Redlight (feat. Eddie Murphy)

Snoop Lion's 'Redlight' is a song that delves into the social and political issues plaguing society, using the metaphor of a red light to signal a need for pause and reflection. The lyrics, featuring Eddie Murphy, express a sense of urgency and a call to action, urging listeners to stop and consider the state of the world. The song touches on various themes, including the loss of innocence, the decline of societal values, and the need for a spiritual and moral awakening.

The opening lines set the tone for the song, with the red light serving as a metaphor for a critical stop, a moment to halt the chaos and destruction symbolized by the 'frying pan into the fire.' Snoop Lion references the erosion of peace and the toxic environment, both literal and figurative, that has replaced it. The mention of the military knocking on doors suggests a state of oppression or impending conflict, further emphasizing the song's message of concern.

The chorus and verses lament the loss of influential figures and movements such as emancipation, race relations, and notable leaders like Marcus Garvey and Martin Luther King Jr. The song implies that with the absence of these guiding forces, society has lost its way, leading to a breakdown in trust, patience, and direction. The repeated phrase 'Gone' drives home the point of loss and the urgency to reclaim what has been lost. The song ends on a somewhat hopeful note, suggesting that through dedication and self-preservation, there is a path to rise above the challenges, symbolized by the ability to 'stop at the red light.'