The Roots

Lyrics

[Intro: Dice Raw]
Never understand

[Hook: Dice Raw]
People ask for God, 'til the day he comes
See God's face, turn around and run
God sees the face, of a man
Shaking his head, say, "He'll never understand"

People ask for God, 'til the day he comes
See God's face, turn around and run
God sees the face, of a man
Shakes his head then he says, "Man'll never understand"

[Bridge: Dice Raw]
He'll never understand, never understand
Never understand

[Verse 1: Black Thought]
Gravedigger, dig a hole that fit a black nigga
My body's stiff as a Madame Tussaud's wax figure
My transformation: a caterpillar from crack dealer
And backpedaller was no less, than spectactular
Yeah I was trappin' money, flippin' like a spatula
Now put that sucker in a box like Dracula
I led the devil in a dance
An electric slide across the line I drew up in the sand
Dead, ended, love is like a harlequin's romance
Lost between sips of liquor, that empty bottle in my hands
It was a shot away, but I never got away
Dreamed a little dream of me but that was an anomaly
Yo, people ask for God
[Hook: Dice Raw]
People ask for God, 'til the day he comes
See God's face, turn around and run
God sees the face, of a man
Shaking his head, say "He'll never understand"

People ask for God 'til the day he comes
See God's face, turn around and run
God sees the face, of a man
Shakes his head then he says, "Man'll never understand"
[Verse 2: Greg Porn]
Holy, sugar, honey ice tea
I guess that's a prayer for a player like me
In my church clothes, breaking buds on the Bible
The sweet temptation of my granddaddy's rifle
Got me thinking 'bout doing a jihad with these guys
Who only true religion look better than Levi's
Who baptize glasses with beers and blood stain
You preaching to the choir, that praise the drug game
Hallelujah, 'til the cops cuff me in the back of a cruiser
Or the fire truck wash my soul down the sewer
I count my blessings
And blow it on a nun to resurrect my erection
I pray, I pray all dogs go to Heaven
Or to a new hell with a Wi-Fi connection
So I can pay for my sins on PayPal
Or own a holy ghost, a greyhound
[Hook: Dice Raw]
People ask for God, 'til the day he comes
See God's face, turn around and run
God sees the face, of a man
Shaking his head, say "He'll never understand"

People ask for God, 'til the day he comes
See God's face, turn around and run
God sees the face, of a man
Shakes his head then he says, "Man'll never understand"

Understand by The Roots, featuring Dice Raw and Greg Porn, is a captivating and thought-provoking track that showcases the immense talent and creativity of this critically acclaimed hip-hop band. Known for their intelligent lyrics, live instrumentation, and innovative sound, The Roots have consistently pushed boundaries and challenged norms within the music industry. Understand is no exception, as it delves deep into themes of introspection, social commentary, and the complexities of human understanding.

About Understand

Understand is a track that stands out within The Roots' extensive discography for its introspective and introspective verses. The song opens with a mesmerizing instrumental arrangement that immediately draws the listener in. The combination of live instrumentation, including intricate drum patterns, grooving basslines, and melodic piano chords, creates a unique and captivating sonic landscape.

The lyrical content of Understand is equally impressive. Dice Raw and Greg Porn's verses are filled with poignant observations and personal anecdotes, providing listeners with a window into their thoughts and experiences. Their delivery is smooth and effortless, perfectly complementing the jazzy and soulful vibe of the track.

What sets Understand apart is its ability to address complex and deep-seated issues while maintaining a catchy and engaging sound. The song tackles the concept of understanding, or lack thereof, in various contexts. The lyrics explore the struggles of communication, empathy, and connection in a world that often seems divided and detached.

The Roots excel in their ability to capture the zeitgeist of society, and Understand is no different. The track serves as a social commentary that encourages listeners to reflect on their own understanding of the world and the people around them. It asks thought-provoking questions about the limitations of human perception and the need for empathy and open-mindedness in overcoming societal obstacles.

Understanding the world and the people in it is an ongoing journey, and this song serves as a reminder of the importance of constantly challenging ourselves to broaden our perspective. The thought-provoking lyrics combined with the mesmerizing music create a powerful and introspective listening experience.

The Roots' ability to seamlessly blend live instrumentation with hip hop elements is showcased in Understand. The band's signature style, often referred to as "organic hip hop," is on full display, with the live drums, bass, and piano providing a rich and dynamic foundation for the song. This fusion of genres creates a unique and refreshing sound that sets The Roots apart from their contemporaries.

The collaboration between Dice Raw and Greg Porn brings an additional layer of depth and versatility to Understand. Both artists deliver their verses with conviction and authenticity, adding their own unique perspectives to the song's overall message. Their voices blend seamlessly, creating a captivating and cohesive narrative throughout the track.

Understand is a testament to The Roots' ability to create music that transcends genres and defies expectations. The band's unwavering commitment to artistic integrity and meaningful storytelling shines through in this track. It is a true reflection of their talent, dedication, and passion for creating music that resonates with listeners on a profound level.

In Closing

Understand by The Roots, featuring Dice Raw and Greg Porn, is a masterpiece that pushes boundaries, challenges norms, and encourages introspection. The combination of exceptional instrumental arrangements, thought-provoking lyrics, and captivating performances makes this song a must-listen for anyone seeking a profound and impactful musical experience. The Roots' ability to address complex themes with clarity and creativity, while maintaining a catchy and engaging sound, is truly commendable. Understand is a testament to their status as pioneers within the hip hop genre and solidifies their place in music history.

• Release Date: May 19, 2014
• Artist: The Roots