Song Meaning

“Did It First” establishes a clear, defiant rule for infidelity: if one partner cheats, the other will retaliate, and worse. The chorus, a joint declaration, makes it plain there's no forgiveness, only escalation. "I don't care 'cause he did it first" serves as the ultimate, unshakeable justification. This retaliatory stance gains a complex layer when Central Cee steps in, appearing to embody the very "he" from the chorus. He openly admits to being "selective with who I get with" and actively covering his tracks, deleting messages to avoid his partner's "investigating, detective" gaze. This creates a fascinating tension, as the speaker confesses to the exact transgressions that would trigger the "doin' him worse" response. The lyrics employ sharp, almost playful imagery to convey this dynamic. The "No Uno, I hit the reverse" line suggests a strategic, game-like approach to relationships, while "the grip in my purse" hints at a readiness for confrontation beyond just emotional fallout. Central Cee’s self-deprecating humor, claiming he'd have "sixteen felons" for all his missteps and offering "stupid excuses," ironically highlights his awareness without implying regret. Ultimately, "Did It First" offers a raw, unvarnished look at conditional loyalty. The effectiveness lies in its blunt honesty and the contrast between the defiant, almost transactional approach to infidelity in the chorus and the male narrator's casual, yet self-aware, admission of his own repeated failures. It paints a picture where actions dictate reactions, and accountability is less about remorse and more about the next move.