Dirty Water
Dirty Water

Lecrae - Dirty Water Lyrics

Lecrae dives deep into the social and historical issues affecting African Americans, using powerful imagery to convey his message. He starts by highlighting the struggles and triumphs of his community, emphasizing their resilience despite systemic oppression.… Read more

Hip-Hop
Sep 9, 2014
394
Dirty Water Music Video

Dirty Water Lyrics

Hold up, Hold up, Hold up
Y'all gon' get me bowed up
When that beat hit it's like three kicks
In your knees up to your nose, huh
You knows us
Unashamed, Uno Uno Seis, whoa
Tatted on my skin, all up in your face, whoa
If I ain't bout that live, then I ain't really livin'
But if you can't see my light then maybe I ain't in it
Champagne, champagne, celebratin' my campaign
I just dug a well in West Africa
But how many of my friends is African, huh?
No habla español, just show me tu baño
Ain't trynna get to know you, I'm too busy readin' Daniel
Most segregated time of day is Sunday service
Now what you think that say about the God you worship?
First of all, I know it ain't a song that's gon' change the world
There's no way
It's not a guilt trip, it's a field trip that's gon' last more than one day
What you thought, huh?
Faith ain't bout no soft stuff
I heard you just went overseas, now come back home and boss up

Buy a bottle for a fee, dirty water
Bodies floatin' in the sea, dirty water
Blood flowin' from the ground, dirty water, dirty water
Buy a bottle for a fee, dirty water
Bodies floatin' in the sea, dirty water
Blood flowin' from the ground, dirty water
Ain't no filters in this town, dirty water

Worthless, worthless, 400 years we done heard that
My family came here on slave ships
Some herd cattle, some herd blacks
Know some of y'all done heard that
My kin was treated less than men
That's why we raised to hate each other, cause we hate our skin
Lies you told about yourself that you don't realize
I must be a thief, she locked the doors when I was walking by
They must be whores 'cause the master rapes them and leaves
The child
So dead beat daddy was taught to me way before my time
Now we extreme, buying fancy things like gold chains
Just pretty shackles, we still enslaved
Put 'em round your neck, 'cause we still hangin'
Hood preacher told 'em they should live as kings
You call him devil, he fightin' for self esteem
It's hard to dream when your water ain't clean
Now look at Lucifer's scheme as how to be in a team
Blood in the ocean to these African streams
This dirty water ain't nothin' we haven't seen

Buy a bottle for a fee, dirty water
Bodies floatin' in the sea, dirty water
Blood flowin' from the ground, dirty water, dirty water
Buy a bottle for a fee, dirty water
Bodies floatin' in the sea, dirty water
Blood flowin' from the ground, dirty water
Ain't no filters in this town, dirty water

Writer(s): Derek Johnson, Le Crae Devaughn Moore
Copyright(s): Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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What is the Meaning of Dirty Water?

Lecrae dives deep into the social and historical issues affecting African Americans, using powerful imagery to convey his message. He starts by highlighting the struggles and triumphs of his community, emphasizing their resilience despite systemic oppression. The "dirty water" metaphorically represents the polluted state of society, marred by racism, inequality, and historical injustices like slavery. Lecrae points out how these issues persist today, from racial profiling to economic disparities. By referencing segregated Sunday services and the ongoing fight for self-esteem within his community, he challenges listeners to reflect on their own beliefs and actions. Ultimately, Lecrae calls for awareness and action, urging us to confront these "dirty waters" head-on for a better future.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What historical issues does Lecrae address in 'Dirty Water'?

    In 'Dirty Water,' Lecrae delves into the painful history of slavery and its lasting impacts on society. He references the transatlantic slave trade with lines like 'My family came here on slave ships, some herd cattle, some herd blacks.' The song discusses systemic racism and the psychological effects of such historical atrocities.

  2. What does Lecrae mean by 'dirty water' in the song?

    'Dirty water' in the song symbolizes the polluted and corrupted systems that have historically oppressed various communities. It represents both literal and metaphorical contamination—ranging from actual unclean water that affects impoverished regions to broader societal issues like racism and inequality that taint human relations and communities.

  3. How does Lecrae link personal responsibility to societal issues in 'Dirty Water'?

    Lecrae acknowledges personal responsibility alongside broader societal injustices. He emphasizes that while systemic issues contribute to societal problems, individual actions and attitudes also play a role. By mentioning his own efforts, like digging a well in West Africa, he illustrates how personal initiatives can address larger challenges.

  4. What is the significance of the phrase 'Buy a bottle for a fee, dirty water' repeated in the lyrics?

    The phrase highlights the irony and injustice of having to purchase clean water—a basic necessity—which should be readily available but isn't due to corruption and poor management of resources. It criticizes how essential needs have been commodified, making them inaccessible for many, especially in poorer regions.

  5. Can you explain Lecrae's reference to religious practices in 'Dirty Water'?

    'Most segregated time of day is Sunday service,' points out the paradox of racial segregation within Christian worship settings, which contradicts the faith’s teachings about unity and equality. This line critiques how even religious environments are not immune to racial divides, reflecting broader social separations.

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