Public Enemy

Lyrics

[Intro: Sister Souljah]
This is Sister Souljah. Public Enemy, Security of the First World, and all allied forces are traveling west to head off a white supremacy scheming to destroy the national celebration of Martin Luther King's birthday. Public Enemy believes that the powers that be in the states of New Hampshire and Arizona have found psychological discomfort in paying tribute to a black man who tried to teach white people the meaning of civilization. Good luck brothers, show 'em what you got

[Verse 1: Chuck D]
I'm countin' down to the day deservin', fittin' for a king
I'm waitin' for the time when I can get to Arizona
'Cause my money is spent for the goddamn rent
Neither party is mine, not the jackass or the elephant
Twenty thousand niggy-niggy brothers in the corner
Of the cell block, but they come from California
Population is none in the desert and sun
With a gun cracker runnin' things under his thumb
Starin' hard at the postcards, isn't it odd and unique
Seein' people smile wild in the heat?
A hundred-twenty degree, 'cause I want to be free
What's a smilin' face when the whole state's racist?
Why I want a holiday? Damn it, 'cause I wanna
So what if I celebrate it standin' on a corner?
I ain't drinkin' no forty, thinkin' time with a nine
'Til we get some land, call me the trigger man
Lookin' for the governor, huh? He ain't lovin' ya, ha?
But here to trouble ya, he's rubbin' ya wrong
Get the point and come along, he can get to the joint
I urinated on the state while I was kickin' this song
Yeah, he appear to be fair
The sucker over there, he try to keep it yesteryear
The good ol' days, the same ol' ways that kept us dyin'
Yes - you, me, myself, and I, indeed
What he need is a nosebleed
Read between the lines, and then you see the lie
Politically planned, but understand, that's all she wrote
When we see the real side that hide behind the vote
And they can't understand why he the man, I'm singin' about a king
They don't like it when I decide to mic it
Wait, I'm waitin' for the date
For the man, who demands respect 'cause he was great, c’mon
I'm on a one mission to get a politician to honor
Or he's a goner by the time I get to Arizona
[Verse 2]
Well, I got 25 days to do it
If a wall in the way, just watch me go through it
'Cause I gotta do what I gotta do
PE number one, gets the job done
When it's done and over, was because I drove 'er
Through all the static, not stick but automatic
That's the way it is, he gotta get his, talkin' MLK
Gonna find a way
Make the state pay, I'm lookin' for the day
Hard as it seems, this ain't no damn dream
Gotta know what I mean, it's team against team
Catch the light beam

[Verse 3]
So I pray, I pray every day, I do and praise Jah the maker
Lookin' for culture I got, but not here from Jamaica
Pushin' and shakin' the structure, bringin' down the Babylon
Hearin' the sucker that make it hard for the Brown
The hard boulevard, I need it now more than ever now
Who's sittin' on my freedom, oppressor, people beater
A piece of the pick, we picked a piece of land that we're deserving now
Reparation, a piece of the nation, and damn, he got the nerve
Another nigga they say and classify we want too much
My people plus the whole nine is mine, don't think I even double dutch
Here's a brother, my attitude is hit 'em, hang 'em high
I'm blowing up the 90's, started tickin' in '86
When the blind get a mind, better start fearin' while we sing it now
There will be the day we know who's down and who will go
Go, go, go
By the time I get to Arizona
[Chorus]
By the time I get to Arizona
By the time I get to Arizona
By the time I get to Arizona

By the Time I Get to Arizona is a powerful song by the iconic rap group Public Enemy. Released in 1991, this track is more than just another hit from the group; it serves as a passionate response to the controversial decision made by the people of Arizona in 1990. This decision, which voted against instituting Martin Luther King Jr Day as a federal holiday, sparked outrage among civil rights activists and black people worldwide. It is with this fiery backdrop that Public Enemy delivers a hard-hitting message through their music.

Featuring Chuck D, the charismatic frontman of Public Enemy, and Sister Souljah, a noteworthy figure in her own right, By the Time I Get to Arizona pulls no punches. With their dynamic and compelling delivery, they give a voice to the frustration and anger felt by many in response to Arizona's decision. It's a song that confronts issues of racial inequality and social justice head-on, making it an important piece of music not just in the context of the 90s, but in the history of hip-hop as a whole.

About By the Time I Get to Arizona

By the Time I Get to Arizona is more than just a song; it's a passionate outcry against the injustice and discrimination faced by black communities. The track stems from the events that occurred in Arizona in 1990 when the state voted against establishing Martin Luther King Jr Day as a federal holiday. This decision was met with widespread condemnation from civil rights activists and black people worldwide, including the members of Public Enemy.

Chuck D, known for his powerful lyrics and compelling stage presence, fronts this song with his signature intensity. In his verses, he expresses his disappointment and anger towards Arizona's decision. Chuck D's delivery is unmistakable, filled with raw emotion as he condemns the voters and calls out the injustice of their choice.

Sister Souljah, a prominent figure and activist at the time, adds another layer of conviction to the song. Her contributions reflect the solidarity felt by many in the face of Arizona's decision. Together, Chuck D and Sister Souljah amplify each other's voices, creating a powerful and unyielding force of social commentary.

Interestingly, the title of the track, By the Time I Get to Arizona, is a reference to Isaac Hayes' 1969 soul cover of the song "By the Time I Get to Phoenix." Public Enemy, appreciative of Hayes' music, had previously sampled his track "Hyperbolicsyllabicsesquedalymistic" for their 1989 release Black Steel in the Hour of Chaos. By referencing Hayes' work, Public Enemy creates a connection between the struggles of the past and the present, highlighting the ongoing fight for equality and justice.

By the Time I Get to Arizona encapsulates the power of hip-hop as a tool for social commentary and activism. Public Enemy utilizes their platform to raise awareness and address pressing issues. The song serves as a reminder that art can be the catalyst for change and a vehicle for marginalized communities to make their voices heard.

Throughout the song, Public Enemy employs powerful and poetic lyrics to convey their message. Their words are carefully chosen and delivered with precision, demanding the attention of the listener. The song's energy is infectious, with its driving beat and intense vocal delivery captivating from start to finish.

By the Time I Get to Arizona also showcases Public Enemy's ability to blend different musical elements seamlessly. Combining rap with soulful samples and infectious rhythms, they create a unique sonic landscape that complements the intensity of their lyrics.

In addition to its musical prowess, By the Time I Get to Arizona is also a visually striking piece. The music video depicts powerful imagery and footage, interspersing scenes of Public Enemy passionately performing with disturbing clips that highlight the struggles faced by black communities. This visual representation adds another layer of impact to the already compelling song.

By the Time I Get to Arizona is not just a song; it's a rallying cry in the face of injustice. Public Enemy's unequivocal stance on civil rights and racial equality is evident throughout the track. Their artistry and passion make this song a powerful statement and an essential addition to the canon of socially conscious music.

With By the Time I Get to Arizona, Public Enemy once again proves their ability to combine explosive music with impactful lyrics. The song serves as a testament to the enduring power of hip-hop as a means of expression and protest. It stands as a reminder that music has the ability to bring people together, inspire change, and challenge the status quo.

• Release Date: October 1, 1991
• Artist: Public Enemy