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Notes: A Retrobiography. | It frustrated me that many friends I knew when I was younger ended up exactly where the social stereotypes surrounding their backgrounds predicted. Why was that? | I’ve had the concept for this tune in my head for years, but not in quite this way. Then one night walking across town to New Bohemia with Kidk I mentioned the track title, and he immediately inferred a meaning that wasn’t what I’d been thinking at all. But the idea was so strong; the challenge was set. Plus in terms of getting to the root of the issues hopefully it works better. Lyrically the track goes backwards.
lyrics
Epilogue:
And how did life turn out like this?
There’s no easy explanation, goes beyond
The flaws in legal representation
Even further back than the crimes committed
The consequence is now, prison where he’s sitting
And from where he’s sitting, sees the web of decisions
Rewinding in his mind, is he a predator or victim?
Closed eyes, tears we shed with him
Now that you know the ending let’s head back to the beginning…
Verse 3:
The cell door slid open, still he seemed resigned
Salt-water rolled up his cheeks into his eyes
Wardens led him up, the corridor to transport
Sat on the van’s floor then down to Crown court
Judge gave sentence, then came the verdict
Barristers argued the case with little sense of purpose
GBH, this case was a circus
Situations worsen, cut to him on his face
Officers remove the cuffs, he turns gives chase?
To the cul-de-sac, lays a Volksvagen Jetta
Engines still running, thinking is this a set-up?
Climbs in front seat, then they pursue the fuzz
You know the ending, but we start where the end does…
CHORUS:
(You know the ending)
And in the end, it doesn’t have to be like this
Verse 2:
So he’s outside the club, rage in his veins
28 days early not 28 days late
Looking at this kid, stooped over like he’s hit
But the wounds to his ribs heal up in an instant
As the bat left his torso…
Now seems our friend’s at an awkward crossroads
With one way to go, blend straight home
Replace the bat in its wardrobe, cut to the club
Feeling disrespected, fists coming up
The was kid’s poking fun, only now he doesn’t know
What was said to provoke the blows in the episode
Sneezing out coke with his cousin and bro
The beginning to discover, cos the end you know
CHORUS
Verse 1.
Being a dealer was nice, didn’t graft too hard but
He started on coke, then worked down to marijuana
The years went and came, see its kinda funny
They started giving him weed for money
Departed to do an unfinished B-TEC in design
GCSEs next, street rep in decline
On a mountain bike running packages on the sly
That’s why his kicks were so nice, cut to a filthy room
Staring at a fifty note taken by father substitute
In a nasty crew, finding control of his emotions
Run home after taking cars back to their owners
Not so much results of post codes or skin-tones but
The end he hadn’t chosen, guess he’d never known hope
CHORUS
Prologue:
And from where He’s sitting, sees the web of decisions
Only He knows who’s the predator or victim
Closed eyes, tears He sheds with him
You know He’s the ending, he’s the beginning…
Intro:
Let’s change the ending
(Praying for you…)
credits
from No Freedom Without Sacrifice,
released June 8, 2009
[A. Brooks]
Drums: Myke Wilson
Guitar: Testament
Sound FX: Testament
Trumpet: Danny Gough
Bowed Double Bass: Garry Jackson
Vocal: Testament
Homecut is the brainchild of MC/producer Testament. Conscious lyricism, live instrumentation and mix of Soul, Hip-Hop and
sonic experimentation mark out Homecut on the UK landscape. The critically acclaimed debut album “NO FREEDOM WITHOUT SACRIFICE” features collaborations with Corinne Bailey Rae, Soweto Kinch, US rap legend J-Live, Andreya Triana and members of the Cinematic Orchesta....more
supported by 11 fans who also own “YKTE ft LeeSun”
Not decided on a favourite track but the album as a whole is positive, reflective and mature - aside from the lyricism and the recognisable voice, things have changed since 'The Essance' (still a great album though!) Great LP. Scissorino
