Who We Be/Shout
Dmx/Tears For Fears Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴Uh, yeah
Another one of those
(This is for my nigga Q)
Down to earth joints
(Rest in peace, baby
You know how we roll)
There's so many that don't know (you knew I could do it)
They don't know who we be (this goes out to my nigga Q, rest in peace, baby) They don't know who we be (but you still here with me)
What they don't know is
The bullshit, the drama (uh), the guns, the armor (uh)
The city, the farmer, the babies, the mama (what)
The projects, the drugs (uh), the children, the thugs (uh)
The tears, the hugs, the love, the slugs (come on)
The funerals, the wakes, the churches, the coffins (uh)
The heartbroken mothers, it happens too often (why?)
The problems, the things we use to solve 'em (what)
Yonkers, the Bronx (uh), Brooklyn, Harlem (come on)
The hurt, the pain, the dirt, the rain (uh)
The jerk, the fame, the work, the game (uh)
The friends, the foes, the Benz, the hoes (what)
The studios, the shows, comes and it goes (come on)
The jealousy, the envy, the phony, the friendly (uh-huh)
The one that gave 'em the slugs, the one that put 'em in me (woo)
The snakes, the grass too long to see (uh, uh)
The lawnmower sittin' right next to the tree (come on)
They don't know who we be
They don't know who we be
They don't know who we be
They don't know who we be
What we seeing is
The streets, the cops, the system, harassment (uh-huh)
The options, get shot, go to jail, or getcha ass kicked (aight)
The lawyers, the part they are of the puzzle (uh-huh)
The release, the warning, "Try not, to get in trouble" (damn)
The snitches, the odds (uh), probation, parole (what)
The new charge, the bail, the warrant, the hole (damn)
The cell, the bus, the ride up north (uh-huh)
The greens, the boots, the yard, the court (uh)
The fightin', the stabbin', the pullin', the grabbin' (what)
The riot squad with the captain, nobody knows what happened (what)
The two years in a box, revenge, the plots (uh)
The twenty-three hours that's locked, the one hour that's not (uh)
The silence, the dark, the mind so fragile (aight)
The wish that the streets would have took you when they had you (damn)
The days, the months, the years, despair
One night on my knees, here it comes, the prayer
They don't know who we be
They don't know who we be
They don't know who we be
They don't know who we be
This here is all about
My wife, my kids (uh-huh), the life that I live (uh-huh)
Through the night I was his (uh-huh), it was right what I did (uh-huh)
My ups and downs (uh), my slips, my falls (uh)
My trials and tribulations (uh), my heart, my balls (uh)
My mother, my father, I love 'em, I hate 'em (uh)
Wish God, I didn't have 'em, but I'm glad that he made 'em (uh)
The roaches, the rats, the strays, the cats (what, what)
The guns, knives and bats, every time we scrap
The hustlin', the dealin', the robbin', the stealin' (uh)
The shit hit the ceilin', little boy with no feelin's (damn)
The frustration, rage, trapped inside a cage
The beatings 'til the age I carried a twelve gauge (aight)
Somebody stop me (please), somebody come and get me (what)
Little did I know that the Lord was ridin' with me
The dark, the light (uh), my heart (uh), the fight (uh)
The wrong (uh), the right (uh), it's gone (uh), aight
They don't know who we be
They don't know who we be
They don't know who we be
They don't know who we be
They don't know who we be (come on)
(They don't know who we be) Man, listen
(They don't know who we be) These motherfuckers don't know who we are, they don't know
(They don't know who we be) They couldn't possibly fuckin' know, dog)
That's from the heart
(Come on)
(Dog, this shit is crazy)
Overall Meaning
The lyrics to this song are a powerful commentary on the struggles faced by people living in underprivileged neighborhoods. DMX highlights the violence and danger that are ever-present dangers, from gang violence to police harassment, and the resulting need for urban survival tactics like hustling, dealing, and stealing. Despite this, he also emphasizes the love and sense of community that can be found in these same neighborhoods, from the love between mother and child to the camaraderie between friends. The song also serves as a tribute to a friend who has passed away, honoring the ways in which that person stayed strong and resilient despite the hardships he faced.
The lyrics draw heavily on contrast, emphasizing the way that elements of pain and struggle are often inextricably linked to moments of love and hope. This contrast is reinforced by the musical backing, which is built around an interpolation of Tears for Fears' popular song "Shout." This classic '80s track is a fun, upbeat, and catchy pop hit, but when used as the backbone of DMX's lyrics, it takes on a darker and more unsettling tone, highlighting how the things that might make someone shout for joy in a different context are the same things that can force them to shout in fear and anger in other situations.
The song's powerful social message and skillful blending of contrasting musical elements have made it an enduring classic of late '90s/early 2000s hip-hop music. It was a standout track on DMX's blockbuster 1999 album "...And Then There Was X," and remains a beloved choice for DJs and fans alike. Its lyrics are often cited as an example of DMX's talent for weaving together deep insights about life in the inner city with skilful wordplay and a powerful delivery.
Line by Line Meaning
Uh, yeah
Acknowledging the start of the song
Another one of those
Referring to similar songs or topics
(This is for my nigga Q)
Dedication to a deceased friend Q
Down to earth joints
Simple and relatable songs
(Rest in peace, baby You know how we roll)
Further tribute to Q and their bond
There's so many that don't know (you knew I could do it)
Addressing those who underestimate
They don't know who we be (this goes out to my nigga Q, rest in peace, baby)
Others don't know the real struggles and challenges faced, tribute to Q
They don't know who we be (but you still here with me)
Q may be gone, but their memory lives on
What they don't know is
Segue into a list of various issues faced
The bullshit, the drama (uh), the guns, the armor (uh)
Various challenges and dangers, including violence
The city, the farmer, the babies, the mama (what)
Diverse communities affected by these struggles
The projects, the drugs (uh), the children, the thugs (uh)
Specific issues afflicting low-income areas
The tears, the hugs, the love, the slugs (come on)
Contrasting emotions and experiences amidst the turmoil
The funerals, the wakes, the churches, the coffins (uh)
Tragic outcomes of violence and other issues faced
The heartbroken mothers, it happens too often (why?)
Devastating impact on families and loved ones
The problems, the things we use to solve 'em (what)
Attempted solutions to these issues
Yonkers, the Bronx (uh), Brooklyn, Harlem (come on)
Specific areas dealing with these challenges
The hurt, the pain, the dirt, the rain (uh)
Various difficulties and obstacles faced
The jerk, the fame, the work, the game (uh)
Ups and downs of success and fame amidst adversity
The friends, the foes, the Benz, the hoes (what)
Contrasting relationships and materialism amidst chaos
The studios, the shows, comes and it goes (come on)
Transient and unpredictable nature of the entertainment industry
The jealousy, the envy, the phony, the friendly (uh-huh)
Mistrust and betrayal amidst fame and success
The one that gave 'em the slugs, the one that put 'em in me (woo)
Personal experiences with violence and being a victim
The snakes, the grass too long to see (uh, uh)
People who hide their true intentions or loyalties
The lawnmower sittin' right next to the tree (come on)
Examples of overlooked or hidden dangers
What we seeing is
Transition into another set of issues
The streets, the cops, the system, harassment (uh-huh)
Mistrust and mistreatment by authority figures
The options, get shot, go to jail, or getcha ass kicked (aight)
Limited choices and consequences of interactions with authorities
The lawyers, the part they are of the puzzle (uh-huh)
Role of legal representation in navigating the system
The release, the warning, "Try not, to get in trouble" (damn)
Irony of a warning to avoid trouble after being released from trouble
The snitches, the odds (uh), probation, parole (what)
Internal struggles and external consequences of dealing with the system
The new charge, the bail, the warrant, the hole (damn)
New challenges and consequences as a result of past actions
The cell, the bus, the ride up north (uh-huh)
Process of being incarcerated
The greens, the boots, the yard, the court (uh)
Details of life in prison
The fightin', the stabbin', the pullin', the grabbin' (what)
Violence and conflicts within the prison system
The riot squad with the captain, nobody knows what happened (what)
Inhumane response to prison riots and violence
The two years in a box, revenge, the plots (uh)
Emotional and strategic responses to being imprisoned
The twenty-three hours that's locked, the one hour that's not (uh)
Limited freedoms and lack of human connection in prison
The silence, the dark, the mind so fragile (aight)
Psychological impact of solitary confinement
The wish that the streets would have took you when they had you (damn)
Desire to escape the prison system, even if it means returning to the streets
The days, the months, the years, despair
Marking time in prison with hopelessness
One night on my knees, here it comes, the prayer
Turning to religion in times of desperation
This here is all about
Return to personal reflections
My wife, my kids (uh-huh), the life that I live (uh-huh)
Amidst all the struggles, personal relationships and experiences remain important
Through the night I was his (uh-huh), it was right what I did (uh-huh)
Empathy and loyalty amidst adversity, personal pride in actions
My ups and downs (uh), my slips, my falls (uh)
Personal struggles and mistakes
My trials and tribulations (uh), my heart, my balls (uh)
Overcoming challenges and adversity, perseverance and courage
My mother, my father, I love 'em, I hate 'em (uh)
The complicated nature of familial relationships
Wish God, I didn't have 'em, but I'm glad that he made 'em (uh)
The role of family in shaping personal identity and experiences
The roaches, the rats, the strays, the cats (what, what)
Living environments amidst struggling
The guns, knives and bats, every time we scrap
Physical conflict and violence as a constant threat
The hustlin', the dealin', the robbin', the stealin' (uh)
Methods of survival amidst poverty and desperation
The shit hit the ceilin', little boy with no feelin's (damn)
Feeling overwhelmed and helpless in the face of ongoing struggles
The frustration, rage, trapped inside a cage
Emotions and sense of being trapped amidst ongoing struggles
The beatings 'til the age I carried a twelve gauge (aight)
Personal experiences with violence and the resulting impact
Somebody stop me (please), somebody come and get me (what)
Desire for change and to escape one's current situation
Little did I know that the Lord was ridin' with me
Belief in faith and spirituality amidst struggles
The dark, the light (uh), my heart (uh), the fight (uh)
Contrasts and personal struggles with morality and perseverance
The wrong (uh), the right (uh), it's gone (uh), aight
Life's ups and downs, and the acceptance of change
They don't know who we be (come on)
Reiteration of outsiders' lack of understanding of personal challenges
(They don't know who we be) Man, listen
Further emphasizing this point to listeners
(They don't know who we be) These motherfuckers don't know who we are, they don't know
More explicit frustration with those who don't understand
(They don't know who we be) They couldn't possibly fuckin' know, dog)
Asserting that one's struggles are too complex to be fully understood by others
That's from the heart
Asserting the personal nature and authenticity of the expression
(Come on)
Encouraging listeners to join in
(Dog, this shit is crazy)
Acknowledging the intense nature of the expression
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Royalty Network, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Mickey Davis, Earl Simmons
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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