Song Meaning

This track opens with a father figure addressing his daughter, framing his advice as a guide for her future. He encourages her to be strong and assertive, telling her to "Tell that boy he's wrong, girls are strong" and to fight back if necessary, but to then "negotiate a peace contract." The lyrics suggest a desire to equip her with both resilience and diplomacy for a world that isn't a "fairy tale," especially one "ran by some rich white scary males" who exploit others. This foundational advice is then cemented by the recurring, almost mantra-like chorus: "Wear clean draws / Every day... 'Cause things may fall / The wrong way." It’s a practical, albeit stark, reminder to always be prepared for the unexpected, even in the most mundane ways, like avoiding embarrassment if an ambulance is needed. The central tension lies in the juxtaposition of nurturing parental guidance with a harsh, systemic critique of societal power structures. The narrator wants his daughter to be a confident, empowered woman, capable of challenging injustice and asserting her worth. He directly confronts historical and ongoing exploitation, stating, "Stole Black folks from Africa to work for free / And we still barely get paid enough to eat." This sets the stage for his vision of a "revolution" where "nobody steal money from the things we make." Yet, this revolutionary spirit is filtered through the lens of personal preparedness and self-reliance, embodied by the simple, recurring instruction to "wear clean draws." The most striking craft element is the grounding of profound social commentary in the most basic, almost absurdly practical advice. The idea of being ready for an ambulance, with clean underwear, becomes a metaphor for a broader state of readiness. It’s a way to make the overwhelming task of navigating a corrupt world feel manageable. The repetition of "Handshakes are promises, lies can spoil it / Words should be bond and seal" further emphasizes the importance of integrity and commitment, both in personal interactions and in the larger struggle for justice. The contrast between the grand ideals of revolution and the intimate, almost mundane, act of preparing for a potential accident is what makes the message stick. Ultimately, the lyrics resonate because they offer a pragmatic, yet empowering, framework for facing adversity. The narrator isn't just telling his daughter to be prepared; he's teaching her to be self-possessed and to maintain dignity, no matter the circumstances. The repeated, almost folksy, advice about hygiene and readiness, coupled with the sharp social observations, creates a unique blend of tenderness and defiance. It’s a call to action disguised as a parental lecture, urging listeners to be ready for life's challenges, both personal and political, with a clean slate and a determined spirit.

The Coup - Rap

Wear Clean Draws

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[Intro] I want everybody to like cha-cha when they hear this That's if you can Check this out [Verse 1] You know you're my cookie baby and you're too smart I can read it in the lines of your school art True heart, I mean courage, expressed with care Go on draw them superheroes with the curly hair You're my daughter, my love, more than kin to me This for you and the woman that you finna be Tell that boy he's wrong, girls are strong Next time at show-and-tell play him our song Tell your teacher I said princesses are evil How they got all they money was they killed people If somebody hits you, hit 'em back Then negotiate a peace contract Life is a challenge and you gotta team up If you play house, pretend that the man clean up You too busy with the other things you gotta do If you start something, now, remember follow through Later on you gon' blossom like a lotus You'll get into boys and the boys gon' notice It don't matter who you do it with Just remember when I tell you baby you the shit Handshakes are promises, lies can spoil it Words should be bond and seal Wash you hands after using the toilet Brush after every meal And also [Chorus] Wear clean draws Every day (every day) 'Cause things may fall The wrong way (stay ready) You'll be lying there Waiting for the ambulance And your underwear (ooh) Got holes and shit Wear clean draws Every day (every day) 'Cause things may fall The wrong way (stay ready) You'll be lying there Waiting for the ambulance And your underwear (ooh) Got holes and shit [Post-Chorus] Pam can I get a little scratch right here? (Yeah) Pam can I get a little scratch right there? (Oh yeah) Pam can I get a little scratch right here? (Yeah) Pam can I get a little scratch right there? (Oh yeah) [Verse 2] My boogie baby now, the world ain't no fairy tale And it's ran by some rich white scary males To make it simple for you, let's call 'em the bosses They take money while the people take losses Stole Black folks from Africa to work for free And we still barely get paid enough to eat That's what I told you I be saying in my vocals That's why the woman got the gun on the logo The star is the future that we gon' create Where nobody steal money from the things we make The revolution take time and space But you as a woman gotta know your place That's in the front, baby I'm being blunt, baby If they get mad, say it's they time of the month baby Your face is just like the sun when it raises Thank you for adding beauty to my phrases Handshakes are promises, lies can spoil it Words should be bond and seal Wash your hands after using the toilet Brush after every meal And like your granddaddy told me [Chorus] Wear clean draws Every day (every day) 'Cause things may fall The wrong way (be ready) You'll be lying there Waiting for the ambulance And your underwear (ooh) Got holes and shit Wear clean draws Every day (every day) 'Cause things may fall The wrong way (stay ready) You'll be lying there Waiting for the ambulance And your underwear (ooh) Got holes and shit [Post-Chorus] Pam can I get a little scratch right here? (Yeah) Pam can I get a little scratch right there? (Oh yeah) Pam can I get a little scratch right here? (Yeah) Pam can I get a little scratch right there? (Oh yeah) If you stay ready you don't gotta get ready Alright, baby, this is for you [Outro] Clap yo hands Clap yo hands Clap yo hands Clap yo hands Clap yo hands Clap yo hands Clap yo hands Clap yo hands Clap yo hands Clap yo hands

Credits

Writers: Boots Riley

Wear Clean Draws

Wear Clean Draws

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Credits