911 Is a Joke
Public Enemy
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Hit me Going, going, gone Now I dialed 911 a long time ago Don't you see how late they're reacting They only come and they come when they wanna So get the morgue truck and embalm the goner They don't care cause they stay paid anyway They treat you like an ace they can't be betrayed A no-use number with no-use people If your life is on the line then you're dead today Latecomers with the late coming stretcher That's a body bag in disguise y'all, I'll betcha I call 'em body snatchers cause they come to fetch ya With an autopsy ambulance just to dissect ya They are the kings cause they swing amputation Lose your arms, your legs to them it's compilation I can prove it to you watch the rotation It all adds up to a fucked up situation [Chorus: x2] So get up get, get get down 911 is a joke in yo town Get up, get, get, get down Late 911 wears the late crown 911 is a joke 911 is a joke Everyday they don't never come correct You can ask my man right here with the broken neck He's a witness to the job never being done He would've been in full effect But late 911 was a joke cause they only joking They the token to your life when it's croaking They need to be in a pawn shop on a 911 is a joke we don't want 'em I call a cab cause a cab will come quicker The doctors huddle up and call a flea flicker Reason why I say that cause they flick you off like fleas They be laughing at you while you're crawling on your knees And to the strength so go the length Thinkin' you are first when you really are tenth You better wake up and smell the real flavor Cause 911 is a fake life saver [Chorus: x2] 911 is a joke 911 is a joke [Chorus: x2]
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Written by: Keith Boxley, George Clinton, William Bootsy Collins, William Drayton, Eric Sadler, Bernard Worrell
Lyrics © A SIDE MUSIC LLC D/B/A MODERN WORKS MUSIC PUBLISHING, BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, REACH MUSIC PUBLISHING
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
10 facts about this song
Release Information"911 Is a Joke" was released as the 3rd single from Public Enemy's third album, "Fear of a Black Planet," in 1990.
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Lead VocalistAlthough Chuck D was the main voice of Public Enemy, "911 Is a Joke" was written and performed by Flavor Flav, the group's hypeman.
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Song SubjectThe song attacks the responsiveness and effectiveness of emergency services in black neighborhoods, asserting that 911 emergency assistance is a "joke" because help doesn't come quickly enough, if at all.
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Chart RankingsIn the United States, the song peaked at 15 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and number 1 on the Hot Rap Songs chart.
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ControversyThe song received backlash and caused controversy amongst emergency service personnel who felt targeted and disrespected.
- Conversely, it opened up dialogue about socio-economic and racial disparities in public services.
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Music VideoDirected by renowned director Spike Lee, the music video for "911 is a Joke" features Flavor Flav waking up and calling 911 due to a medical emergency only to be ignored, reinforcing the message of the song.
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Modern Pop-culture ReferenceThe song was featured in the 2004 video game, "Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas," on the radio station "Radio Los Santos."
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CoversDuran Duran recorded a cover of "911 Is a Joke" in 1995. Their version was criticized, especially since most of the band members hailed from a privileged background, which was in stark contrast to the socio-economic issues addressed in the song.
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Critical AcclaimDespite the controversy, "911 Is a Joke" has been acclaimed by critics as a groundbreaking and influential song that pushed boundaries in hip hop while addressing a pressing societal issue.
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Album SuccessThe album "Fear of a Black Planet" which features the song, was a commercial success, reaching number 10 on the Billboard 200 and achieving platinum status. It’s also hailed as one of the greatest and most influential albums in the hip hop genre.
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