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.
Day by day
Is cold enough I guess
Hard to escape
My head is such a mess
And when I'm stoned
I lay around and think
"Why me?"
When clearly
It's meant to be
Because it takes a love like this
(I want you, I need you now)
Blood on my hands with every kiss
(Believe me, I won't back down)
I got my dreams up ahead
So I push hard to exist
On the road once again
But I still miss the feel of your lips
On my skin
Because it takes a love like this
(I want you, I need you now)
Blood on my hands with every kiss
(Believe me, I won't back down)
'Cause I need you
Please excuse my hesitation around you
I've never felt this way before
Because it takes a love like this
(I want you, I need you now)
Blood on my hands with every kiss
(Believe me, I won't back down)
Because it takes a love like this
(I want you, I need you now)
Blood on my hands with every kiss
(Believe me, I won't back down)
Is cold enough I guess
Hard to escape
My head is such a mess
And when I'm stoned
I lay around and think
"Why me?"
When clearly
It's meant to be
Because it takes a love like this
(I want you, I need you now)
Blood on my hands with every kiss
(Believe me, I won't back down)
I got my dreams up ahead
So I push hard to exist
On the road once again
But I still miss the feel of your lips
On my skin
Because it takes a love like this
(I want you, I need you now)
Blood on my hands with every kiss
(Believe me, I won't back down)
'Cause I need you
Please excuse my hesitation around you
I've never felt this way before
Because it takes a love like this
(I want you, I need you now)
Blood on my hands with every kiss
(Believe me, I won't back down)
Because it takes a love like this
(I want you, I need you now)
Blood on my hands with every kiss
(Believe me, I won't back down)
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/
Blue
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
“Blue” is a song about a love that is persisting in the discomfort of the person experiencing the emotion. Ed Sheeran reflects on love lost, and although he wishes his former partner find happiness, he cannot but admit his feelings are still very much there. He expresses the realization that he might never find another on this stringed instrumental 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.
Page
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
There aren’t many things that’ll hurt more than giving love a chance against your better judgement only to have your heart crushed yet again. Ed Sheeran tells such a story on “Page.” On this track, he is devastated to have lost his lover and even more saddened by the feeling that he may never move on from this.
It seems to be about someone who doesn't have much self-worth. They've fallen in love, but maybe don't give themselves fully to it, or question it - the why me - even though it's clear the two are supposed to be together. And maybe they fear hurting the person they're in love with (blood on my hands with every kiss) or think hurt is inevitable. So they're hesitant. But the love is definitely real. Speaking from experience - I hope people who feel this way know that pulling away hurts just as much if not more than hurt that might come from staying. Hurt from absence at this point is guaranteed, hurt from presence - who knows, it's uncertain. But you gotta work through your demons to be able to embrace the fact that our presence can be a gift to others.
@cchr9ts Well written interpretation. I couldn't agree more.