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.
Lie to me honestly
I hear, but still, I don't see
Just where the actions meet the words
You just sound the alarm
Racing pulse and boiling blood
At fever-pitch
Another finger-pointing mob
With stones to throw
But if it truly mattered
And if you truly cared
It would be altogether different
Let the sirens scream
But leave me alone to decide
And leave me to what I might find
Starving to understand
You swallowed the lies
Eager to spit them out
To feed the masses
And the guilt they hide
Answer me honestly
No more false transparencies
Just where does motive meet concern?
You just sound the alarm
Spreading fear to bury trust
To distract
Until, lost and scared
Frustration forces blame
Starving to understand
You swallowed the lies
Eager to spit them out
To feed the masses
And the guilt they hide
Answer me honestly
No more false transparencies
Just where does motive meet concern?
You just sound the alarm
Spreading fear to bury trust
To distract
Until, lost and scared
Frustration forces blame
Sound the alarm!
Sound the alarm!
Sound the alarm!
Sound the alarm!
Starving to understand
You swallowed the lies
Choking to spit them out
To rid this guilt inside
I hear, but still, I don't see
Just where the actions meet the words
You just sound the alarm
Racing pulse and boiling blood
At fever-pitch
Another finger-pointing mob
With stones to throw
But if it truly mattered
And if you truly cared
It would be altogether different
Let the sirens scream
But leave me alone to decide
And leave me to what I might find
Starving to understand
You swallowed the lies
Eager to spit them out
To feed the masses
And the guilt they hide
Answer me honestly
No more false transparencies
Just where does motive meet concern?
You just sound the alarm
Spreading fear to bury trust
To distract
Until, lost and scared
Frustration forces blame
Starving to understand
You swallowed the lies
Eager to spit them out
To feed the masses
And the guilt they hide
Answer me honestly
No more false transparencies
Just where does motive meet concern?
You just sound the alarm
Spreading fear to bury trust
To distract
Until, lost and scared
Frustration forces blame
Sound the alarm!
Sound the alarm!
Sound the alarm!
Sound the alarm!
Starving to understand
You swallowed the lies
Choking to spit them out
To rid this guilt inside
Lyrics submitted by SongMeanings
Sound the Alarm Lyrics as written by Nardi
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
Add your thoughts
Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.
Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!
More Featured Meanings
I Can't Go To Sleep
Wu-Tang Clan
Wu-Tang Clan
Just A Little Lovin'
Dusty Springfield
Dusty Springfield
I don't think it's necessarily about sex. It's about wanting to start the day with some love and affection. Maybe a warm cuddle. I'm not alone in interpreting it that way! For example:
"'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/
Magical
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
How would you describe the feeling of being in love? For Ed Sheeran, the word is “Magical.” in HIS three-minute album opener, he makes an attempt to capture the beauty and delicacy of true love with words. He describes the magic of it all over a bright Pop song produced by Aaron Dessner.
Head > Heels
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
“Head > Heels” is a track that aims to capture what it feels like to experience romance that exceeds expectations. Ed Sheeran dedicates his album outro to a lover who has blessed him with a unique experience that he seeks to describe through the song’s nuanced lyrics.
American Town
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran shares a short story of reconnecting with an old flame on “American Town.” The track is about a holiday Ed Sheeran spends with his countrywoman who resides in America. The two are back together after a long period apart, and get around to enjoying a bunch of fun activities while rekindling the flames of their romance.