See I’m simply not the type,
to bob my head in tune to the music,
while my man holds me tight.
I’ve got something to say, feel the need to ignite.
Like women are enslaved, how much of your life
did you dictate? Or did you fixate
on what you thought was right.
Irrefutably, dutifully beautiful.
Did you think you’d escaped
the institutional fake might, conservative right,
the mini skirt backlash of the seventies?
You’d better wax if you want to go to the beach.
Never felt so free. Women in corsets,
yet you can’t even breathe.
And it’s best if you listen to her set,
instead of looking at her set, sweat.
I bet, you never felt the pressure that you’re lesser,
or embedded with the terror that you’re the prey,
and the night the predator so women reclaim the night
to reclaim the right.
We claim the right to reclaim the night.
Not to be quiet to say “everything is not alright.”
For sovereignty, not to use my body for apology
or cloak my words in modesty.
To fight the status quo.
When I’m in the mood to write, write to show
that I’m happy alone. Sick of being spoken for by hip hop.
It’s supposed to have saved me, too often degrading.
Many emcees speak of suffragettes like we’re objects.
But listen- women, rise up. The mic lies gathering dust.
I shouldn’t have to justify giving my time to this,
this is not for fun, creativity a must.
We claim the right, to reclaim the night,
not to be quiet to say, “everything is not alright.”
We claim the right, to reclaim the night, not to be quiet.
Faded sun, seeps through the glass ceiling. But on stage, it’s suitably bright.
When it’s dark outside,
I can’t even walk home at night.
But I try, to keep an open mind.
These days so hard, I’m surrounded by
man made music with no space to fly,
my dress doesn’t fit in with your stereotype.
We’ve come a long way, from the old days.
The legacy of the female factory.
We’ve got freedom now but still shy to speak.
Still a long way from equality.
I don’t understand, don’t take my hand as
we claim the right to reclaim the night.
This is a genuine art, but your disrespectful lyrics break my heart.
I hear the arrogant pitch of your voice, and then the word bitch.
What an interesting choice. I reach for the switch, how does this shit
get airplay. Not fair mate, I don’t accept second best.
On prayer day, I’m asking for truth, not dare,
how dare they. I’m sick of sexism. It’s a world wide movement,
hip hop and feminism. Maybe this can work in tandem,
I’m not some random, no laryngeal athlete, but I won’t sit back
and let my muscles atrophy.
Empty out your insides, your body is just a drum.
Knock on the skin I promise you will make noise long after you’re gone.
Why is equality, controversy?
Hook x 8
We claim the right, to reclaim the night
just because it’s common doesn’t mean it’s alright.
Why is equality, controversy?
credits
from Time Waits For No Woman,
released March 11, 2016
Beat by Beatzophrenic.
Cello by Oliver Downes.
Cuts by Dj Cost.
Recorded, mixed and mastered by T Kabanov at Caustic’s Studio.
The Sydney hip hop duo combine the powerful lyricism of emcee Madame Wu with the smooth tones of vocalist Elise Graham to create a unique sound throughout the album.
supported by 4 fans who also own “Reclaim The Night”
Awesome Album, completely different to Hell Hath No Fury, caught me by surprise, and what a surprise!.
This album is yet another example of exactly how high skilled Helen is as an emcee and a writter.
I was hanging out for this album and it delivered way more than i anticipated
Guest spots rip too, mad original beats.
Unreal Helen Earth, i love it when you do what you do Mick