Black Steel
Tricky
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I got a letter from the government The other day I opened and read it It said they were suckers They wanted me for the army or whatever Picture me given' a damn, I said never Here is a land that never gave a damn About a brother like me and myself Because they never did I wasn't wit' it, but just that very minute It occurred to me The suckers had authority Cold sweatin' as I dwell in my cell How long has it been? They got me sittin' in the state pen I gotta get out, but that thought was thought before I contemplated a plan on the cell floor I'm not a fugitive on the run But a brother like me begun, to be another one Public enemy servin' time, they drew the line y'all To criticize me some crime, never the less They could not understand that I'm a black man And I could never be a veteran On the strength, the situation's unreal I got a raw deal, now I'm lookin' for the steel (Many switch in, switch on, switch off (Repeat x5)) Nevertheless they cannot understand That I'm a black man, and I could never be a veteran. On the strength of situations, I'm real. I got a raw deal, so I'm lookin' for the steel Lookin' for the steel.
Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer
Written by: WILLIAM DRAYTON, CARLTON RIDENHOUR, ERIC SADLER, HANK SHOCKLEE
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, REACH MUSIC PUBLISHING
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
12 facts about this song
Genre Classification"Black Steel" by Tricky falls under the category of trip-hop, a genre that blends electronic music, hip hop, and rock.
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Album InformationThe song was featured on Tricky's debut album, "Maxinquaye", released in 1995.
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Unique CompositionThe song is a reinterpretation of Public Enemy's "Black Steel in the Hour of Chaos", with the rap vocals replaced by sung lyrics from Tricky's collaborator, Martina Topley-Bird.
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Chart PerformanceThe song got to number 28 in the UK Singles Chart, making it Tricky's second highest-charting single in his home country.
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Challenging ThemeTricky's "Black Steel" maintains the political commentary of the Public Enemy original, criticising the treatment of Black people and prisoners in the US.
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Highly PraisedThe song is considered one of the most distinctive covers of a hip-hop song and it effectively launched Topley-Bird's singing career.
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Memorable Music VideoThe music video for "Black Steel" is set in a high-security prison and dramatically depicts a riot and jail-break, reflecting the themes of the song.
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Part of a Longer CompilationThe original version of the song is over five minutes long, but it was cut down to three and a half minutes for radio play.
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Worldwide RecognitionDespite being a UK artist, Tricky’s influence reached a global audience, with "Black Steel" being particularly appreciated in the United States.
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Live PerformancesEven though Tricky has released many albums since "Maxinquaye", "Black Steel" remains a fan favourite and a staple in his live performances.
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On Film Soundtracks"Black Steel" has been used in multiple film soundtracks, further reinforcing its wide recognition and popularity.
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Long-Lasting Impact"Black Steel" continues to be a highly influential track in the world of trip-hop, demonstrating the genre's potential for powerful social commentary.
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"Black Steel Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 30 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/5714612/Tricky/Black+Steel>.
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