Golden's first music video, "Trappers Anthem", was released in 2017. In January 2019, he released the single "Valentino", which received over 100 million plays on Spotify. He received his first record deal through producer D. A. Doman. 24kGoldn got his big break through his 2019 "high-energy" single "Valentino". However, the rapper said in 2020 that "those ['Valentino'] were recorded over a year ago and don't exactly reflect the person I have become since then". Golden released his debut EP Dropped Outta College in November 2019, and he signed a record deal with Records, LLC and Columbia Records. In 2020, Golden gained further attention with single "City of Angels", which was officially released to US alternative radio on March 31, 2020; followed up in May 2020 with an official remix of the song by English singer-songwriter Yungblud. On May 20, 24kGoldn was featured on the remix of Olivia O'Brien's single "Josslyn".
On August 11, 2020, he was included on XXL's 2020 Freshman Class, placing in the 10th position after receiving the most fan votes. That same month, Golden's July 2020 single "Mood" featuring Iann Dior hit the charts due to its success on TikTok. It went on to peak at number one on the Billboard Hot 100.
24kGoldn's music ranges from a variety of genres, motivated by his need to "never want[ing] to be constricted by one genre". Regarding his style, he stated: "depending on what song you listen to, my music can be described different ways". He attributes his "maturity and development" to rapper Paypa Boy, who initially got him into recording music.
24kGoldn grew up in San Francisco, California and attended Lowell High School, a selective public school. As a child, 24kGoldn acted in commercials. Golden sang in the choir in middle school and high school, and, with that, the importance of music in his life grew with his "own growth". Before he realised he could do music professionally, he planned on becoming a hedge fund manager. Golden attended the University of Southern California where he joined the Beta-Sigma Chapter of Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity, as a Spring 2019 initiate. He initially took a leave of absence from school to pursue his rap career. Golden stated that he was not anticipating "that things were going to happen so fast when I came to USC", and did not think he would finish University, but he wanted to round off the school year to further develop the relationships he made, stating his love for being on campus, and that being a student kept him "grounded".
Dawn to Dusk
24kGoldn Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
While I try my best, that ain't enough
Is it worth it?
I ain't perfect, nah
Lost and found, you picked me up
Will you love me now? I'm big enough
Is it worth it?
I deserve it, so
Think what you want, 'cause I know I suck
Is it worth it?
I ain't perfect, no
Drink in my cup, I'm thirsty for love
Is it worth it?
I deserve it
Sometimes, sometimes
Maybe just this one time, this one time
I'ma gonna fight for what I want
Tryin' to do what's right instead of wrong
One time, for one time
I won't be the punchline, punchline
Why'd I gotta fight for what I want?
Knew that I was right here all along
Done with the drama
I've dealt with enough of your
Sorrow
And my heart goes
Think what you wanna
I'll go find another
Tomorrow
By tomorrow
'Round and 'round like dawn to dusk
While I try my best, that ain't enough
Is it worth it? (is it worth it?)
I ain't perfect, yeah, I know
Lost and found, you picked me up
Will you love me now? I'm big enough
Is it worth it?
I deserve it, so
Think what you want, 'cause I know I suck
Is it worth it? (is it worth it?)
I ain't perfect, no
Drink in my cup, I'm thirsty for love
Is it worth it? (Is it worth it?)
I deserve it
The lyrics of "Dawn to Dusk" by 24kGoldn reflect the emotional journey and self-reflection of the singer. The recurring line "Round and 'round like dawn to dusk" suggests the cyclical nature of life and the constant struggles and hardships the singer faces. Despite their efforts to do their best, they feel like it's not enough. They question whether all the effort they put in is worth it, acknowledging their imperfections and the fact that they may fall short of expectations.
The lyrics also touch upon the theme of love and self-worth. The singer feels lost and in need of love and acceptance. They wonder if the person who picked them up in their low moments would still love them now that they have grown and changed. They question whether they deserve the love and if it's worth pursuing.
The second verse emphasizes the idea of fighting for what one wants and trying to do what's right. The singer is tired of being the subject of ridicule and wants to stand up for themselves, unwilling to be the "punchline" anymore. They recognize their own worth and question why they have to fight so hard for what they want when they've been present all along.
The chorus repeats the earlier sentiments, reinforcing the doubts and questions about the worth of their efforts and their own imperfections. The bridge introduces a sense of liberation, expressing the desire to move on from the drama and negativity, finding a new tomorrow and leaving behind the sorrow.
Overall, "Dawn to Dusk" explores themes of self-doubt, perseverance, love, and personal growth. It encourages listeners to fight for what they want, recognize their worth, and let go of negative influences.
Line by Line Meaning
'Round and 'round like dawn to dusk
Continuously going in circles, just like the cycle of day turning into night, while I put in my best effort but it doesn't seem to be sufficient.
While I try my best, that ain't enough
Even though I give my utmost effort, it still falls short of meeting the expectations or achieving the desired outcome.
Is it worth it?
Questioning if the current endeavor or situation holds enough value or significance to continue pursuing.
I ain't perfect, nah
Acknowledging that I have flaws and imperfections, denying any claim of being faultless.
Lost and found, you picked me up
In a state of being lost or confused, you came into my life and supported me, giving me a sense of direction and guidance.
Will you love me now? I'm big enough
Now that I have grown and matured, will you reciprocate my love and affection?
I deserve it, so
Believing that I have earned or merit the love and positive outcomes in my life.
Think what you want, 'cause I know I suck
You can have your own opinions and judgments about me, because I am aware of my own shortcomings and deficiencies.
Drink in my cup, I'm thirsty for love
My heart longs for affection and connection, just like a thirsty person desires a drink.
I deserve it
I am worthy of experiencing love and all the good things that come with it.
Sometimes, sometimes
Occasionally, on certain occasions.
Maybe just this one time, this one time
Possibly only this specific instance, this singular occurrence.
I'ma gonna fight for what I want
I will persevere and struggle to attain what I desire.
Tryin' to do what's right instead of wrong
Putting in effort to make choices and actions that align with moral principles and virtuous conduct, rather than engaging in unethical or detrimental behavior.
One time, for one time
Emphasizing that this particular instance is unique and singular.
I won't be the punchline, punchline
I refuse to be the subject of jokes or mockery, the target of ridicule or humiliation.
Why'd I gotta fight for what I want?
Expressing frustration at the need to continuously battle and struggle in order to attain my desires.
Knew that I was right here all along
Realizing and acknowledging that I have been present and available all this time, despite others not recognizing or appreciating it.
Done with the drama
No longer willing to tolerate or engage in unnecessary conflict or emotional turmoil.
I've dealt with enough of your sorrow
I have already endured an ample amount of your sadness or emotional distress.
And my heart goes
Referring to the emotional impact or response that something has on my heart or inner being.
Think what you wanna
Feel free to have your own thoughts or opinions.
I'll go find another tomorrow
I will seek a different future or find someone or something new in the days to come.
By tomorrow
Indicating that this change or action will take place in the near future, likely the following day.
I ain't perfect, yeah, I know
Recognizing and accepting that I am not flawless, aware of my own imperfections and limitations.
Is it worth it? (is it worth it?)
Reiterating the inquiry about whether the current situation or pursuit holds sufficient value or importance to continue with.
I deserve it, so
Stating again that I have earned and am entitled to the positive outcomes or rewards that come my way.
Is it worth it? (is it worth it?)
Repeating the question to emphasize the need for reassessment and evaluation of the situation's value or significance.
I ain't perfect, no
Asserting once more that I am not flawless, refuting any claim of being faultless.
Drink in my cup, I'm thirsty for love
My heart craves affection and connection, just like a person longs for a drink when they are thirsty.
Is it worth it? (Is it worth it?)
Once again, questioning if the current pursuit or endeavor holds enough value or importance to continue with.
I deserve it
Reaffirming that I am deserving of experiencing love and all the positive things that come with it.
Lyrics © Ultra Tunes, Kanjian Music, Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Christian Dold, Golden Landis Von Jones, Omer Fedi
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind