☝️ Key Points
- The song 'Ready or Not' by the Fugees addresses strength, determination, and the struggle for identity.
- In the chorus, a metaphor is used to represent the roles that the Fugees play in the music industry and in society, regardless of whether people are ready for their message or not.
- Wyclef speaks in his part about the challenges of being a black man in America, violence, and his desire for control and equality.
- Lauryn Hill focuses on self-determination and remembering her roots; she speaks of the need to be smart and determined to survive and succeed.
- Pras' part addresses escape and the fears and challenges associated with life as a refugee.
Interpretation
The song 'Ready or Not' by the
Fugees is a complex piece with many themes and meanings.
In the chorus, Lauryn Hill sings 'Ready or not, Here I come, You can't hide / Gonna find you, and take it slowly...' This is a metaphor for the roles that the Fugees play in the music industry and in society. They are determined to spread their message, whether people are ready for it or not.
In Wyclef's verse, he talks about the challenges he faces as a black man in America. 'Now that I escape sleep walk away / Those who convolute knows the way they care (?).' He also speaks about violence and the desire for control, 'If I could rule the world, everyone would have a gun / And together of course...'
Lauryn Hill's verses focus on self-determination and remembering her roots. 'Yo, I play my enemies like a game of chess / Without rest no stress if you don't smoke cess, less / I must confess my destiny's manifest / In some Goretex and sweats I make tracks like i'm homeless.' She speaks of the need to be smart and determined to survive and succeed.
Pras' verse brings in the theme of escape. 'Ready or not, refugees taking over / The buffalo soldier, dread lock rasta.' He addresses the fears and challenges associated with life as a refugee.
Overall, 'Ready or Not' is a song about strength, determination, and the struggle for identity in a often hostile world.