Song Meaning

The narrator positions themselves as a revolutionary figure, offering a stark contrast between their authentic, self-made success and the superficial pursuits of others. The opening lines, "Money, power, glory, respect / What's mine / Is yours," immediately establish a generous, almost divine, authority. This isn't just about personal gain; it's about a shared elevation, a cosmic redistribution of value that transcends typical ambition. The assertion, "Cause what I give is what I die for," underscores a profound commitment to this mission, suggesting a life lived and potentially sacrificed for the principles they espouse and the art they create. Verse 1 unpacks the critique of the industry and its followers, portraying them as easily manipulated sheep led by a false shepherd or caught in a "pyramid scheme." The narrator sees through the "Emperors new groove" mentality, where people follow trends without substance, chasing "cheese" and superficial status as a "G." The narrator, however, claims to have assembled "other letters" to forge a "revolution," implying a deeper, more meaningful impact than mere material wealth or status. They warn against blindly consuming what's offered, likening it to "drink[ing] the poison / Just 'cause you're thirsty enough," a powerful image against succumbing to false promises or societal pressures. Verse 2 marks a significant internal shift, moving from external critique to personal transcendence and self-realization. The narrator speaks of "peace I've never felt before" and seeing "vision clearer than a telescope," indicating a profound healing and clarity that goes beyond mere coping. This newfound strength allows them to see through deception, knowing others' hearts "like a stethoscope." The rejection of external validation is fierce, particularly against gendered limitations: "Don't 'female rapper' me / Don't ever 'Western Standards' me." The narrator asserts their identity as a lyricist, emcee, and rapper, demanding recognition based solely on their craft, not on imposed categories or societal biases. The effectiveness of these lyrics lies in their potent blend of righteous indignation and spiritual elevation. The narrator crafts a persona that is both a street-smart critic of industry fakery and a visionary leader offering a path to true fulfillment. The contrast between the "sheep" and the "shepherd," the "poison" and the "peace," and the "sunken place" versus their own "other race" creates a compelling narrative of awakening and empowerment. Ultimately, the lyrics resonate because they articulate a desire to break free from superficiality and imposed limitations, offering a vision of self-determination and authentic success.

Nyota Parker - Rap, Hip-Hop

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2 Plays

Duration: 2:02

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[Chorus] Money, power, glory, respect What's mine Is yours Expect the best The Universe Transcending men Upon this earth Cause what I give is what I die for And what I spit's what you get high for I'm in a position you cannot apply for I'm on a trip you could only ride for [Verse 1] A mic check don't check on the singer We don't get that technology It better step up As artists we just boxing it up Like a dresser The crowd follows Not knowing that a sheep is the shepherd It's a pyramid scheme A chain letter They dance to the Emperors new groove Kronk, pull the lever All you talk about is making that cheese I got the shredder All you talk about is being a G Whilst I got the other letters Put 'em together Made a revolution They use constitution as cushions for What they really doing You queuing up While they're shooting you up Ayo, don't drink the poison Just 'cause you're thirsty enough Yeah yeah, and I know that the going gets tough But when you rush the process Another one bites the dust So cry a little bit Cause I can tell when you bluff Remember, karma comes and goes around Just like a donut [Chorus] Money, power, glory, respect What's mine Is yours Expect the best The Universe Transcending men Upon this earth Cause what I give is what I die for And what I spit's what you get high for I'm in a position you cannot apply for I'm on a trip you could only ride for Cause what I give is what I die for And what I spit's what you get high for I'm in a position you cannot apply for I'm on a trip you could only ride for [Verse 2] I'm feeling all this peace I've never felt before I had to release, had to let it go I can see the vision clearer than a telescope Yeah I know that I'm healing, no, I don't just cope Never giving up, yeah I keep the hope "Never been enough" that's what I was told Now I'm seeing though you like an X-ray Yeah, I know your heart like a stethoscope I'm vibrating higher, I don't need no dope Got it on a rope, nah, I don't drop the soap It may be outta control when we on the slope Pray Lord give me a signs like a horoscope, yeah Don't bring your standards here Go set them in the sunken place Don't bring your expectations here I'm running in another race Don't "female rapper" me Don't ever "Western Standards" me Why is bringing gender in The only way your eyes can see Are you so narrow minded Are you so binary Are you so stereotypical That all you do is typical You're not an individual So you get mad when we can Withstand a man Or anyone who's destructing the plan A lyricist, an emcee, a rapper I don't need Anyone to dictate who I am besides me Did you notice I did not say female Cause you can see obviously Just don't let a fella bring your gender into industry [Chorus] Money, power, glory, respect What's mine Is yours Expect the best The Universe Transcending men Upon this earth Cause what I give is what I die for And what I spit's what you get high for I'm in a position you cannot apply for I'm on a trip you could only ride for

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Writers: Nyota Parker

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