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...)