What does the phrase “the show goes on” mean? 2. Verse 1 is about Lupe Fiasco’s relationship with his
record label. What simile (comparison using “like” or
“as”) does he use to describe this relationship? Why
do you think he uses this simile?
3. “That glittering may not be gold” is a reference to a
line from William Shakespeare’s 16th century play
The Merchant of Venice: “All that glitters is not gold.”
What does this phrase mean?
4. A gold record is a record that sells at least 500,000
copies. How does using this definition of “gold”
change the meaning of the line “that glittering may
not be gold”?
5. Who is “the father that’s there”?
6. What is the theme (main topic) of Verse 2?
7. Explain the meaning of the following lines: “say hip-
hop only destroy / Tell em’ look at me, boy!”
8. What is the theme (main topic) of Verse 3?
9. “Even if they turn the lights out the show is goin’ on.”
Why do you think Lupe Fiasco ends his last verse
with this line?