Chronomentrophobia
The fear of clocks
The fear of time
High as the cost of living
I take what I've been given
Pastor say "be strong"
Ooh hey hey
I ain't got time leave me alone
I ain't got much time left
I've got to funk you now
[Chorus]
Chronomentrophobia [Repeat: x8]
Lord be having mercy on my soul
I'm having the impression that my life goin' be a bowl
Of cherries but its very hard for me to cope
Got tired of being broke
This ATLien ain't got no time to sit and mope
Made up my mind while y'all made up y'all beds
On a cold wooden floor is where I laid my head
Born in 1975 never thought I'd make it this far
Still battling in this racial war
Trying to find solutions to the situation I'm facing
Only thing that's free is my flow that y'all be chasing
Letting my nigg*s know before I go I drop that knowledge
Like dropping books lets stop the crooks
From robbing you of your brains and such using welfare as a crutch
I'm in it for good you into my hood you won't be finding much
Hope that when I'm gone y'all remember this
What we stood for "f*ck that fame and that glitz"
It's beginning to look a lot like the ending
And got to be more careful know what corners you be bending
Revelations getting impatient and now I'm dead
Remember what I said I'm gone bow ya heads
The lyrics of "Chronomentrophobia" by Kanye West and Andre 3000 delve deep into the concept of fear of time, as indicated by the opening lines. The repetition of "Chronomentrophobia" in the chorus further emphasizes this fear, highlighting how it's a constant presence in their lives. The fear of clocks and time is a metaphor for the pressure and constraints that come with living in a society obsessed with productivity and deadlines. It speaks to a sense of urgency and the looming reality of mortality that drives their actions and decisions.
The verses reflect a sense of urgency and existential contemplation. Kanye West's lyrics touch on the harsh realities of life, referencing the high cost of living and the pressure to make the most of what one is given. The line "I ain't got time leave me alone" could be interpreted as a plea for space and time to navigate life's challenges on their own terms, rather than succumbing to external pressures. It conveys a sense of independence and defiance in the face of societal expectations and demands.
Andre 3000's verse adds another layer of introspection and social commentary. He reflects on his journey from being broke and struggling to finding his voice and purpose in a world marked by racial tensions and economic disparities. The imagery of laying his head on a cold wooden floor and battling in a racial war paints a stark picture of the hardships he has faced. The references to dropping knowledge and challenging the status quo show a commitment to speaking truth to power and advocating for change.
The closing lines of the song bring it full circle, with a reminder to stay vigilant and mindful of the paths we choose to take. The references to Revelations and bowing heads echo themes of introspection, accountability, and the transient nature of life. The overall message seems to be one of resilience, defiance, and a call to remember the values and principles that define us, even in the face of uncertainty and change. "Chronomentrophobia" serves as a powerful exploration of time, fear, and the relentless pursuit of purpose and meaning in a complex world.
High as the cost of living
The increasing expenses of life weigh heavily on me.
I take what I've been given
I accept my circ*mstances, regardless of their nature.
Pastor say 'be strong'
My spiritual advisor encourages resilience and strength in adversity.
Ooh hey hey
An expression of frustration or emotional release.
I ain't got time leave me alone
I am too preoccupied with my struggles to engage with distractions.
I ain't got much time left
My deadline is approaching; I feel a sense of urgency in my life.
I've got to funk you now
I need to express my artistic creativity and deep feelings immediately.
Chronomentrophobia
This represents my anxiety and fear around the passage of time.
Lord be having mercy on my soul
I plead for compassion in the face of my existential struggles.
I'm having the impression that my life goin' be a bowl
I believe my existence is meant to be enjoyable and fruitful.
Of cherries but its very hard for me to cope
Although life has its sweet moments, I find it difficult to manage the bitterness.
Got tired of being broke
The constant struggle with poverty has exhausted my spirit.
This ATLien ain't got no time to sit and mope
As someone from Atlanta, I refuse to dwell in self-pity; action is essential.
Made up my mind while y'all made up y'all beds
I’ve made my own decisions, while others have only prepared their comfort.
On a cold wooden floor is where I laid my head
I’ve endured hardships, often finding rest in uncomfortable circ*mstances.
Born in 1975 never thought I'd make it this far
Reflecting on my life’s journey, I never imagined surviving to this stage.
Still battling in this racial war
I continue to fight against systemic racism and injustice.
Trying to find solutions to the situation I'm facing
I am actively seeking answers to the challenges I encounter.
Only thing that's free is my flow that y'all be chasing
The only unrestrained thing I possess is my artistic expression, which others admire.
Letting my nigg*s know before I go I drop that knowledge
I feel a responsibility to share wisdom with my peers before my departure.
Like dropping books lets stop the crooks
Sharing knowledge is essential to protect ourselves from deceit and exploitation.
From robbing you of your brains and such using welfare as a crutch
I criticize reliance on external assistance that may undermine our intellect.
I'm in it for good you into my hood you won't be finding much
My intentions are noble; however, opportunities in my community are scarce.
Hope that when I'm gone y'all remember this
I wish to be remembered for my teachings and contributions, not my fame.
What we stood for 'f*ck that fame and that glitz'
Our values are more important than superficial celebrity and materialism.
It's beginning to look a lot like the ending
The signs suggest that I am approaching the conclusion of my journey.
And got to be more careful know what corners you be bending
One must tread carefully and be aware of the choices they make along the way.
Revelations getting impatient and now I'm dead
The truth is becoming urgent, and I feel a sense of finality in my existence.
Remember what I said I'm gone bow ya heads
As I close this chapter, I urge you to reflect solemnly on the lessons shared.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Written by: ANDRE BENJAMIN
