Soul Food – Tallisman[iac]

Inspired by, and written on the 7th day of the Baha’i Fast in 2010, Tallis ‘Tallisman’ Newkirk (AKA: Tallisman[iac]) brings us an awesome hip-hop track all about the fast called “Soul Food”.

Here’s some background to the track as explained by Tallisman[iac]:

On the seventh of nineteen days of the Fast a challenge was issued to me and several old friends… You see, the Fast is an interesting time – the body goes through many sensations, as does the mind and soul. The constant drone of hunger pangs and thirst is embraced and used as physical reminder of our spiritual state, essence and reality. We pray more, we meditate more, and sometimes we create more.

The challenge went thus (and I paraphrase because I can and I like to!):

“Fellas! I often find creative juices stirred in the strangest of ways during this time of yer. This Fast is no different. The strangeness yielded this funky little drum beat based on the infamous Funky Drummer Sample . What I am charging you with, should you accept and rise under pressure, is the task of filling out this melodically challenged offering. Build a funky song around these drums, submit it… we’ll collect votes and the best will go for glory!”

Here is my entry…

Soul Food Lyrics

If you need somethin’ funky to embellish ya fast
indeed Tallisman be the right fella to ask
that humanity might see the light—i relish the task
bandage the rash. Fight smite & manage the wrath
to administer the balm & it’s a hell of a salve
that I might bask in the warmth ‘thout the armour & mask
sippin’ wine of astonishment I won’t sell ya the flask
but I’ll show you the Source of course I’ll hand you the cask
‘cause it’s yours for the takin’ if you treadin’ the path
with ya head in the game then you ahead of the pack!
there are the days of abstinence enjoined
of praise remembrance, test—gird up ya loins
for the sake of His beauty and for love of his cause
we take up this duty to root out our flaws
to raise the foundation make them pillars stand true
rest at sunset partake of some soul food

We need some Soul food to break the fast
take that stick-to-ya-ribs food… the kind that’s gonna last
fill up my plate yo! don’t make me wait bros!
we in the midst of the re-vamp and we can’t be late yo!

Everybody needs some soul food… (yeah)
Everybody needs some soul food… (yeah)

Replenished by the Greatest Name souls nourished
cleansed with the purest flame. All my soldiers stand sure as
the plan unfolds an’ the old dismantles
an’ the Most withstands foes that oppose get mangled
yo! we disband those your souls the ambrose
& immune to scandals and scams of those vandals
& as the plan grows the troops we expand those
snakes they get trampled beneath the boots of angles
& proof’s the mantle that upholds Truths channeled
& flows from the Most to the meek as seen through history’s annals
we in the last throws the last gasp & know that
as the Truth unfolds it’s vibrant as Van Goghs!
feed ya soul

We need some Soul food to break the fast
take that stick-to-ya-ribs food… the kind that’s gonna last
fill up my plate yo! don’t make me wait bros!
we in the midst of the re-vamp and we can’t be late yo!

Everybody needs some soul food… (yeah)
Everybody needs some soul food… (yeah)

–END–

Mastered By: Zee Wavesurfer

Listen to other great songs by Tallisman here: www.reverbnation.com/tallisman

Posted by

Naysan Naraqi

Naysan is passionate about using the arts and media to explore the teachings of the Baha’i Faith. Back in 2011, Naysan started up the Baha’i Blog project, channeling his experiences in both media and technology companies to help create a hub for Baha’i-inspired content online.