Song Meaning

The lyrics paint a picture of relentless ambition and a fierce loyalty to a close-knit circle, framed by a stark warning to those who underestimated the narrator. The opening hook, "You shoulda known when it comes to the dough / I'ma get 'em," immediately establishes a transactional, almost predatory, approach to acquiring wealth. This isn't just about personal gain; it's explicitly for "my dogs," highlighting a deep-seated commitment to his crew. The contrast between past dreams of "a mil'" and the present reality of "gettin' it for real" underscores a journey from aspiration to tangible success, a success that apparently blindsided someone who "shoulda left you right there where I met you." The core tension arises from this perceived betrayal or underestimation by an unnamed individual. The narrator asserts his dominance and unwavering focus on financial success, dismissing any notion that he wouldn't achieve it. Lines like "Gettin' it in, gotta win, we not kickin' it" and "We the connect, we not 'bout to mention it" suggest a clandestine, high-stakes operation where discretion is paramount. The lyrics also touch on a spiritual or philosophical dimension, with a reference to a pilgrimage, juxtaposed with the harsh realities of street life and potential conflict: "More foes in the crush / Gangster when it's up, niggas goin' nuts." This duality reveals a complex individual navigating both material pursuits and a potentially dangerous environment. A striking element of the craft is the recurring motif of "bread winner," a term that evolves from a simple descriptor of financial success to a declaration of identity and purpose. This phrase, repeated throughout the song, reinforces the narrator's singular focus and his role as a provider. The lyrics also employ a sharp, almost dismissive tone when addressing the perceived slight, as seen in "Looked at you like you were special / You not even built for this." This direct address, coupled with the constant affirmation of his own drive and success, creates a powerful sense of vindication and self-assurance, even as he acknowledges past struggles and the need to teach his children the same hustle. Ultimately, the effectiveness of these lyrics lies in their unvarnished portrayal of ambition and loyalty. The narrator doesn't apologize for his methods or his success; instead, he uses it as a testament to his foresight and determination. The repeated warnings, "You should know better," serve as a final, definitive statement to anyone who doubted his capacity to "get 'em." It's a narrative of overcoming adversity and proving doubters wrong, all while staying true to his inner circle and his own relentless drive to provide and succeed.

Kevin Gates - Rap, Soundtrack

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Duration: 3:28

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[Hook] You shoulda known when it comes to the dough I'ma get 'em You should know better Do it all for my dogs, 'till this day, goin' hard I'm a winner You should know better Used to dream about a mil' Now we gettin' it for real Shoulda left you right there where I met you You shoulda known when it comes to the dough I'ma get 'em I'm a bread winner [Verse 1] Gettin' it in, gotta win, we not kickin' it Bread winner team, we sick and we live with it Whippin' machines equipped with a fridge in it We the connect, we not 'bout to mention it We with the shit, no talk when we finish it Some say I'm ignorant Mecca, we touchin' September I'm making my pilgrimage (Allahu Akbar) Maybe I'm different Looked at you like you were special You not even built for this More foes in the crush Gangster when it's up, niggas goin' nuts Big shit tucked, toolie on clutch Pockets on lump, free my nigga Lump Goin' out dumb Engine on run Thuggin' in the slums Thumbin' through the hun's Separate the ones (Somebody called a riot?) My daughter get the violets Break bread, slidin', lay up in the Hyde Room too expensive Motel 6 and bitch quit trippin' Niggas in feelin's Wait, don't wait, forklift lift the brass He gon' fix the traps up, vision [Hook] You shoulda known when it comes to the dough I'ma get 'em You should know better Do it all for my dogs, 'till this day, goin' hard I'm a winner You should know better Used to dream about a mil' Now we gettin' it for real Shoulda left you right there where I met you You shoulda known when it comes to the dough I'ma get 'em I'm a bread winner [Interlude] Hey man what you talkin' bout? Mane, just do you Gates There it is [Verse 2] Dabbed in, front pockets stuffed Money look like we been doin' lunges Raise up, hit the blunt, I'm doin' crunches Tattooed all over my stomach Out in London, talkin' to Big London Stand up in they chest, okay I love you Niggas hatin', wait I'm doin' numbers In they feelin's, tell 'em I say fuck 'em Hold up, wait, tell 'em that I love 'em We could go, we had a discussion Fame tend to blind the people on the side of you Like you never mean nothin' Focus on brand new things Tryna show my children how to hustle Teach 'em how to trust one another All we got is us and your mother Fall down, get back up again Lose it all right before you win Kevin, man, you messin' up your gift Shit like this be hard to come again Fall bad, I know I admit it Real struggle, I don't ever quit it Thinkin' back when I ain't have a cent Back when I ain't have a shit to give [Hook] You shoulda known when it comes to the dough I'ma get 'em You should know better Do it all for my dogs, 'till this day, goin' hard I'm a winner You should know better Used to dream about a mil' Now we gettin' it for real Shoulda left you right there where I met you You shoulda known when it comes to the dough I'ma get 'em I'm a bread winner [Outro] She spoken to me bruh Yeah, she spoken to me, you know "I'm sorry bruh, I like this shit, you heard me?" Shit bothered me I'm a bread winner

Credits

Writers: JHart
JMIKE
Tinashe Sibanda
Frank “Nitty” Brim
Jim Lavigne
LunchMoney Lewis
Kevin Gates

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