Wu-Tang Clan

Lyrics

[Intro: Inspectah Deck]
Yo, this goes for all my brothers and sisters locked down
For all my peoples incarcerated, for those who ain't make it

[Verse 1: Inspectah Deck]
Yo, in the housing, thousands seen early graves
Victims of worldly ways, memories stays engraved
All my live brothers is locked down with high numbers
The young hunger, blind to these lies, they die younger
In this New World, the Order slaughter men, women and children
Ten feet gates surround the building, keep us sealed in
The projects, lifeless like a Vietnam vet
Constant war, except for threats of enemy conquest
Crooked cops comb my building complex that's in the rumble
Streets are like a jungle, can't let my cypher crumble
Vivid thoughts, Devils resort to trick knowledge
They kick garbage, lust for chicks and quick dollars
I know the pain the game bring, I did the same thing
Spaced out in the staircase, performin' a sting
It's hard to keep control, I bless those who seek a scroll
Tryin' to reach a whole nation and break the sleeper hold
Not a role model, I walk a hard road to follow
I sold bottles of sorrow then chose poems and novels
The gospel was told, some souls it swallowed whole
Mentally they fold, and they eventually sold
Their life and times, deadly like the virus design
But too minute to dilute the scientist mind
[Chorus: Inspectah Deck and Masta Killa (Both)]
You can't party your life away, drink your life away
Smoke your life away, fuck your life away
Dream your life away, scheme your life away
'Cause your seeds grow up the same way

[Verse 2: Masta Killa]
A voice cries from the wilderness of the North
A representation of the families that lost one
All victims of incarceration
Or other divisions of the family structure
Youths are injected with serums that leads to skin irritations
Babies being born with disfigurations, experimentations
On their faces, there bear worry-ations
Of mothers that carry the pain
Of blood stained streets where sisters mourn and wail
Fifth brothers been slain from hails of gun fire
It lightly begins to rain
Screams of terror are hidden by the passin' trains
This can't be little Hussein
His uncle cries as he drops to his nephew's side, holdin' his cane
Just give me a name
Of who has inflicted this bitter sickness, and left us to witness

[Verse 3: U-God]
Yo, curses from war, innocent blood spills for days
Soothe in godly ways, hands, solemn in praise
Tree of life, more precious than rubies, golden game
The wise shall flourish inherit, Halls of Fame
Crime visions in my blood got me locked in prison
While we die, hard-livin' people whine about religion, vision
Blow, spin, and sin and killin' what's revealin'
It's a never endin' battle with no endin' or beginnin', listen
Zero process, progress, become the hunted
America's most wanted, good life, flaunt it, want it
Some love the speed, some satisfy a need
Some wanna be down, young gun seed, jungle breed
The strong must feed, someone die, someone bleed
One flew astray, and it caught my little seed
Can it be? The ice savage, trife life, made me grab the knife
The righteous man was beat with many stripes, pipes
Take in my energy, breath and know the rest
'Cause the good die young and the hard die best
[Chorus: Inspectah Deck and Masta Killa (Both)]
You can't party your life away, drink your life away
Smoke your life away, fuck your life away
Dream your life away, scheme your life away
'Cause your seeds grow up the same way
'Cause your seeds grow up the same way
'Cause your seeds grow up the same way

[Verse 4: RZA]
Y'all bitches love dances, and pullin' down your pants
While your man's on tour, your spendin' up his advances
Your friends ain't shit, all they do is drink, smoke, and suck dick
The whole projects is trapped in six
You either high school drop-outs, one to three cop-outs
Fifteen years old, shorty ass and top out
Ninety-nine cent beer drinkin', pussy stinkin'
Fuckin' so much, your ass and titties start shrinkin'
New World Order slave trade, minimum wage, Medicaid
Can a devil fool a Muslim nowadays?
Inside my lab, I'm goin' mad
Took two drags off the blunts, and started breakin' down the flag
The blue is for the Crips, the red is for the Bloods
The white's for the cops, and the stars come from the clubs
Or the slugs that ignites through the night, by the dawn early light
Why is sons fightin' for the stripe?
[Verse 5: Method Man]
As we dwell through this concrete hell, callin' it home
Mama say, "Take your time, young man, and build your own
Don't wind up like your old dad
Still searchin' for them glory days he never had"
So many bad want to scheme for American dream, no more kings
The cash rule everythin' now, we goin' down
These babies lookin' up to us, it's up to us
The Million Man March MC's, get on the bus
But envy, greed, lust and hate separate
Though the devil mind state blood kin cannot relate
No longer brothers, we unstable
Like Cain when he slew Abel, killin' each other

[Chorus: Inspectah Deck and Masta Killa (Both)]
You can't party your life away, drink your life away
Smoke your life away, fuck your life away
Dream your life away, scheme your life away
'Cause your seeds grow up the same way
'Cause your seeds grow up the same way
'Cause your seeds grow up the same way

Are you ready to dive into the world of Wu-Tang Clan and explore their iconic song "A Better Tomorrow"? This track is a true gem in the hip-hop universe, showcasing the immense talent and creativity of this legendary rap collective. But there's more to this song than meets the eye - or rather, the ear. Let's unravel the layers and discover the story behind this classic Wu-Tang Clan masterpiece.

About A Better Tomorrow

"A Better Tomorrow" is a track that holds special significance for the Wu-Tang Clan. Released in 1997 as the title track of their fifth studio album, it resonated with fans and critics alike due to its powerful message and thought-provoking lyrics. The song encapsulates the essence of the group's philosophy and their vision for a brighter future.

One interesting aspect of "A Better Tomorrow" is the use of a sample from Peter Nero's composition, "The Love Theme" from the movie "Romeo and Juliet (A Time for Us)". Wu-Tang Clan skillfully incorporates this sample, adding a touch of nostalgia and cinematic flair to their rap masterpiece. It's a perfect example of how the group seamlessly merges different musical elements to create their unique sound.

But the title of the song goes beyond just borrowing from a classic composition. It also pays homage to the 1986 Hong Kong action/gangster film "A Better Tomorrow". Directed by John Woo and starring Chow Yun-Fat, this iconic movie has become a cult classic in its own right. The Wu-Tang Clan, known for their love of martial arts movies and their influence on their music, draw inspiration from this film to express their artistic vision and social commentary.

As we dive deeper into the lyrics of "A Better Tomorrow", we are confronted with insightful verses that tackle important social issues. The song serves as a platform for the Wu-Tang Clan to address the challenges faced by society and advocate for positive change. Their lyrics explore themes such as poverty, oppression, and the struggle for justice, inviting listeners to reflect on the world around them.

Furthermore, the song captures the essence of the group's philosophy, emphasizing the importance of unity and collective action. Wu-Tang Clan is known for their emphasis on brotherhood, solidarity, and the power of community. Through their music, they aim to inspire listeners to come together, overcome adversity, and work towards a better tomorrow.

With their unique blend of poetic lyricism and hard-hitting beats, Wu-Tang Clan has cemented their place in the annals of hip-hop history. "A Better Tomorrow" is a testament to their artistic vision and ability to push boundaries, both musically and socially. It showcases their mastery of storytelling, clever wordplay, and the ability to tackle complex subjects with finesse.

As you dive into the world of "A Better Tomorrow", be prepared to be moved by the profound lyrics and infectious energy of the Wu-Tang Clan. This song serves as a reminder of the power of music to inspire change and provoke thought. It is a testament to the enduring impact of Wu-Tang Clan and their ability to create timeless music that resonates with generations.

So, grab your headphones and immerse yourself in the captivating world of "A Better Tomorrow" by Wu-Tang Clan. Let the lyrics wash over you, the beats move your body, and the message inspire you to take action. Because in the words of the Wu-Tang Clan themselves, "the world is yours, plans to leave the whole world in awe."

• Release Date: June 3, 1997
• Artist: Wu-Tang Clan