DEAD MAN WALKING – English Lyrics

• By: Brent Faiyaz

Lyrics & Translation

Delve into Brent Faiyaz's "DEAD MAN WALKING," a cinematic R&B track that combines lush production with raw, introspective lyrics. Learning the language of this song offers a unique window into expressions of self-assurance and the complexities of living a high-profile life. Its blend of confident declarations and vulnerable reflections provides rich vocabulary and authentic phrasing, making it an excellent piece for language learners to explore modern R&B themes and emotional depth.

[English]

Drop the roof and let the smoke clear (smoke clear)

...

Lemme hear that

Drop the roof and let the smoke clear

I got diamonds doin' toosie slides in both ears

Dice rollin' on the Las Vegas strip tonight

Slip that on and we might miss the fight

Fuck a knot, I keep the guala in my shorty bag

You know she one of mine when she tattoo that ass

I'm a lover boy

She love the toys

Keep it comin', you a rider

This that roll myself a J and count my figures shit

This that steppin' out, I feel like I'm that nigga shit

I dropped 30 on this room, we ain't gon' sleep for shit

If I catch you nodding off, then it's gon' be some shit

But you can do what you wanna

Live how you wanna (ooh)

Spend what you wanna

Be who you wanna be

A young stunner (stunner)

'Til I D-I-E (Lord, help me)

You can do what you wanna

Live how you wanna

Spend what you wanna

Be who you wanna be (ooh)

A young stunner (stunner)

'Til I D-I-E

Fuck it, I just run it up before I go

Would you tell the world my secrets, if I let you close?

M.I.A, missing in action

These days, no kumbaya

Niggas be blastin'

Livin' in the midst of

This shit might drive you mad

Feeling pretty mixed up

But this life shit ain't all bad

Bloody, bloody murder

There ain't no second chances (shit crazy, as fuck)

Tell her just do what you wanna

Live how you wanna

Spend what you wanna

Be who you wanna be

A young stunner (stunner)

'Til I D-I-E

You can do what you wanna

Live how you wanna

Spend what you wanna

Be who you wanna be

A young stunner (stunner)

'Til I D-I-E

...

Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary	Meanings
smoke /smoʊk/ A2	noun - a visible suspension of carbon or other particles in air, typically one emitted from a burning substance. verb - inhale and exhale the smoke of tobacco or a drug.
diamonds /ˈdaɪəməndz/ A2	noun - a precious stone consisting of a clear and colorless crystalline form of pure carbon, the hardest naturally occurring substance.
roll /roʊl/ A2	verb - move or cause to move in a particular direction by turning over and over. noun - a cylinder formed by folding or winding something.
fight /faɪt/ A2	noun - a violent confrontation or struggle. verb - take part in a violent struggle involving physical force or weapons.
love /lʌv/ A1	noun - an intense feeling of affection. verb - feel deep affection for (someone).
toys /tɔɪz/ A1	noun - an object for a child to play with.
rider /ˈraɪdər/ B1	noun - a person who rides an animal or vehicle.
figures /ˈfɪɡjərz/ B1	noun - a numerical symbol.
room /ruːm/ A1	noun - a space that is or can be occupied
sleep /sliːp/ A1	verb - be in a state of rest in which consciousness is suspended.
secrets /ˈsiːkrəts/ B1	noun - something kept hidden, known only to a few.
action /ˈækʃən/ A2	noun - the fact or process of doing something, typically to achieve an aim.
life /laɪf/ A1	noun - the condition that distinguishes organisms from inorganic matter, including the capacity for growth, reproduction, functional activity, and continual change preceding death.
mad /mæd/ A2	adjective - mentally ill; insane.
murder /ˈmɜːrdər/ B1	noun - the unlawful premeditated killing of one human being by another. verb - kill (someone) unlawfully and with premeditation.

Key Grammar Structures

• Drop the roof and let the smoke clear

  ➔ Imperative verb ("Drop", "let") + Object

  ➔ Using imperative verbs to give a command or instruction. "Drop" the roof and "let" the smoke clear are both direct orders.

• I got diamonds doin' toosie slides in both ears

  ➔ Present Participle ("doin'") as an adjective

  ➔ The word "doin'" (doing) acts as an adjective, describing the diamonds. It shows them as actively performing the "toosie slide."

• If I catch you nodding off, then it's gon' be some shit

  ➔ Conditional Sentence (Type 1): If + Present Simple, then + future (gon' be)

  ➔ This is a type 1 conditional, expressing a real possibility. "If" I catch you nodding off (present simple), "then" there will be trouble (it's gon' be some shit - future tense).

• Would you tell the world my secrets, if I let you close?

  ➔ Conditional Sentence (Type 2): Would + base form, if + Past Simple

  ➔ This is a type 2 conditional, expressing an unlikely or hypothetical situation. "Would" you tell the world my secrets (would + base form) "if" I let you close (past simple).

• Tell her just do what you wanna

  ➔ Imperative + Relative clause with omission of 'that': do what you wanna

  ➔ "Tell" is an imperative. "what you wanna" is a relative clause, with "that" omitted (e.g., do what *that* you want). The sentence instructs someone to tell another person to do what they desire.