The beat for “Relax” is a live session beat created exclusively by talented women, infusing their creative energy into the track, spanning from Italy to South Africa to Romania, making it a global collaboration. The chorus was inspired by one of my favorite books, “Relax, It’s Just God” by Wendy Thomas Russell. It’s a nod to the power of literature and how it can influence and sculpt our outlooks. I want to take you through the lyrics of my song, “Relax.” This track brilliantly ties politics and fatherhood to fit the album’s theme. Let’s break it down.
Changing Times and Unchanging Realities
The song starts by throwing us back to the days when President Obama graced the White House, setting the stage on the eve of Father’s Day weekend. His remarks at a White House Town Hall on the topic of fatherhood bridge the politics-fatherhood gap. I rap, “The last time I was in America, Obama was the president,” and reflect on how I thought I had escaped the political madness. Some Canadians, upon hearing my accent, even mistook me for an ambassador, underscoring the complexities of my experiences.
Being a black man hailing from the American South, it becomes essential for me to share my unique perspective. This perspective provides a window into how I’ve witnessed the world change over time, or in some cases, how it has remained unchanged.
Finding Strength in Tough Times
When I say, “Relax, it’s just the government,” it’s a reminder that while politics can be frustrating and messy, we have our own strengths. The government is made up of a small group of individuals with their own agenda, looking out for themselves and their families, just like us. We are less of a priority than most are willing to accept. We’ve got to find our inner resilience and self-worth to face the challenges that come our way.
America as a Business
In the second verse, I dive deep into the idea that America is more of a business than a country. “It’s so great of a business. Even convinced its customers that they’re citizens.” It’s a thought-provoking notion because it seems like profit and consumerism drive so much of what happens here, there, everywhere. I challenge the concept of patriotism being intertwined with consumerism and commercial values.
A Call for Critical Thinking
I borrowed the line “Maybe I should hold it down, ’cause they shut you down when you speak from your heart” from André 3000, widely regarded as one of the greatest artists ever. “But, I rather not,” I added. I want you to question the status quo, to not accept everything at face value. The influence of lobbyists and the illusion of justice and equality are things we need to be aware of. It’s crucial to have a critical mind and understand the systems shaping our lives..
Refrain: Holding Onto Resilience
The chorus repeats the message of resilience. It’s about letting go of the emotional turmoil surrounding politics and focusing on our personal strengths. We should be engaged citizens, but we also need to remember that real change often starts at the grassroots level, from within.
Fatherhood’s Role in a Child’s Life
I can’t emphasize enough the role of fathers in a child’s life. The government can provide resources, but fathers play an irreplaceable role in shaping a child’s future. Being there for our kids, guiding them, and being their role models are vital responsibilities.
A Thought-Provoking Social Commentary
“Relax” is a song that speaks from a seemingly harsh yet liberating realization. It’s about sharing my experiences and thoughts on the world, the government, and the importance of family. It’s a song that invites you to think, question, and grow. I hope it resonates with you and encourages you to reflect on the world around you. Thanks for your time.
Relax lyrics
“Um, I had a heroic mom and wonderful grandparents who helped raise me and my sister, and it’s because of them that I’m able to stand here today. But despite all their extraordinary love and attention, that doesn’t mean that I didn’t feel my father’s absence. That’s something that leaves a hole in a child’s heart that a government can’t fill.”
The last time I was in America, Obama was the president. Damn-near 8 years ago, nope, haven’t been back every since.
Thought I escaped political madness, some Canadians hear this accent and they mistake me for an ambassador. Fuck-it, I’ll chat withcha about American politics. I am black and from the south, that’s ’bout American as you get. Speaking of Black, I’m so sick of hearing, “Black lives matter.” Oh no, I love the chatter. Just tired that we have to. After all these years, we’re still fighting to be perceived as human. Lawmakers, legislation put us in this situation.
Still wanna know how I feel about an attack on capital hill. I’m surprised lawmakers weren’t killed. Tell these folks that their votes really don’t mean what they think. And, why the fuck are you promotin’ a system that is broken? ‘Cause you ain’t tryna fix a thing, we both know it.
Relax, it’s just the government. They got they own kids with no time to father us or mother us. It ain’t that kinda love for us. They’re just parents and we are not family.
Relax, it’s just the government. They got they own kids with no time to father us. Ain’t no love for us. Maybe I should hold it down, ’cause they shut you down when you speak from ya heart but I rather not.
No, I didn’t wanna talk to you about politics or religion. But, it’s impossible to dodge the shit. Well, since you want me opinion, America’s more of a business than a country. You big ole dummy. America’s not a country. It’s a business.
It’s so great of a business. Even convinced its customers their citizens. Watch ’em. They think their so patriotic but they’re just profit. America doesn’t give a shit unless they’re shoppin’. I should know I’m blackman, the face of the brand. While tapping them poor white pockets, America uses me to dodge ’em. Some people need to feel someone beneath them. Perpetuating a system that oppress them. Man, America’s so impress. It be advertising justice, peace and equality.
Look, don’t be buyin’ that shit. It doesn’t exist. But there are lobbyists with private interests try’na influence, if you can’t buy a party son, well, nothing gets done. Your justa loyal customer conditioned to be argumentative. Gotcho’ free dumb coupons ready to make some decisions. Notta democracy. You live in a fuckin’ plutonomy. You’re only mad about your country. You just need more money. Relax.
Relax, it’s just the government. They got they own kids with no time to father us or mother us. It ain’t that kinda love for us. They’re just parents and we are not family.
“Our government can build the best schools with the best teachers on Earth, but we still need fathers to ensure that the kids are coming home and doing their homework, and having a book instead of the TV remote every once in a while.
Government can create good jobs, but we need fathers to train for these jobs and hold down these jobs and provide for their families. If we want our children to succeed in life, we need fathers to step up.”
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