The Gilded Cage

Lyrics

(Intro)
(A smooth, syncopated slap-bass line enters, locked in with a tight funk drummer)
(Deep, rumbling Kargyraa throat singing creates a low-frequency drone)
(Hooooooo-mmmmmm-aaaaaaa)
(Hooooooo-mmmmmm-aaaaaaa)
​(Verse 1 - Laid-back Reggae/Jazz style)
The precinct lights are glowing, but the truth is in the dark
They’re sketching out a blueprint while they’re hunting in the park
A pocket full of silver and a heart made out of stone
The kings are in the counting house, sitting on a stolen throne
Polished brass and iron, but the rust is creeping in
Trading off our freedom for a systematic sin.
​(Chorus - Funk Fusion Explosion)
(Horn section hits sharp, jazzy stabs on the off-beats)
(Vocal becomes more rhythmic and assertive)
Oh, we’re shaking the foundation, can you feel the rhythm roll?
You can buy the badge and gavel, but you’ll never buy the soul!
It’s a jazz-funk revolution with a heavy reggae beat
We’re dancing on the shadows ‘til we’ve reclaimed every street!
(High, whistling Sygyt throat singing melody soars over the horns)
​(Verse 2 - Dub-influenced Funk)
The senator is smiling while the ink is turning red
Feeding us the promises while the hungry go unfed
Blue lights in the rearview, but we’re looking far ahead
The spirit isn't broken, and the fire isn't dead!
From the mountains of the East to the islands of the West
The rhythm is the weapon that will put the greed to rest.
​(Bridge - Deep Groove & Drone)
(The drums drop to a minimalist funk beat; the bass gets "wah-wah" heavy)
(Hoooooo-mmmmmm-ghhhhh)
The wind is blowing through the halls of power...
(Hoooooo-mmmmmm-ghhhhh)
Counting down the seconds, counting down the hour.
​(Outro)
(Full ensemble jam – improvised saxophone soloing over the throat singing drone)
Break the system down!
(Hooooooo-mmmmmm)
With a funky sound!
(Hooooooo-mmmmmm)
Jazz in the soul, Reggae in the bone!
The truth is the only king on the throne!
(Final dissonant jazz chord resolves into a deep, fading throat singing note)