Mum is the word...

I know I already wrote plenty of stuff about Brother Ali but this track deserves its own entry. When you think of sensitive subjects in the hip-hop community I would say homosexuality is definitely one of the most taboo topics. You have to give up for Brother Ali to tackle a topic that most politicians prefer to plead the 5^th on. The issue is so reminiscent of racial discrimination that it really reinforces the statement, “history repeats itself.” I know 50 years from now we will all look back at this very day and laugh about how ridiculous our views use to be. Without further ado let’s let the street preacher shed some light on this tender topic:

(I posted all of the lyrics below, but the third verse is one I am referencing)

Daddy was a preacher momma was a Sunday school teacher

Big brother a football squad leader

Now far be it for you to disappoint or displease them

Your just being what you feel you see in

That mirror every time you peer in

Swallow the tears inside that empty feeling

Her boy terrified to let the world in

He has girlfriends but doesn’t want a girlfriend

He retreats inside himself

Where he lives life itself in secret

Daddy says people go to hell for being

What he is and he certainly believes them

Cause there ain’t no flame that can blaze enough

To trump being hated for the way you love

And cry yourself to sleep and hate waking up

It’s a cold world ya’ll shame on us!

About 10 years ago Brother Ali used the term “Faggot” as a derogatory remark talking about another individual in his song. I am pretty sure if you go back in time he would take that back. To grow as a person is part of life and it is great that he is on the front lines of promoting change. It is people like this that slowly change the world. So if you haven’t picked up his new album you are only missing out on one of the albums of the year.

Brother Ali - Tight Rope

Frigid frozen Minnesota

Chip on his shoulder

Sick sleeping on a pissy sofa

Unwanted visitor in a different culture

Missing home and he can’t go their civil warin’

Listen solider forget getting over

Prison state around the corner homless is even closer

Kids with similar skin color still don’t even wantcha

Spit and insult ya cause they have been here longer

He leave his crib he guaranteed the pigs approach ya

Where ya going where ya from any weapons on ya?

Your family is stressed out your getting older

You don’t live the way they did back in Somalia

Its extra difficult to be a daughter

Trying to keep it modest with the sinners all around you

Wear the wrong garment your parents get an ulcer

If you wrap it up the other children picking on you

Chorus ( x 2)

Live in two worlds with your eyes closed

Tip toeing on a tight rope

Holding on for survival

Nobody to blame this is just how it goes

Holidays and you know what the business is

You get two birthdays and two Christmases

Older you get you present how sick it is

They’re trying to cover their guilt with the gifts they give

Bounce from his house to her house

Too bad that marriage didn’t work out

Now you don’t have a your house

Daddy fighting mommy they both tell me they love me

If I get to close to one the other one start acting funny

Ma went and had a baby with a different dad

You act happy to please ‘em but you are really sad

Seeing first hand that family that you will never have

Plus you ain’t no real brother, you’re just a half

Got to pick up the pieces and move on

Bed time stories and greet them on the phone

Live in two houses and neither one is home

Wishing you were grown have the freedom to get gone

Chorus ( x 2)

Live in two worlds with your eyes closed

Tip toeing on a tight rope

Holding on for survival

Nobody to blame this is just how it goes

Live in two worlds with your eyes closed

Tip toeing on a tight rope

Holding on for survival

Nobody to blame this is just how it goes

Daddy was a preacher momma was a Sunday school teacher

Big brother a football squad leader

Now far be it for you to disappoint or displease them

Your just being what you feel you see in

That mirror every time you peer in

Swallow the tears inside that empty feeling

Her boy terrified to let the world in

He has girlfriends but doesn’t want a girlfriend

He retreats inside himself

Where he lives life itself in secret

Daddy says people go to hell for being

What he is and he certainly believes them

Cause there aint no flame that can blaze enough

To trump being hated for the way you love

And cry yourself to sleep and hate waking up

It’s a cold world ya’ll shame on us

Chorus ( x 2)

Live in two worlds with your eyes closed

Tip toeing on a tight rope

Holding on for survival

Nobody to blame this is just how it goes