Braille - Goliath Lyrics
Lyrics
Trained for this moment since the day I was born
since before I made tapes that ignored
since before I had a rap name or started to record
I've been chilling in the back getting prepared for war
I got a strategy, this isn't random rapid fire
this is one shot, headed for Goliath (I can't miss)
target practice on topics, flipping rhymes off the top
waiting for this one chance to throw my rock (rock on)
the least expected to defeat the beast
judgements passed to blast my confidence, I won't surrender or retreat
return my gifts to the sender, this is worship in the chaos
this is heavy concentration (got my game face on)
an eruption of noise flooding from a mouth of silence
I'm nobody, a spec of dust battling a giant
he stands and mocks me, everyone things I'm crazy
laughing as if I'm not aware of who I'm facing
Goliath, I sat back and watched for to long
you can't hold me down anymore
Goliath, it's been going on for to long
I'm sick and tired, now I'm taking out the giant
Goliath, I sat back and watched for to long
you can't hold us down anymore
Goliath, it's been going on for to long
I'm sick and tired, now I'm taking out the giant
And his shadow covers the country side, we're dwelling in the darkness
running away, while he's running things
calling shots, got us locked in bondage
his threats hold us hostage, afraid to be free from his grip
I can't hold my tongue, I'm holding this stone
hands sweaty and callus, mentally un-balanced, I'm ready for the challenge
seen many before me back down and crack under pressure
it's time to take drastic measure, let it loose
intimidation factor tries to set in, I'm grab my weapon
not arrogant, but it's apparent that he's feeling threatened
I'm stepping in his direction, the point of no return
with every action backed by the power of words
Goliath, I sat back and watched for to long
you can't hold me down anymore
Goliath, it's been going on for to long
I'm sick and tired, now I'm taking out the giant
Goliath, I sat back and watched for to long
you can't hold us down anymore
Goliath, it's been going on for to long
I'm sick and tired, now I'm taking out the giant
My armor is weak, I don't expect to be hit at all
I'm entering, knowing I'm protected (he can't touch me)
mental simulations, got me picturing victory
he's snickering and slithering, I'm setting him strait
full speed ahead, he's surprised by my approach
probably thinking I'ma try and swing a sword to his throat
but I go for what I know, throw a stone with precision
accurate and cracking his skull, when it hits it
he's tripping, he's shaking, I'm taking him out
and before he could react he fell flat on the ground
the whole earth shook, I returned to finish him
chopped of his head and carried it through the villages
the city people cheered, I delivered a speech
they all danced in the streets celebrating his defeat
I said, he was dead, before the battle started
to take him out you just gotta aim for the right target
Video
Goliath (produced by Ohmega Watts)
Meaning & Inspiration
Braille's "Goliath," released in 2004 as part of the album *Shades of Grey*, stands as a potent anthem of faith, courage, and the triumph of the underdog, deeply rooted in biblical narrative. The song masterfully reimagines the timeless story of David and Goliath, transforming it into a powerful metaphor for confronting overwhelming obstacles in one's own life, particularly those that stem from external pressures and internal doubts. Braille frames this battle not as a physical confrontation, but as a spiritual and mental one, emphasizing preparation, focus, and an unwavering belief in a higher power. He speaks of being "trained for this moment since the day I was born," a sentiment that echoes the divine orchestration often found in Scripture, where individuals are called and equipped for specific purposes long before they are aware of them. This meticulous preparation underscores the idea that faith isn't passive but active, requiring diligence and a strategic approach, much like David’s calculated choice of stones over traditional weaponry. The recurring declaration, "I can't miss," highlights an absolute trust in divine guidance, a confidence that transcends human limitations and acknowledges that true success comes from aligning one's will with God's.
The core of "Goliath" lies in its powerful allegory for facing seemingly insurmountable challenges that oppress and hold us captive. The "Goliath" in the song represents any formidable force that seeks to diminish our spirit, dictate our circumstances, or silence our voice. This can manifest as societal injustices, personal anxieties, or even the ingrained doubts that prevent us from embracing our God-given potential. Braille articulates this struggle with raw honesty, describing the shadow of Goliath as one that "covers the country side, we're dwelling in the darkness," a vivid image that resonates with the spiritual darkness spoken of in Isaiah 9:2: "The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned." The song’s defiant chorus, "I sat back and watched for too long / you can't hold me down anymore," is a resounding call to action, mirroring the courage of figures like Esther, who risked her life to confront a powerful oppressor for the sake of her people (Esther 4:14). The deliberate choice of a "stone" as the weapon signifies that true strength isn't found in brute force or conventional might, but in simple, yet precise, faith and action. This resonates with the biblical principle that God often uses the weak and the unexpected to shame the strong, as Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 1:27: "But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong."
Braille’s lyrical prowess shines in his ability to weave intricate theological concepts into relatable human experiences. He acknowledges the personal vulnerability, admitting, "My armor is weak," a candid confession that aligns with the understanding that our human strength is insufficient for spiritual warfare. Instead, he emphasizes being "protected," a direct allusion to God as our ultimate shield and fortress, as Psalm 28:7 states, "The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts." The "mental simulations" and "picturing victory" are not mere psychological tactics but a reflection of the biblical practice of meditating on God's promises and envisioning the fulfillment of His will, a concept found in Philippians 4:8, which encourages believers to dwell on what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable. The climactic moment of the song, where Goliath is defeated not by a direct assault but by a precisely aimed stone, is a profound illustration of how faith, when coupled with focused obedience, can overcome even the most daunting adversities. The final lines, "I said, he was dead, before the battle started / to take him out you just gotta aim for the right target," encapsulate the essence of divine victory – it is often predetermined by God’s power and achieved when we align ourselves with His truth, recognizing that the battle is ultimately His and that our role is to be faithful instruments in His hands. "Goliath" is a powerful reminder that the greatest battles are often won not with might or power, but with the unwavering faith of a humble heart aiming at the heart of the problem.