Lyrical Breakdown of Tread Water - A Journey through Words and Rhymes

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

  • Lyric Overview: Witness how De La Soul weaves words into powerful emotions and vivid imagery. From intricate rhyme schemes to compelling storytelling, every line in "Tread Water" 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 De La Soul 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 De La Soul's narrative.

This lyrical analysis of "Tread Water" not only celebrates De La Soul'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!

(Tread Water)

(Tread Water)

(Tread Water)

I was walking on the water when I saw a crocodile

He had daisies in his hat, so I stopped him for a while

He delivered me a message, a massage to soothe my stage

What it was, was more then plug-up dosage

More than D.A.I.S.Y. age

Conversation drew a rule

Which the crowd will roar by millions

Mr. Crocodile said, 'Dove, you must look

For now the villains try to hold you underwater

But one thing we all must heed

Sony Walkman's keep us walking

De La Soul can help you breathe when you tread water

(Tread Water)

(Tread Water)

(Tr-Tread Water)

As I walked along my journey

I thought 'What have I just learned?'

In a flash I saw commotion

There was movement in these ferns

Silently the silence came, was it the end of my world?

I shouted out in fear, 'Who's there?'

'It's me,' said Mr. Squirrel

'I've searched for you all over, now you're found

No time to waste. We must find the preacher man

We must find the P.A. Mase. For my population's dying

And we're all in tune to doom

Like the Daisy, I need water

I need chestnuts to consume.'

'Mr. Squirrel,' I said, 'I'm sorry

But the problem can't be solved

If there's no one here to help, and no one to get involved

Always look to the positive and never drop your head

For the water will engulf us if you do not dare to tread

So let's tread water'

(Tread Water)

(Tr-Tread Water)

(Tread Water)

Now one weary day I woke, my alarm said 'Plug time's up'

Filled my bath up with the water, gargled with my gargle cup

As I bathed I felt a presence, and I'm sort of ticklish

I looked down and then around and I heard

'Hi! I'm Mr Fish. How do you do? As for me

I'm in tip-top shape today, cause my water's clean

And no one's menu says Fresh Fish Filet

See I look past all my worries, which is something you must do

Though you're fed up, throw your head up

With this advice from me to you

And that's to tread water'

(Tread Water)

(Tread Water)

(Tr-Tread Water)

As my day went unexplained, time was finding nothing fun

As I walked along the sidewalk, I heard

'Psst, excuse me, Plug One.'

From my Soul, De La that is, I hollered,

'Yes, are you talking to me?'

'No alarm meant,' he said, 'Let me introduce myself

I'm Mr Monkey.'

'Mr Monkey, I pledge you slap of five

Now how does your problem meet?'

He said, 'My bananas are at their ripest, but they all

Stand at 3 Feet. My swinging hand is bandaged up

Could you help me with this chore?'

I brought him down to the Native shop

And bought him copies of the De La score

Which assisted well in his elevation

Now all bananas was at his grasp

He decided with this accomplished

He would put me on to the path

He told me to live by the Inner Sound, y'all

Which would bring me health in showbiz

Then to use them, not abuse them

And then in the words that got me to 'em

And that is to tread water

(Tread Water)

(Tread Water)

(Tread Water)

(Tread Water)

(Tr-Tread Water)

(Tread Water)

(Tread Water)