Disguise
Skepta Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴Transvestites more than meets the eye
Transvestites mandem in disguise
Transvestites more than meets the eye
Transvestites mandem in disguise

You thought it was a girl cause he had a handbag
You didn't know it was a next man's grandad
Don't rush into things rudeboy

Take some more time check out the jawline
Now you're high off the herb you bun
So walk away like me Jme and the Murkle done
Make sure it's a red light not a blue or purple one
It's called the Red Light District
Also known as the concrete Jungle
You thought you was talking to a girl
You didn't know it was a next man's uncle
That's why I'm warning people
I repeat I'm warning people
So if you still make the mistake
Don't try and blame it on the New York Diesel

Transvestites more than meets the eye
Transvestites mandem in disguise
Transvestites more than meets the eye
Transvestites mandem in disguise
Mandem in disguise

They're not girls they're guys
They're mandem in disguise
They tried it on the sly
With that purple light
And their eyebrows high
Like a permanent surprise
Robin Hood can fly
But not these men in tights
I don't blaze I don't drink
My mind is clear
I know what I think I see they're looking at me in the window
They wanna take man's P
I've got no qualms with your sexuality
But why are you trying to trick me
When I go home back to reality
I'm gonna spread the word to the pickney

Transvestites more than meets the eye
Transvestites mandem in disguise
Transvestites more than meets the eye
Transvestites mandem in disguise
Mandem in disguise

Don't be fooled by the make up
Cause it might not be a girl when you wake up
Just because he's got long hair
High heels and a little bit of cleavage leave it
Look properly it's needed
Stay away from the mushrooms
You've gotta stay focused it's needed
And you're gonna be weeded
And you're gonna be running the Red Light District
So beware of the purple lights
Some of those girls ain't girls
If you look properly you'll see they're guys
They're men in disguise
You better open your eyes
If you go in the blue door don't be surprised
They're mandem in disguise

Transvestites more than meets the eye
Transvestites mandem in disguise
Transvestites more than meets the eye

Transvestites mandem in disguise
Mandem in disguise

Overall Meaning

Skepta's song "Disguise" is a commentary on the practice of transvestism, particularly in the Red Light District, where men dress as women to work in the sex trade. The repeated refrain of "Transvestites more than meets the eye, Transvestites mandem in disguise" emphasizes the idea that these individuals are not as they appear and serves as a warning to those who may be fooled by their appearance.

The first verse describes how people can be deceived by a transvestite's outward appearance, with references to a handbag and a jawline. The second verse cautions against drug use and advises taking precautions when approaching the Red Light District to avoid being tricked by prostitutes masquerading as women. The third and final verse emphasizes how important it is to be alert and not to shame individuals for their sexuality, while also acknowledging that there are men who will try to deceive others.

The lyrics of "Disguise" reveal Skepta's belief that people should be cautious and aware of their surroundings, especially in a place like the Red Light District where there are individuals actively trying to deceive others. However, he also emphasizes the importance of respecting others' sexuality and not judging them based on their appearance.

Line by Line Meaning

Transvestites more than meets the eye
Transvestites are not always what they seem at first glance

Transvestites mandem in disguise
Transvestites are men disguised as women

You thought it was a girl cause he had a handbag
You assumed a transvestite was a woman because of their accessories

You didn't know it was a next man's grandad
You were unaware that the transvestite was an older man

Don't rush into things rudeboy
Don't jump to conclusions too quickly

Take some more time check out the jawline
Look for physical features that may indicate the transvestite is actually a man

Now you're high off the herb you bun
You are intoxicated and not thinking clearly

So walk away like me Jme and the Murkle done
Leave the situation immediately

Make sure it's a red light not a blue or purple one
Only enter known safe areas

It's called the Red Light District,
A known area for solicitation

Also known as the Concrete Jungle
A dangerous environment

You thought you was talking to a girl
Assumption that a transvestite was a woman

You didn't know it was a next man's uncle
Transvestite is an older man

That's why I'm warning people
The artist is warning others of the dangers of assuming a transvestite's gender

I repeat I'm warning people
The artist is stressing the importance of the warning

So if you still make the mistake
If you continue to assume a transvestite's gender

Don't try and blame it on the New York Diesel
Don't make excuses for not inquiring correctly

They're not girls they're guys They're mandem in disguise
Transvestites are men disguised as women

They tried it on the sly with that purple light
Transvestites used a purple light to conceal their masculine features

And their eyebrows high like a permanent surprise
Transvestites have raised eyebrows, often from waxing

Robin Hood can fly but not these men in tights
Transvestites wear tights, but they cannot actually fly

I don't blaze I don't drink my mind is clear
The artist is sober and can think clearly

I know what I think I see they're looking at me in the window;
The artist is certain of what he sees and is being observed by transvestites

They wanna take man's P
The transvestites are attempting to solicit the artist sexually

I've got no qualms with your sexuality,
The artist has no issue with someone's sexual orientation

But why are you trying to trick me?
The artist is questioning the transvestites' motives

When I go home back to reality
When the artist returns to his normal life

I'm gonna spread the word to the pickney
The artist will inform young children about the risks of misunderstanding transvestites

Don't be fooled by the make up
Makeup can be used to transform gender, so take a closer look

Cause it might not be a girl when you wake up
After sexual intercourse, it may be revealed that the individual is not the assumed gender

Just because he's got long hair
Long hair is not a definitive indicator of gender

High heels and a little bit of cleavage leave it
Other stereotypical gender traits should not be solely relied upon to assume someone's gender

Look properly it's needed
It is important to take a closer and more thorough view

Stay away from the mushrooms
Drugs can impair judgement

You've gotta stay focused it's needed
Stay alert and attentive to avoid dangers

And you're gonna be weeded
You will be left behind if you consume drugs

And you're gonna be running the Red Light District
You will become involved in solicitation if you do not stay alert

So beware of the purple lights
Some areas use purple lights instead of red lights to designate solicitation areas

Some of those girls ain't girls;
Some transvestites may be easily mistaken as women

If you look properly, you'll see they're guys
A closer inspection and attentiveness is needed to avoid confusion

They're men in disguise
Transvestites are men disguised as women

You better open your eyes
Stay alert and attentive

If you go in the blue door don't be surprised,
The artist is warning to avoid a particular area

They're mandem in disguise
Transvestites are men disguised as women

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Jamie Adenuga, Joseph Adenuga, Jahmek Power

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it