Lyrical Breakdown of 8 Million Stories - A Journey through Words and Rhymes

Welcome to the detailed analysis of "8 Million Stories" on Lazyjot. Here, we unravel the lyrical complexity and artistic brilliance that define this iconic song.

Lyric Overview: Witness how A Tribe Called Quest weaves words into powerful emotions and vivid imagery. From intricate rhyme schemes to compelling storytelling, every line in "8 Million Stories" is a testament to masterful songwriting.
Rhyme and Rhythm Analysis: Our Lazyjot editor highlights the ingenious use of multi-syllabic rhymes and the rhythm pattern that A Tribe Called Quest employs. Understand the construction of each verse and how it contributes to the song's overall impact.
Syllable Pattern Insights: Dive deeper into the structural elements of the lyrics. See how the syllable count varies across the song, adding a unique rhythm and flow to A Tribe Called Quest's narrative.

This lyrical analysis of "8 Million Stories" not only celebrates A Tribe Called Quest's artistic prowess but also serves as an educational tool for aspiring songwriters. If this analysis inspires you and you'd like to see your own songs analyzed in this way, join the Lazyjot community. Register at Lazyjot and start exploring the full potential of your lyrical creativity. Turn your thoughts into rhymes and your rhymes into songs with Lazyjot!

Verse One: Phife Dawg

Went to Carvel to get a milk shake

This honey ripped me off for all my loot cakes

The car oh yeah there's money in my jacket

Somebody broke into my ride and cold macked it

Yo tip I tell you man the devil's tryin it

But I'm goin to stay strong cause I ain't buyin it

Tonight I'm taking Sherry out, I don't have jack to wear

You know I gots to look dipped in the fresh new gear

Cool I found something so I ironed it

I then got caught up on the phone, oh shit I'm fryin it

Will someone tell me what did I do to deserve this?

I think I'll, pull out my suit for Sunday service

My little brother wants Barney, cool I'm gettin it

Took him down to Kay-Bee, they ain't sellin it

Here we go with the cryin, yo he's throwin fits

My blood pressure's blowin up, I can't take the shit

Finally got what he wanted now he's good to go

Again the ride was smashed, where's my radio?

One time the car was in the shop I had to borrow see...

They had no mercy on the car they almost killed me

Where the hell can Nicki be? I'm gonna smack her up

I got the tickets for the Knicks and she cold stood me up

I need to hit a honey off, Jarobi pass the phone

Pulled out my book of hoes, oh yo Sheila's home

Steady smilin like a mother yo I'm read' to bone

Went down to hon, she's in the red zone

Stressed out more than anyone could ever be

Forever tryin to clear the samples for my new LP

Everybody knows I go to Georgia often

Got on the flight and I ended up in Boston

With all these trials and tribulations yo I've been affected

And to top it off, Starks got ejected

Refrain: Phife Dawg

Problems, problems, problems, woe is me I'm havin

Problems, problems, problems.

Verse Two: Phife Dawg

Just last week my girl was stressin me

Now her best friend be underssin me

Well I was lovin her by the moon ray

Now I'm tricking on her like Kinte' (c'mon)

Bought a bag of izm from the smoke shop

Walkin towards the car, here come the damn cops

Now I'm station bound for the thai sticks

I bought it for my man, I don't believe this shit

Coach sat me down from the ball team

Cause I was breakin niggaz on the inseams

Some niggaz cross town was tryin to stick me

All I had was shorts, a dollar fifty

Picked up this girl in the hooptie

Just because I rhyme she tried to soup me

Pay for this, pay for that, loot for nails and hair

Who the hell you think I am, Mr. Belvedere?

Go and get a bloody job, then can we look cute

Even if you give me boots, you'll neva see my loot

She wasn't even all of that just another hooker

So I turned that ass away, quick like Chucky Booker

Sometimes you got put the hoes in their friggin place

Just move from in front me with your bati face!

Refrain: Phife Dawg

Problems, problems, problems, Lord knows I'm havin

Problems, problems, problems, Jesus Christ I'm havin

Problems, problems, problems, pray for me I'm havin

Problems, problems, problems.

Yeah

Yeah.

Just lay down your burdens by the riverside

Hah, and you'll be alright, knowhatI'msayin?

Love and peace from Phife for '93, knahmsayin?

Tribe Called Quest, Shaheed and Tip

This is how we flip

My man Muhammad in the house, huh (come on, come on)

Zulu Nation in the house, huh (come on, come on)

SubRoc is in the house, huh (come on, come on)

My man Skeff is in the house, huh (come on, come on)

Jarobi White is in the house, huh (come on, come on)

Bob Power in the house, huh (come on, come on)

My man Eric in the house, huh (come on, come on)

My man Nitro in the house, huh (come on, come on)

Refrain: Q-Tip

Help me out y'all, help me out now

Help me out God, I really need ya

Help me out now, I really need ya

Help me out y'all, help me out now

I'm havin problems, help me out now

Really need ya, to help me out now

Help me out y'all, help me out now

Help me out God, I really need ya

Havin problems, help me out now.

(Help me, help me, help me, help me, help me, help me

Help me, help me, help me, help me, help me, help me...

...MUHAMMAD!)