The song title is a play on words referring to West Side Story. It describes life growing up in Auckland New Zealand. It tells how times were tough as there was a lot of poverty, domestic violence, drugs, and alcohol but there was a strong sense of community which has made them the strong people they are today. He describes how Maori culture, te reo, kapa haka, and whakapapa are important to maintaining a positive community and identity as a young man. Tipene says he used to be academic at school but was also very naughty and argumentative which meant he struggled with formal education; but is happy he was a critical thinker as it allowed him to eacpe the rut of being an ‘at risk youth’. Sid Diamond says he set himself goals and is now an inspiration to the youth of Otara where he grew up. The song challenges many of the negative stereotypes of rap and shows that you can be a positive role model and a rapper with a good legacy by rising above the petty fighting. The song uses strong imagery, allusion, and metaphor to describe scenes form their growing up and has elements of a Bildungsroman.
Link to Lyrics: https://genius.com/Tipene-west-side-hori-remix-lyrics
Humanity4HipHop 