Ice Cube

Lyrics

[Intro: Big Bird]
Say, look at this
I've been cleaning out my nest, and I found an old book of my poetry

[Verse: Ice Cube]
Fresh out of school 'cause I was a high school grad
Gots to get a job 'cause I was a high school dad
Wish I got paid by rappin' to the nation
But that's not likely, so here's my application
Pass it to the man at AT&T
'Cause when I was in school I got the A.E.E
But there's no SC for this youngsta
I didn't have no money, so now I gotta punch the
Clock, gotta slave, and be half a man
But whitey says there's no room for the African
Always knew that I would clock G's
But welcome to McDonald's, "May I take your order, please?"
Gotta serve ya food that might give you cancer
'Cause my son doesn't take no for an answer
Now I pay taxes, that you never give me back
What about diapers, bottles, and Similac?
Do I have to sell me a whole lotta crack
For decent shelter and clothes on my back?
Or should I just wait for help from Bush?
Or Jesse Jackson, and Operation PUSH?
If you ask me the whole thing needs a douche
A Massengill, what the hell
Crack will sell in the neighborhood
To the corner house bitches
Miss Parker, little Joe, and Todd Bridges
Or anybody that he know
So I copped me a bird, better known as a kilo
Now everybody know I went from po'
To a nigga that got dough
So now you put the feds against me
'Cause I couldn't follow the plan of the presidency
I never get love again
But blacks are too fuckin' broke to be Republican
Now I remember, I used to be cool
'Til I stopped fillin' out my W-2
Now senators are gettin' high
And your plan against the ghetto backfired
So now you got a pep talk
But sorry, this is our only room to walk
'Cause we don't want a drug push
But a bird in the hand is worth more than a Bush
[Outro]
Tell the politicians, the hustlers
Live and let live (Yeah)
Tell the politicians, the hustlers
Live and let live (Yeah)

Ice Cube is back with an iconic and legendary track titled A Bird in the Hand, talking about his struggles as a teenager. The song narrates the story of a young man who becomes a father straight out of high school and is unable to find a job. A Bird in the Hand is one of the tracks from Ice Cube's 1991 album, Death Certificate, and has become one of the most iconic and recognized songs by the artist.

About A Bird in the Hand

A Bird in the Hand by Ice Cube is a track that talks about the struggles of a teenage father in finding a job, and the consequences that come with these struggles. Ice Cube paints a picture of the harsh reality that young fathers face when they aren't able to provide for their family. The lyrics are hard-hitting, and the beat is hard, making it a great song to listen to when you need to get some perspective on life.

The track reveals the options that are available to those who are living in poverty, and the reality that comes with these limited options. The lyrics convey the idea that when opportunities are limited, people are forced to resort to unsavory means to make ends meet. The song is a warning to young people to make the right choices early in life because the options can dwindle over time.

Ice Cube was quoted in Rolling Stones saying; "The options get taken away, so you need to make it with the options that are out there." The powerful statement is an indication of the artist's belief that individuals have more control over their destinies than they imagine.

One of the most notable things about A Bird in the Hand is the haunting chorus that features a sample from B.B King's Chains and Things. The mix between Ice Cube's hard-hitting lyrics and the soulful sound of BB King is captivating, making this track one of the most iconic songs in the rap genre.

The lyrics of A Bird in the Hand delve into the harsh reality of living life on the edge without resources. Ice Cube raps about the desperation and hopelessness that he experienced as a teenage father and the relief he felt when he started making it big as a musician. It is a story of triumph over adversity and a testament to the power of persistence under challenging circumstances.

The song's overall message is that life is difficult, but young people should not give up hope for a better tomorrow. The song encourages young people to make the right choices and keep pushing forward no matter what circumstances they find themselves in.

In recent years, the song has become more popular than ever before as people have become more aware of the struggles of the disadvantaged in society. The track is an important reminder that even in the darkest of times, it is possible to overcome our struggles and live a fulfilling life.

Wrapping Up

A Bird in the Hand by Ice Cube is a powerful and gut-wrenching track that speaks about the difficulties of living in poverty, the challenges of being a teenage father and the ultimate hope that life offers for a better tomorrow. The beat is hard-hitting, and the lyrics are relatable, making it an iconic song that resonates with many people today. This is a testament to the power of rap music to convey real stories and inspire hope in even the most challenging of circumstances.

• Release Date: October 29, 1991
• Artist: Ice Cube