Lyrics
And any man who knows a thing knows
Recognizing that someone who truly understands something realizes their lack of complete knowledge.
He knows not a damn, damn thing at all
Emphasizing the limited understanding or knowledge possessed by individuals.
And every time I felt the hurt
Referring to experiencing pain or suffering at various points in life.
And I felt the givin' gettin' me up off the wall
Feeling motivated or inspired by the act of giving to overcome difficulties.
I'm just gonna take a minute and let it ride
Expressing the intention to take a moment to relax and let things progress without stress or hurry.
I'm just gonna take a minute and let it breeze
-I'm just gonna take a minute and let it ride
-I'm just gonna take a minute and let it breeze
-How did Mandela get the will to surpass the everyday
Reflecting on the resilience and strength shown by influential figures like Mandela and Gandhi in the face of adversity, emphasizing their selflessness.
When injustice had him caged and trapped in every way?
-How did Gandhi ever withstand the hunger strikes and all?
-Didn't do it to gain power or money if I recall
-It's to give, I guess, I'll pass it on
Highlighting the importance of giving and passing on positivity to alleviate stress and hardships.
Mother thinks it'll lift the stress of Babylon
-Mother knows, my mother she suffered blows
-I don't know how we survived such violent episodes
-I was so worried and hurt to see you bleed
Recalling personal experiences of witnessing a loved one's suffering and subsequent resilience, showing gratitude for their strength.
But as soon as you came out the hospital you gave me sweets
-Yeah, they try to take you from me
-But you still only gave 'em some prayers and sympathy
-Dear mama, you helped me write this
Acknowledging the influence and guidance of the speaker's mother in understanding the value of giving.
By showing me to give is priceless
-And any man who knows a thing knows
Reiterating the theme of experiencing pain and finding strength through giving.
He knows not a damn, damn thing at all
-And every time I felt the hurt
-And I felt the givin' gettin' me up off the wall
-I'm just gonna take a minute and let it ride
-I'm just gonna take a minute and let it breeze
-I'm just gonna take a minute and let it ride
-I'm just gonna take a minute and let it breeze
-All I can say is the worst is over now
Signifying the overcoming of challenging times and barriers, along with celebrating others' success.
We can serve the hard times, divorce, it's over now
-They try to keep us out but they doors is open now
-My nigga, Akon is gettin' awards and covers now
-This is K'naan and still reppin' the S
Proudly representing one's origins (Mogadishu) and acknowledging the difficulty of coming from such a place.
Comin' out of Mogadishu and still draped in the mess
-And no matter how we strong, homie
-It ain't easy comin' out of where we from, homie
-And that's the reason why, I could never play for me
Commitment to honesty and truthfulness learned from deceased friends, finding inspiration in adverse situations.
Tell 'em the truth is what my dead homies told me
-Ooh yeah, I take inspiration from the most heinous of situations
-Creating medication out my own tribulations
-Dear Africa, you helped me write this
Acknowledging Africa's influence in understanding the value of giving and generosity.
By showing me to give is priceless
-And any man who knows a thing knows
Reiterating the theme of experiencing pain and finding strength through giving.
He knows not a damn, damn thing at all
-And every time I felt the hurt
-And I felt the givin' gettin' me up off the wall
-I'm just gonna take a minute and let it ride
-I'm just gonna take a minute and let it breeze
-I'm just gonna take a minute and let it ride
-I'm just gonna take a minute and let it breeze
-Nothing is perfect man, that's what the world is
Highlighting the imperfection of the world and the importance of enjoying and cherishing the present moment.
All I know is I'm enjoying today
-You know 'cause it isn't every day that you get to give
-And any man who knows a thing knows
Reiterating the theme of experiencing pain and finding strength through giving.
He knows not a damn, damn thing at all
-And every time I felt the hurt
-And I felt the givin' gettin' me up off the wall
-I'm just gonna take a minute and let it ride
Expressing the intention to take a moment to relax and let things progress without stress or hurry.
I'm just gonna take a minute and let it breeze
-I'm just gonna take a minute and let it ride
-I'm just gonna take a minute and let it breeze
-I got nothin' to complain about
Expressing contentment and gratitude, particularly reflecting on personal growth and progress.
You know where I'm from
-You know where I'ma last, so
-You know I was flyin' high
-I'm just gonna take a minute and let it ride
Expressing the intention to take a moment to relax and let things progress without stress or hurry.
I'm just gonna take a minute and let it breeze
-I'm just gonna take a minute and let it ride
-I'm just gonna take a minute and let it breeze
-
Comment