About the song
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Words from the artist’s archive
Roots or Rope lyrics
Artist-supplied lyric sheet, matched by title. The sheet may differ from this released performance. Production notes and alternate promotional cuts are omitted.
Read the lyric sheet
Verse 1
Bag on my back, map in my mind Stone don't gather moss when the wind stays kind Hands that fed me started counting my time Every door they opened came with a sign Left when the light hit the corner just right Told the block I was born to stray and stay light Wind in my face, no roots in my shoes But the rope in my chest pulled tighter then loose
Chorus
Roots or rope Roots or rope Stay light or the hands pull you close Roots or rope Roots or rope
Verse 2
Came back to see the money run thin Table still set now we ready to win Every hug felt like a check from my kin Same roots that raised me now joining in Said I was different and the block stayed the same Corners remember the kid with the flame Tried to explain but the words came short The rope got longer every time that I came bout
Chorus
Roots or rope Roots or rope Stay light or the hands pull you close Roots or rope Roots or rope
Bridge
I wanted the wind but the roots had a claim Or maybe the rope was the only thing flame Now both hands open, both hands the same One gives the light, one tightens the reins
Chorus
Roots or rope Roots or rope Stay light or the hands pull you close Roots or rope Roots or rope
Outro
Roots or rope
Inside the recording
Bag on my back, map in my mind Stone don't gather moss when the wind stays kind
Roots or rope Roots or rope
Roots or rope
Excerpts from artist-supplied lyric files matched by title. Lyric sheets may differ from the released performance.