"Fruits of the Spirit" by Jay Electronica is a powerful and introspective song that delves into various themes, including spirituality, social issues, and personal experiences. The lyrics are rich in symbolism and references to different cultures and historical events. The song begins with a reference to Thanos, a character from Marvel's "Avengers" series, symbolizing Jay Electronica's prowess and dominance in the music industry. He then mentions forgiveness and the concept of "Como también nosotros perdonamos," which means "as we forgive others" in Spanish. Jay Electronica expresses his love for his craft and compares it to a game of tennis at Wimbledon, where he uses the pen as his weapon. He states that his flag and his sword (symbolic of his identity and purpose) are all he has in this world. The lyrics then shift to his faith, where he talks about being on a battlefield with the flag of his Lord (God) and how his faith (represented by the shahāda) illuminates his heart when he worships at dawn (fajr prayer). He references different religious traditions, including the Christian prayer "Padre nuestro, que estás en El Cielo" (Our heavenly father) and quotes Vince Staples, referring to the song "Lift Me Up" where Vince Staples talks about his own struggle and resilience. Jay Electronica highlights social issues, such as the ongoing water crisis in Flint, Michigan, where people are still suffering. He also criticizes the family separations at the U.S. border by ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement). The mention of Palestine under attack with mortar fire implies the ongoing conflicts in the region. Jay Electronica points out the lies propagated by the media and the negative influence it has on society. He touches on the objectification of women and the negative influences it has on his daughter, questioning the values portrayed by society. The song then takes a more spiritual turn as Jay Electronica references the spiritual song "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot" and compares his journey in the music industry to the Underground Railroad, drawing parallels to Harriet Tubman's efforts to free slaves. He speaks about overcoming challenges and criticism in the industry, equating it to parrying jabs in boxing. The crown of thorns represents the hardships he faced, and his reference to Nazareth alludes to Jesus and the sacrifices he made. Jay Electronica describes his journey as unpredictable and hazardous but encourages others to rise and embrace their own divinity. He highlights the strength and resilience of the marginalized, referring to the prayers of slaves as the wings that carry them and how their dreams are never truly buried. Overall, "Fruits of the Spirit" serves as a reflection on Jay Electronica's experiences, beliefs, and observations of the world. It's a call to rise above challenges, embrace spirituality, and find strength in one's identity and purpose.
