
When the bad times came along
I turned and you had gone
From the start, I loved you, I was wrong
Falling out, it's the end
May as well have never been
The cards are up, the chips are all cashed in
You won't see me again
Don't consider me your friend
Falling out - look away - it's the end
Always thought of you as my big brother
Never knew we couldn't trust each other
Two faces I could see, as you shook my money tree
There's no more "you & me" let it be
Falling out, it's the end
And I lose another friend
The cards are up, the chips are all cashed in
You won't see me again
Don't consider me your friend
Falling out - look away - it's the end
(solo)
Falling out, it's the end
May as well have never been
The cards are up, the chips are all cashed in
You won't see me again
Don't consider me your friend
Falling out - look away - it's the end
Before you, I hadn't any others
When the bad times came along
I turned and you had gone
From the start, I loved you, I was wrong
Falling out, it's the end
May as well have never been
The cards are up, the chips are all cashed in
You won't see me again
Don't consider me your friend
Falling out - look away - it's the end
Always thought of you as my big brother
Never knew we couldn't trust each other
Two faces I could see, as you shook my money tree
There's no more "you & me" let it be
Falling out, it's the end
And I lose another friend
The cards are up, the chips are all cashed in
You won't see me again
Don't consider me your friend
Falling out - look away - it's the end
(solo)
Falling out, it's the end
May as well have never been
The cards are up, the chips are all cashed in
You won't see me again
Don't consider me your friend
Falling out - look away - it's the end
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"Always thought of you as my big brother Never knew we couldn't trust each other Two faces I could see, as you shook my money tree There's no more "you & me" let it beAlways thought of you as my big brother Never knew we couldn't trust each other Two faces I could see, as you shook my money tree There's no more "you & me" Let it be"
I've always thought that this verse may be about the relationship between Paul McCartney and John Lennon towards the breaking up of the Beatles. Possibly not, but the "Let it be" part just seems to fit and tie everything together when you think about it.
I thought it was about the breakdown between Deaner and Papa Gener...but I know Dean loves the Beatles ("White Pepper"? I mean, come on dudes).
Hmm... interesting theory. Not so sure I agree, but I like it. Yesterday I had the "the cards are up, the chips are all cashed in..." part stuck in my head all day! Literally! Great song though.
I second the Beatles connection. There are some similar connections with 'Falling out" by the Beatles
Ween: "Falling out, it's the end." Beatles: "Catch you with another man, it's the end."
Ween: "You won't see me again." Beatles: "You won't see me."
Ween, Beatles: "Let it be."
^Are you saying they combined "White Album" with "Sgt Pepper?"
$1,00,00,000,000 should be on your account as we speak, Sir Bong ;)