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.
Did you assume we'd forget this?
Were you expecting their forgiveness?
Are you that bold and that cold
To think they'd let you run around in the streets as a witness?
I never thought it was your fault (No)
I never thought it'd get this cold
Now I'm in a mess, it's probably best
To get away from this place or give up and confess
They know, they know where you are
Better run, better hide fast
Just know you're never too far away
Doesn't it make sense now?
What's wrong? How you're strong for a man bringing us down
Every day it's a chance to repay
All the debts that you owe to the friends that you hate
Mind controlled, you're bought and sold
Keep playing games but know that you've been told
Remember
They know, they know where you are
Better run, better hide fast
Just know you're never too far away
We want you back
The clean man we once knew and respected
Can't believe you stole from the people
That took you in when you were neglected
Let you in just to be manipulated
Speak and crawl while contemplating
Cross this off my list, no more charity
I'm sick of writing songs about you
But it's the only way to vent
They know, they know where you are
Better run, better hide fast
Just know you're never too far away
Pray away
It won't save your soul
It won't change your fate
So just fade away
God won't save you now
So just shut your mouth
Were you expecting their forgiveness?
Are you that bold and that cold
To think they'd let you run around in the streets as a witness?
I never thought it was your fault (No)
I never thought it'd get this cold
Now I'm in a mess, it's probably best
To get away from this place or give up and confess
They know, they know where you are
Better run, better hide fast
Just know you're never too far away
Doesn't it make sense now?
What's wrong? How you're strong for a man bringing us down
Every day it's a chance to repay
All the debts that you owe to the friends that you hate
Mind controlled, you're bought and sold
Keep playing games but know that you've been told
Remember
They know, they know where you are
Better run, better hide fast
Just know you're never too far away
We want you back
The clean man we once knew and respected
Can't believe you stole from the people
That took you in when you were neglected
Let you in just to be manipulated
Speak and crawl while contemplating
Cross this off my list, no more charity
I'm sick of writing songs about you
But it's the only way to vent
They know, they know where you are
Better run, better hide fast
Just know you're never too far away
Pray away
It won't save your soul
It won't change your fate
So just fade away
God won't save you now
So just shut your mouth
Lyrics submitted by Mellow_Harsher
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