actually when you get to understand what type of artist erykah badu is, you realise that the song is actually about her job in the music industry. She says 'what you gonna do when THEY come for you'. Who is they? 'They'represent those peopl in the industry that want you to sell out and sing about things that dont uplift or give people confidence or faith in God. also she says 'Work ain't honest but it pays the bills' which means in the industry you put up with alot of bs with people telling you what to do and if you listen to tadays music even neo soul is morally corrupt. THis means that she may have sold out because the money or 'gifts' provided her with stability and the ability to take care of her and her son. However she goes on to say 'God I can't stand life without ya' which means she would rather be on God's side.
Now 'brotha' im not as sure but i think he is the product of todays hip hop, because he is an educated man but he lives a life that isnt right in the eyes of god and erykah tries to tell him that but he is hard headed but she still loves him because thats her brotha in terms of ethnicity
and finally 'precious gifts... could it be make believe' basically saying is this fame/money long lasting of does it all fade; is it worth it.
actually when you get to understand what type of artist erykah badu is, you realise that the song is actually about her job in the music industry. She says 'what you gonna do when THEY come for you'. Who is they? 'They'represent those peopl in the industry that want you to sell out and sing about things that dont uplift or give people confidence or faith in God. also she says 'Work ain't honest but it pays the bills' which means in the industry you put up with alot of bs with people telling you what to do and if you listen to tadays music even neo soul is morally corrupt. THis means that she may have sold out because the money or 'gifts' provided her with stability and the ability to take care of her and her son. However she goes on to say 'God I can't stand life without ya' which means she would rather be on God's side. Now 'brotha' im not as sure but i think he is the product of todays hip hop, because he is an educated man but he lives a life that isnt right in the eyes of god and erykah tries to tell him that but he is hard headed but she still loves him because thats her brotha in terms of ethnicity
and finally 'precious gifts... could it be make believe' basically saying is this fame/money long lasting of does it all fade; is it worth it.