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.
have you seen me lately?
What was it you saw
Are you gonna catch me
With my hand in the jar, naked singing in the choir?
have you seen me lately?
Did I look O.K.
Are you gonna shame me and take my toys away?
Don’t wake me unless you love me
It takes too long to fall back to sleep
Don’t wake me unless you’re a friend of mine
I’d rather just fall back on my dreams
Have you seen me lately?
Did I miss a beat
Are you gonna make me get back on my feet?
Don’t wake me unless you love me
It takes too long to fall back to sleep
Don’t wake me unless you’re a friend of mine
I’d rather just fall back on my dreams
Have you seen me lately?
Was I crazy?
Don’t wake me...Don’t wake me...Don’t wake me...
What was it you saw
Are you gonna catch me
With my hand in the jar, naked singing in the choir?
have you seen me lately?
Did I look O.K.
Are you gonna shame me and take my toys away?
Don’t wake me unless you love me
It takes too long to fall back to sleep
Don’t wake me unless you’re a friend of mine
I’d rather just fall back on my dreams
Have you seen me lately?
Did I miss a beat
Are you gonna make me get back on my feet?
Don’t wake me unless you love me
It takes too long to fall back to sleep
Don’t wake me unless you’re a friend of mine
I’d rather just fall back on my dreams
Have you seen me lately?
Was I crazy?
Don’t wake me...Don’t wake me...Don’t wake me...
Lyrics submitted by shut
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