Lyrical Breakdown of UMI Says - A Journey through Words and Rhymes

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

  • Lyric Overview: Witness how Mos Def weaves words into powerful emotions and vivid imagery. From intricate rhyme schemes to compelling storytelling, every line in "UMI Says" 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 Mos Def 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 Mos Def's narrative.

This lyrical analysis of "UMI Says" not only celebrates Mos Def'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!

I don't wanna write this down, (world... premiere)

I wanna tell you how I feel right now (world... premiere)

I don't wanna take no time to write this down, (world... premiere)

I wanna tell you how I feel right now, hey (world... premiere)

Tomorrow may never come

For you or me

Life is not promised

Tomorrow may never show up

For you and me

This life is not promised

I ain't no perfect man

I'm trying to do, the best that I can,

With what it is I have

I ain't no perfect man

I'm trying to do, the best that I can,

With what it is I have

Put my heart and soul into this song (yes yes)

I hope you feel me

From where I am, to wherever you are

I mean that sincerely

Tomorrow may never come

For you and me

Life is not promised

Tomorrow may never appear

You better hold this very moment very close to you (right now)

Very close to you (right now)

So close to you, So- close to you (your moment in history is right now!)

Don't be affraid, to let it shine

My Umi said shine your light on the world

Shine your light for the world to see

My Abi said shine your light on the world

Shine your light for the world to see

(I want black people to be free, to be free, to be free)

My Abi said shine your light on the world

(Want black people to be free, to be free, to be free)

Shine your light for the world to see

(Want black people to be free, to be free, to be free)

My Umi said shine your light on the world

(Want black people to be free, to be free, to be free)

Shine your light for the world to see

(Want black people to be free, to be free...)

Sometimes I get discouraged

I look around and, things are so weak

People are so weak

Sometimes,

Sometimes I feel like crying

Sometimes my heart gets heavy

Sometimes I just want to leave and fly away (fly fly fly, like a dove)

Sometimes I don't know what to do with myself (ow!)

Passion takes over me

I feel like a man

Going insane

Losing my brain

Trying to maintain

Doing my thang

Hey hey hey hey hey

Put my heart and soul into this y'all

I hope you feel me

Where I am, to wherever you are (ha ha ha ha)

Sometimes I don't want to be bothered

Sometimes I just want a quiet life, with

Me and my babies, me and my lady

Sometimes I don't want to get into no war

(Black people to be free, to be free...)

Sometimes I don't wanna be a soldier

Sometimes I just wanna be a man, but

Umi said shine your light on the world

Shine your light for the world to see

My Abi said shine your light on the world

Shine your light for the world to see

(I want black people to be free, to be free, to be free)

My dreamers(?) said shine your light on the world

(Want black people to be free, to be free, to be free)

Shine your light for the world to see

(Want black people)

My elders said shine your light on the world (Hey hey)

Shine your light for the world to see

I want black people to be free, to be free, to be free

All my people to be free, to be free, to be free

Oh black people to be free, to be free, to be free

Oh black people to be free, to be free, to be free

That's all that matters to me Black people unite and let's all get down

Gotta have what,

Gotta have that love

Peace and understanding

One God, one light

One man, one voice, one mic

Black people unite come on and do it right

Black people unite come on and do it right

Black people unite come on and get down

Gotta have what,

Love, peace and understanding

One God, one voice, one life

One man, gon' shine my light

Black people unite, now hop up and do it right

Black people unite, now come on and do it right

Yeah baby that's what I like

Yeah baby that's what I like

Yeah baby that's what I like...

(Black people, my people...)