Krs Sound Of Da | Police Lyrics [repack]
Yo, it's been a long day without Thinking 'bout my freedom, no doubt I step outside, and I breathe The sound of da police, it's all I need
[Verse 2] What is a cop? A cop is a pig Wait, hold on, I'm not done yet, let me continue What is a pig? A pig is an animal And what is an animal? An animal is a beast So, a cop is a beast! No, wait, a pig is a cop It's the same thing, you see, the pig watches you The cop watches you, so they're both watching you Watching me, watching us, they watchin' we But I'm too clever, you see I'm like an alley-cat, I get up and scat Got the nine, on my side, to protect my hide But then again, what is a gun? A gun is a tool You use it to build, or you use it to rule Some use it for self-defense, some use it for money And some use it for ignorance, but that's a different story, son I'm just giving you the facts, so listen up The police are here to protect the property of the rich Not you and me, so naturally They got to come in conflict with the likes of you and me
The are not just a collection of verses and a hook. They are a primary source document for the state of Black America in the early 1990s. KRS-One managed to do what few artists can: create a track that works equally well on a club sound system (that bassline!) and in a college classroom. krs sound of da police lyrics
This leads to the most famous lyrical device in the song: the connection between "officer" and "overseer."
The message of "Sound of da Police" is one of resistance and awareness. KRS-One is not simply rapping about the problems; he is actively seeking to educate his listeners and inspire them to take action. The song is a call to arms, urging people to think critically about the role of police in society and to demand accountability. Yo, it's been a long day without Thinking
Before diving into the lyrical analysis, it is essential to understand the man behind the mic. Lawrence Parker, known as KRS-One (Knowledge Reigns Supreme Over Nearly Everyone), had already established himself as a conscious voice in hip-hop through his work with Boogie Down Productions (BDP). However, by 1993, the "gangsta rap" era was in full swing, often glorifying street life without dissecting its root causes.
They try to take my life, they try to take my rights They try to take my future, they try to take my life I'm on the streets, I'm on the move But the sound of da police, it's all I prove An animal is a beast So, a cop is a beast
The track opens with a skit that sets the tone immediately: an authoritarian voice barking, "Yeah, officer from the force..." followed by the distinct, guttural "Woop-woop! That’s the sound of da police!" This vocal snippet became one of the most recognizable ad-libs in music history, instantly signaling an interrogation of authority.
Search interest for spikes every time a high-profile incident of police violence occurs. From Ferguson in 2014 to the George Floyd protests in 2020, this song becomes an anthem again.
In the pantheon of hip-hop history, few tracks command immediate attention and respect quite like KRS-One’s 1993 solo debut single, "Sound of da Police." More than just a song, it is a cultural document—a scathing, rhythmic indictment of systemic racism and police brutality that remains painfully relevant decades after its release.