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.
It’s follow the leader, baby
That’s how it’s gonna be
If you ever really wanna get lost
Then follow me
Follow the leader
We’re in a solar system
Together and alone
The bills, the smoke, the furniture
The happy home
Now you can follow your gut
Or you can follow the past
But if you knew an eclipse was coming
Why’d you even ask?
Follow the leader
Ghost verse -
(there’s brighter days ahead
I’ve seen them on tv
Word is there’s something big
Hidden up their sleeve)
So maybe it gets quiet
And maybe it gets numb
At least then there’s still something
To share with someone
Follow the leader
That’s how it’s gonna be
If you ever really wanna get lost
Then follow me
Follow the leader
We’re in a solar system
Together and alone
The bills, the smoke, the furniture
The happy home
Now you can follow your gut
Or you can follow the past
But if you knew an eclipse was coming
Why’d you even ask?
Follow the leader
Ghost verse -
(there’s brighter days ahead
I’ve seen them on tv
Word is there’s something big
Hidden up their sleeve)
So maybe it gets quiet
And maybe it gets numb
At least then there’s still something
To share with someone
Follow the leader
Lyrics submitted by FSU Kelly
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I agree with it being an amazing song. But I don't think this is a happy song at all, I guess if you could say focusing on the good as seeing that everyone in that song is miserable but they are miserable together. What I take from this song is follow the lost unhappy leader and they will take you with them but hey at least everyone will be unhappy together. "if you ever really wanted to get lost then follow me." to --> "the bills the smoke the furniture the happy home." (sarcastic happy home) "so maybe it gets quiet and maybe it gets numb at least then there's still something to share with someone." (lets be miserable together)
just an amazing song. i think it's about holding on, and focusing on the good things, rather than the bad. probably wayyy off but that's what i get from this. "So maybe it gets quiet And maybe it gets numb At least then there’s still something To share with someone".
Amazing song. I think it is about a couple going through a very rough time in their marriage. I think the wife just told him she is having an affair with someone else...and she is trying to decide between her husband and the other guy. The singer is saying...follow the leader...choose whoever is the frontrunner, but you should choose me...cause i'm the one who loves you. "if you ever really want to get lost, then follow me". He is thinking to himself, i hear that couples can get through something like this....but he is doubtful. He is very miserable thinking about it. But he still wants her. He is saying PICK ONE, I"m not perfect, "I said what i said what i said" ...pick one, wanting her deep down to pick him, but he is depressed and can't even think about it.
The lyrics they have posted are not correct. But the song I think focuses on a couple fighting through a tough patch in the relationship. They were just going through the flow of it all and pretending everything was ok. He still loved her but was unsure of her feelings for him and it terrifies him that she could see something or someone else. If you knew a eclipse was coming why'd you even ask? It's a sad song about a crumbling love, kind of like walking to the edge of the world by marilyn Manson.
Amazing song as always. Sounds a bit different from his older stuff but I still love it.