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74
Earl Sweatshirt Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

You like Amar'e Stoudemire with dreads
Bobbleheads, chatterboxes flappin' but I got a lot 'em fed
Common head cold-level, minor setbacks, minor threats
To blockin' it's kinda Steph, step back
Ya shit is not knockin' like the feds
Don't get your head cracked lackin' common sense
On a whim I felt it, in mi casa you don't got no wins
Just to match the losses I don't have in your gym
Opposites attract opulence, the mud wouldn't stick
The sun make it so my soul's crumblin'
They dug it when they was young
More than one hole in one with no mulligan
Sellin' kids culture with death, circlin' like carrion
The more the merrier, phone got you livin' vicarious
Ice melting 'cause it's so hot

The veil lifts, the pain salient
Niggas started choppin' at the road blocks
As far as tracks, we goin' off
Brought the stroganoff beef, holy war
You know it's not unique to your boy at all
It's comin' out the teeth
Streets flooded like the pants weren't touchin' the sneak
They rain dancin' on this, no, they stomp
On all accounts, paid the cost to see this far
I'm not on board with the board you try and lead me on
I'm pullin' strings, it's time to let me off
The cook'll send you
Protect your neck and don't forget the heart
We upper echelon with it, that's what they're checkin' for
I'll give a fed a conch fritter
I'm duckin' when the quiver launch missiles in the dark
Miss me with the glib remarks, switch hitta
Keep the innings long, nigga

Overall Meaning

In "74", Earl Sweatshirt and Maxo explore their perspectives on the state of the rap game and their personal struggles. Earl's verse opens with a comparison to retired NBA player Amar'e Stoudemire, specifically with regards to his hairstyle. He then moves on to describe his own situation, acknowledging the minor setbacks and threats that he faces while confidently distancing himself from others in the rap world. Earl brags about his skills on the mic, likening himself to basketball star Stephen Curry, and calls out those who lack common sense.


He contrasts his own success with the struggles of others and ponders the nature of attraction and wealth. As the song progresses, he touches on topics of death and the commodification of black culture. He ends with a warning to those who try to control him and a nod to his own skill in his craft.


Line by Line Meaning

You like Amar'e Stoudemire with dreads
You're drawn to a certain image, like Amar'e Stoudemire with dreads.


Bobbleheads, chatterboxes flappin' but I got a lot 'em fed
While others may be distracted and chatty, I am focused and productive.


Common head cold-level, minor setbacks, minor threats
Setbacks and obstacles may arise, but they are minor and manageable, like a common cold.


To blockin' it's kinda Steph, step back
From a defensive standpoint, I am like Steph Curry - able to block and prevent attacks.


Ya shit is not knockin' like the feds
Your impact and influence is weak and ineffective, similar to the lack of power the federal government may have in certain situations.


Don't get your head cracked lackin' common sense
Use your common sense and don't get yourself into trouble or danger.


On a whim I felt it, in mi casa you don't got no wins
I have a feeling that something is wrong, and in my home, you haven't achieved any victories or success.


Just to match the losses I don't have in your gym
Even without any losses on my part, I am still equal to the lack of success you may have in your own space.


Opposites attract opulence, the mud wouldn't stick
Despite having different backgrounds, we are both drawn to luxury and wealth, similar to how dirt doesn't stick to opulent surfaces.


The sun make it so my soul's crumblin'
The intensity and pressure of success can cause me to feel overwhelmed and weakened.


They dug it when they was young
People were interested in my success and potential when I was younger.


More than one hole in one with no mulligan
I have achieved a great level of success without needing to redo any attempts.


Sellin' kids culture with death, circlin' like carrion
The popular culture being marketed to young people is often focused on violence and morbidity, similar to carrion birds circling their prey.


The more the merrier, phone got you livin' vicarious
People are more likely to become interested in something popular when more people are involved, and they often experience it through their phones and social media.


Ice melting 'cause it's so hot
The heat and intensity of life is causing things to change and evolve, similar to ice melting under intense heat.


The veil lifts, the pain salient
As I become more aware of the world, I am realizing the true struggles and pain that exist.


Niggas started choppin' at the road blocks
When faced with obstacles, people begin to take action and chip away until they break through.


As far as tracks, we goin' off
In the context of music, we are trying new and innovative things, going off the traditional track.


Brought the stroganoff beef, holy war
We have brought our all into this situation, even to the point of it being a holy war for us.


You know it's not unique to your boy at all
What we are experiencing and achieving is not unique to just me - others could achieve it too.


It's comin' out the teeth
The truth and facts are being revealed, almost as though being spoken by teeth.


Streets flooded like the pants weren't touchin' the sneak
The streets are full and overflowing, almost like the shoes people wear aren't touching the ground.


They rain dancin' on this, no, they stomp
People are celebrating and expressing their joy in a wild and intense manner.


On all accounts, paid the cost to see this far
We have put in a lot of effort, sacrifice, and hard work to make it this far.


I'm not on board with the board you try and lead me on
I am skeptical and not in agreement with your leadership and guidance.


I'm pullin' strings, it's time to let me off
I have control and power in this situation, and it's time for me to remove myself from it.


The cook'll send you
I will have someone who is skilled and able to take care of you.


Protect your neck and don't forget the heart
In the midst of challenges, it's important to stay guarded and protect yourself (both physically and emotionally).


We upper echelon with it, that's what they're checkin' for
We are part of the upper class and elite group that people are interested in.


I'll give a fed a conch fritter
I will share my success and wealth even with those in power (like a federal agent), even though they may not deserve it.


I'm duckin' when the quiver launch missiles in the dark
I am avoiding danger and staying cautious when faced with unexpected and hidden attacks.


Miss me with the glib remarks, switch hitta
Don't try to fool me or manipulate me with your slick words, as I am able to easily switch and adapt to new situations.


Keep the innings long, nigga
Stay focused and perseverant, as success will come with time and long-term effort.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Thebe Kgositsile

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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