Lyrics
“Like a myst enveloped wind
Describing the mysterious and enveloping nature of the wind in a mystical way.
obscuring the edges of the ATL skyline at dawn
Obscuring the boundaries of the Atlanta skyline during the early morning hours.
I’m southwest Atlanta born
Expressing a connection to being born in southwest Atlanta.
Well versed in the arts of throw up tackle and one hop
Proficient in urban skills like "throw up tackle" and "one hop."
Come of age of age in a school system
Growing up within a school system marked by discontent among students.
that would gladly fly the flag of its students discontent
Schools willing to acknowledge student discontent for only 28 days.
While displaying for a mere 28 days their supposed Non worth
Highlighting the perceived non-worth of students within the system.
As long as you brought a Number 2 pencil
Emphasizing the simplicity of success if equipped with a Number 2 pencil.
Do the math it’s pretty simple
Suggesting a straightforward calculation of the challenges faced.
We got folks ready to die over the cities symbols
People ready to sacrifice their lives for the symbols of the city.
But what about our countries icon of oppression
Questioning the lack of attention to the country's symbols of oppression.
Thirty-seven more stars and they still go unquestioned
Pointing out the unchallenged nature of additional stars on the flag.
This the dirty, dirty folk I thought you Knew Like I do
Referring to the unique culture of the "dirty, dirty" people.
You see; some of the best knowledge don’t come from no college
Valuing knowledge beyond traditional education, emphasizing experience.
Sometimes you have to seek out and soak up true scholars
Encouraging the pursuit of wisdom from true scholars outside of academia.
By having a seat and taking a number;
Advocating active engagement and patience in acquiring knowledge.
Not falling into a slumber as the hum of the master barber’s clippers is drowned out by the sound of some southern players listing all the reasons why they got the right to make light of something heavy
Describing a scene where discussions drown out the hum of a barber's clippers.
Attempting to levy the flood of anguished pain that has languished so deep in the red clay and dogwoods of the mind for so long, you can feel it as you cross the hate line
Attempting to address deep-seated pain in the mind, crossing the "hate line."
To me it’s incomprehensible, with all the magic in this city;
Expressing disbelief at the choice of invisibility or self-pity given the city's magic.
To choose be invisible or to wallow in self pity
Reflecting on the choice between being invisible or embracing self-pity.
Though were not invincible:
Acknowledging vulnerability but emphasizing unity's strength.
Like four fingers and a thumb, if we come together as one
Metaphorically comparing unity to the fingers of a hand, suggesting collective power.
We can accomplish anything up under the Georgia son
Believing that collective unity under the Georgia sun can overcome anything.
Call me a dreamer though it seems I rarely ever fantasize
Identifying as a dreamer but rarely indulging in fantasies.
I simply paint simple scenes seen simply looking into and through Atlanta’s eyes…”
Describing the act of portraying simple scenes by looking through Atlanta's perspective.
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