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I Get Up
J. Cole Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Uh, nobody, you know what I'm sayin'
Nobody, nobody thought a nigga would be right here, though, you know
That shit make like
That shit make, that shit make a difference in me and you
You was supposed to be here, nigga
Nigga, I wasn't 'posed to be in this motherfucker
Man, you know what I'm sayin'
Give all the glory to God and hard work
But you niggas gotta respect this shit, you know what I'm sayin'
I'm straight from the-

Where I'm at? (Where) Where I go? (How) How did I get here? (How did I get here?)
Walk around with a Smithfield (Smithfield)
I'm from the south, had a gold grill (Gold grill)
Remember doin' shows in Mobile (Mobile)
Go against me and it's roadkill (Roadkill)
Wakin' up to see the sunrise (Sunrise)
I turned five, I got baptized (Baptized)
We was livin' up in College Park (College Park)
Midnight, heard the gunfight (Gunfight)
Playin' football at Forest Park (Forest Park)
Gresham Park where your moment get defined (Get defined)
The story of my life (The life)
Way before I ever wrote a rhyme (Way before)
Have you ever done time? (Time)
Lookin' at my kids through the blinds (Blinds)
Confinement mind (Confinement)
How you feelin' when you face a dime? (Time)
The truth be told (Told)
I'm supposed to be locked up and dead, cold (Cold)
In the mind of an old (He cold) white man, the black man soul

Felt like I was born on Mars (Mars), everybody starin' too hard (Starin')
They didn't really think I was a star (They didn't really)
Then I fucked around, beat the odds (Fucked around)
How did I get right here? (How did I?)
Neck, wrist on chandelier (Chandelier)
Made me wanna drop some tears (Tears)
Thankin' God that I switched gears (Whooo)
I'm from another lightyear, I'm a Martian (Martian)
One-third of a human, just partial (One third)
I'm the Sergeant, the Captain, the Marshal (Serge)
I start to barf, it was too much potion
Too fast, everything in slow motion
I get the cash and my money keep grossin' (Get the cash)
Popped a bottle, champagne, we toastin'
Suicide doors on the coupe when they open (Skrrt)
They didn't believe in me (Nah)
Check the stats, number one, you see (You see)
I bet my haters can't breathe
Nigga, don't even compare to me (Nah)
Street niggas, we rare, unique (We rare)
We can fuck 'em by the pair, by the three (By the pair)
Chopper soundin' like a snare in a beat (Like a snare)
I'm from the A, I love your ass, it's a peach (Peach)
Where I'm from, niggas cash, don't lease (Cash)
Where I'm from, the stick's on the backseat (Stick sticks)
Where I'm from, police put you six feet
A lot of bums and they sleepin' on the street (Bums)
Yeah, yeah, that's at home (Yeah)
Nigga, go back to your fam' where you dead wrong (Go back)
Miss my dawg, dead and gone (Miss him)
I can hear his voice telling me "Don't go alone" (Pistol)
Yeah, the money can't fix that (Naw)
Dirty money, had to rinse that (Dirty money)
I try my hardest not to look back (I try)
Not too long ago I would've took that (Gimme that)
This for my niggas had to cook packs (Cook cook)
Million dollar trap fall 'cause of one rat (Rats)
Yeah, ain't no comin' back (Yeah)
How I made it out the jungle, yeah, without a scratch (Hey)

Where I'm at? (Where) Where I go? (How) How did I get here? (How did I get here?)
Walk around with a Smithfield (Smithfield)
I'm from the south, had a gold grill (Gold grill)
Remember doin' shows in Mobile (Mobile)
Go against me and it's roadkill (Roadkill)
Wakin' up to see the sunrise (Sunrise)
I turned five, I got baptized (Baptized)
We was livin' up in College Park (College Park)
Midnight, heard the gunfight (Gunfight)
Playin' football at Forest Park (Forest Park)
Gresham Park where your moment get defined (Get defined)
The story of my life (The life)
Way before I ever wrote a rhyme (Way before)
Have you ever done time? (Time)
Lookin' at my kids through the blinds (Blinds)
Confinement mind (Confinement)
How you feelin' when you face a dime? (Time)
The truth be told (Told)
I'm supposed to be locked up and dead, cold (Cold)
In the mind of an old (He cold) white man, the black man soul

Baptized at First Baptist Church
The pastor name was Reverend Johnson (Okay)
Chastised his shirt and matchin' shoes
But had to front, it never bothered him (Okay)
Hurt his pride but he swallowed it (Okay)
Dirt is all that he spotted
And in the dirty south where bodies pilin' up
So high, they block the birds and rerouted 'em (Damn)
Plenty murderers had observers but
You never heard a peep out of them
So many funerals it ain't enough numerals to keep count of them (Woah)
Look, I'm just settin' the scene
Back when I stared at the phone as I'm lettin' it ring
Another collector, they leave us a message
My mama in deficit, must intervene
I bust out the seams, I'm gettin' too big for these britches now
I invest in the dream, I'm destined for green
I got superstar dick for these bitches now
I got superstar dick for these bitches now
And I think about that when I dig 'em out
(When I dig 'em out, when I dig 'em out)

Where I'm at? (Where) Where I go? (How) How did I get here? (How did I get here?)
Walk around with a Smithfield (Smithfield)
I'm from the south, had a gold grill (Gold grill)
Remember doin' shows in Mobile (Mobile)
Go against me and it's roadkill (Roadkill)
Wakin' up to see the sunrise (Sunrise)
I turned five, I got baptized (Baptized)
We was livin' up in College Park (College Park)
Midnight, heard the gunfight (Gunfight)
Playin' football at Forest Park (Forest Park)
Gresham Park where your moment get defined (Get defined)
The story of my life (The life)
Way before I ever wrote a rhyme (Way before)
Have you ever done time? (Time)
Lookin' at my kids through the blinds (Blinds)
Confinement mind (Confinement)
How you feelin' when you face a dime? (Time)
The truth be told (Told)
I'm supposed to be locked up and dead, cold (Cold)
In the mind of an old (He cold) white man, the black man soul

Overall Meaning

In J. Cole's song, "I Get Up," Cole reflects on his journey to success from humble beginnings in Atlanta. He emphasizes that nobody initially believed in him or thought he could make it to where he is today, but through hard work, faith, and perseverance, he beat the odds.


The verse "Where I'm at? Where I go? How did I get here?" reflects Cole's realization that he has made it to a point where he never thought he would be, and he is reflecting on how he got there. He talks about growing up with little money, living in Atlanta's violent neighborhoods, and playing football with his friends in Forest Park.


Cole also talks about his personal struggles, including doing time and looking at his kids through prison blinds. However, he emphasizes the importance of faith in keeping him strong and helping him overcome these difficulties.


Overall, "I Get Up" is a song of triumph over adversity, and J. Cole uses his personal experiences to inspire others to work hard and believe in themselves.


Line by Line Meaning

Uh, nobody, you know what I'm sayin'
No one, and I mean no one, ever expected me to be in the position I'm in today.


Nobody, nobody thought a nigga would be right here, though, you know
Absolutely nobody believed that I would achieve the level of success I've reached now.


That shit make like
That realization has a profound impact.


That shit make, that shit make a difference in me and you
It sets me apart from everyone who doubted my potential and didn't believe in me.


You was supposed to be here, nigga
You were the one who was expected to achieve great things and succeed.


Nigga, I wasn't 'posed to be in this motherfucker
But unexpectedly, it's me who has managed to rise above expectations and be successful.


Man, you know what I'm sayin'
It's quite an accomplishment, as you can see.


Give all the glory to God and hard work
I attribute my success to the combination of divine intervention and the relentless effort I put in.


But you niggas gotta respect this shit, you know what I'm sayin'
However, all you doubters and haters need to acknowledge and show some respect for my accomplishments.


I'm straight from the-
I come from the


Where I'm at? (Where) Where I go? (How) How did I get here? (How did I get here?)
What is my current location and direction? How did I end up in this position?


Walk around with a Smithfield (Smithfield)
Carrying a firearm for protection.


I'm from the south, had a gold grill (Gold grill)
Born and raised in the southern region, proudly displaying my gold dental grill.


Remember doin' shows in Mobile (Mobile)
I recall performing concerts in the city of Mobile.


Go against me and it's roadkill (Roadkill)
If anyone dares to oppose or challenge me, they will be utterly defeated and destroyed.


Wakin' up to see the sunrise (Sunrise)
Witnessing the beauty of a new day, starting fresh.


I turned five, I got baptized (Baptized)
At the age of five, I underwent the sacrament of baptism.


We was livin' up in College Park (College Park)
We resided in College Park, a neighborhood where I had experiences that shaped me.


Midnight, heard the gunfight (Gunfight)
Late at night, I would hear the unsettling sound of gunshots nearby.


Playin' football at Forest Park (Forest Park)
Engaging in football games at Forest Park, a significant part of my upbringing.


Gresham Park where your moment get defined (Get defined)
Gresham Park is where crucial moments and opportunities in life determine your future.


The story of my life (The life)
This is the narrative that encapsulates and defines my existence.


Way before I ever wrote a rhyme (Way before)
Long before I began my career as a rapper, before I even wrote my first lyrics.


Have you ever done time? (Time)
Have you ever been incarcerated or served a prison sentence?


Lookin' at my kids through the blinds (Blinds)
Peering at my children through the window blinds, separated from them due to my confinement.


Confinement mind (Confinement)
Being stuck and limited in my thinking due to being incarcerated.


How you feelin' when you face a dime? (Time)
How does it make you feel when you come face to face with a significant opportunity?


The truth be told (Told)
To be honest and straightforward.


I'm supposed to be locked up and dead, cold (Cold)
According to society's expectations, I should have been imprisoned or killed long ago.


In the mind of an old (He cold) white man, the black man soul
In the perspective of an aged, cold-hearted white individual, the essence and struggles of a black man.


Felt like I was born on Mars (Mars), everybody starin' too hard (Starin')
I felt like an outsider, as if I originated from a completely different planet, and everyone scrutinized me intensely.


They didn't really think I was a star (They didn't really)
People didn't truly believe that I had the potential to become a star.


Then I fucked around, beat the odds (Fucked around)
However, I defied expectations and managed to overcome the challenges and obstacles stacked against me.


How did I get right here? (How did I?)
How did I reach this point in my life and career?


Neck, wrist on chandelier (Chandelier)
My neck and wrist adorned with valuable, extravagant jewelry, resembling a chandelier.


Made me wanna drop some tears (Tears)
It evoked such strong emotions that it almost brought tears to my eyes.


Thankin' God that I switched gears (Whooo)
Expressing gratitude to God for the decisions and choices that led me on a different path and brought me success.


I'm from another lightyear, I'm a Martian (Martian)
I come from a completely different realm, like an extraterrestrial being, a Martian.


One-third of a human, just partial (One third)
I often feel like I'm only a fraction of a complete person, lacking certain qualities or experiences.


I'm the Sergeant, the Captain, the Marshal (Serge)
I embody multiple leadership roles: the sergeant, the captain, and the marshal.


I start to barf, it was too much potion
I become overwhelmed and overwhelmed with the effects of excessive success and fame.


Too fast, everything in slow motion
Life seems to be moving at an incredibly fast pace, yet I perceive everything in slow motion.


I get the cash and my money keep grossin' (Get the cash)
As I accumulate wealth, my financial earnings continue to increase significantly.


Popped a bottle, champagne, we toastin'
Celebrating and raising a glass of champagne in a toast to our achievements.


Suicide doors on the coupe when they open (Skrrt)
When the suicide doors of my car open, it adds a touch of luxury and extravagance.


They didn't believe in me (Nah)
Those who doubted me and didn't have faith in my abilities.


Check the stats, number one, you see (You see)
Just look at the evidence and statistics, I am undeniably at the top, holding the number one position.


I bet my haters can't breathe
My haters are suffocating, unable to handle the success and superiority I've achieved.


Nigga, don't even compare to me (Nah)
You, sir, don't even come close to being on my level, so don't even try to compare yourself to me.


Street niggas, we rare, unique (We rare)
Individuals like us, from the streets, are rare and distinctive.


We can fuck 'em by the pair, by the three (By the pair)
We can effortlessly engage and have sex with multiple women at the same time.


Chopper soundin' like a snare in a beat (Like a snare)
The sound of my gun firing resembles the rhythmic snare drum in a musical beat.


I'm from the A, I love your ass, it's a peach (Peach)
I proudly hail from Atlanta, where a symbol of love and affection is referring to someone's backside as a peach.


Where I'm from, niggas cash, don't lease (Cash)
In my hometown, we buy things with cold, hard cash, and we don't rely on leasing or borrowing.


Where I'm from, the stick's on the backseat (Stick sticks)
In my neighborhood, we always have a weapon, like a gun, ready in the backseat of the car.


Where I'm from, police put you six feet
In my community, the police are quick to use excessive force, resulting in death, burying individuals six feet under.


A lot of bums and they sleepin' on the street (Bums)
There are many homeless individuals neglected and left to sleep on the streets.


Yeah, yeah, that's at home (Yeah)
Yes, this is the harsh reality of life in my hometown.


Nigga, go back to your fam' where you dead wrong (Go back)
Sir, you should return to your family and address the misconceptions and wrong beliefs you hold.


Miss my dawg, dead and gone (Miss him)
I deeply mourn the loss of my close friend who passed away.


I can hear his voice telling me 'Don't go alone' (Pistol)
I can still hear his voice, advising me not to face life's challenges on my own, to always carry a gun for protection.


Yeah, the money can't fix that (Naw)
Even with all the wealth and success, money cannot heal the pain of losing a loved one.


Dirty money, had to rinse that (Dirty money)
The ill-gotten money I acquired had to be cleaned or laundered to avoid legal trouble.


I try my hardest not to look back (I try)
I exert all my efforts to avoid dwelling on the past and moving forward.


Not too long ago I would've took that (Gimme that)
Not too far in the past, I would've eagerly seized the opportunity without hesitation.


This for my niggas had to cook packs (Cook cook)
This is dedicated to my friends who had to engage in drug trafficking to survive and make a living.


Million dollar trap fall 'cause of one rat (Rats)
A lucrative drug operation collapsed due to the betrayal and information provided by a single informant.


Yeah, ain't no comin' back (Yeah)
There's no way to recover or return to the situation from where we came.


How I made it out the jungle, yeah, without a scratch (Hey)
I managed to escape the dangerous and challenging environment of the streets, emerging unharmed.


Baptized at First Baptist Church
I underwent the ritual of baptism at First Baptist Church.


The pastor name was Reverend Johnson (Okay)
The pastor who performed the baptism was named Reverend Johnson.


Chastised his shirt and matchin' shoes
He took great care of his appearance, making sure his shirt and shoes matched perfectly.


But had to front, it never bothered him (Okay)
However, he had to put on a facade, pretending that it didn't affect him when it actually did.


Hurt his pride but he swallowed it (Okay)
It wounded his pride, but he chose to suppress those feelings and accept the situation.


Dirt is all that he spotted
He only saw the negative aspects of life and the dirt that surrounded him.


And in the dirty south where bodies pilin' up
Living in the gritty, crime-ridden region of the southern United States, where dead bodies accumulate.


So high, they block the birds and rerouted 'em (Damn)
The number of corpses reached such heights that they obstructed and redirected birds in the sky.


Plenty murderers had observers but
Numerous killers had witnesses, but


You never heard a peep out of them
those witnesses remained silent and never uttered a single word.


So many funerals it ain't enough numerals to keep count of them (Woah)
There have been so many funerals that even numbers cannot accurately tally the count.


Look, I'm just settin' the scene
I am merely describing and setting the stage for what I experienced and witnessed.


Back when I stared at the phone as I'm lettin' it ring
During earlier times, I used to gaze at the phone for a prolonged time while waiting for it to ring.


Another collector, they leave us a message
Yet another debt collector calling, leaving a voicemail.


My mama in deficit, must intervene
My mother's finances were in a state of deficit, and it was necessary for me to intervene and assist.


I bust out the seams, I'm gettin' too big for these britches now
I'm bursting out of my clothes, growing and becoming too successful and influential.


I invest in the dream, I'm destined for green
I put my resources into pursuing my dreams, and I'm destined for financial success.


I got superstar dick for these bitches now
I possess the confidence and prowess that satisfies women, akin to that of a superstar.


And I think about that when I dig 'em out
I reflect on that fact when I engage in sexual encounters.


(When I dig 'em out, when I dig 'em out)
(When I have sex with them, when I have sex with them)




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Reservoir Media Management, Inc., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Andre Proctor, Joshua Luellen, Kiari Cephus, Leland Tyler Wayne, Jermaine Lamarr Cole

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@jackkolvig2542

HelloWeChill I woke up early in the morning
Hoes blowin' up my phone
Ain't no use to small talkin' when they know I'm tryna bone
Fuck 'em
I'll holla later, man
Right now my mind elsewhere
My Mom's healthcare get her out this hell here
A lot of niggas fail
Frail niggas won't prevail here
We seen it all man, niggas can't even spell scared
A Fresh Prince but yo my city ain't no Bel-Air
Fuck if you would sell, I'm worried bout my welfare
So farewell to them broke days and bonjour to the most paid
Soon as my dough straight
I throw the wifey in some Dolce
And put some chains on my niggas like I own slaves
I get up
Look out the window hope the sun shining
Down on my niggas outhere front lining
I hit the streets and see them boys out here locking up some older head
So Goddamn homey, hold your head
And hold your head
I get up
I see the clouds from my window
I pray the sun gon' shine this way
And where I go as the wind blow
Momma your son gonna find his way
And if I gotta crawl I'mma make to the end though
Up to the top if climb my way
And tell 'em I'mma rise
I'm on my
Headed for the sky
I'm on my way
Paint a picture to show the deaf what it's like to listen
And speak the words and tell a blind man what he missin'
For all my niggas doin' time man up in prison
Felt you had to resort to crime, man fuck the system
We raisin' babies up in Hades where there ain't no hope
Ain't no fathers, don't take no scholarship to slang no dope
Politicians hollerin' bout problems but I ain't gon' vote
He talk about change
Still we floatin' in the same ol' boat
So tell me how I'm supposed to feel when the President spoke
When he ain't never had to struggle
Ain't never been broke
Ain't even roll through the ghetto ain't neva been close
Trustin' this government like trustin' the devil in oath
For rebel with quotes, I get up
Lifestyle of the young, black and reckless
A generation of niggas strapped and askin' questions
Like tell me why I ain't got shit
I let this liquor fill my liver with them toxics
As I sip
I get up
I see the clouds from my window
I pray the sun gon' shine this way
And where I go as the wind blow
Momma your son gonna find his way
And if I gotta crawl I'mma make to the end though
Up to the top if climb my way
And tell 'em I'mma rise
I'm on my
Headed for the sky
I'm on my way
Yeah, to all my niggas paper chasin'
I pray for your paycheck
Just keep the faith that you gon' make it one day you'll be cakin'
Takin' this shit one step at a time
That real shit is stuck in my mind
But to that bullshit I'm deaf and I'm blind
Destined to shine I'm a find a way
Cause hey
Dammit them jobs outthere ain't tryna pay
I pray
Granted nine to five is how you survive
I ain't tryna survive, I'm tryna throw my Momma in rides
I'm a provide for my seed I'm the soil
I teach 'em bout' loyalty
I teach 'em that his skin black like oil that's for royalty
I show 'em all the things that my pops was neva showin' me
Treat 'em like a growin' tree with this poetry
I get up
And show the sons how to lead not to follow
The present is our gift but our seeds got tommorow
So please niggas raise your kids
And help em' overcome that bull shit they daze us with
I blaze the shit
I get up
I see the clouds from my window
I pray the sun gon' shine this way
And where I go as the wind blow
Momma your son gonna find his way
And if I gotta crawl I'mma make to the end though
Up to the top if climb my way
And tell 'em I'mma rise
I'm on my
Headed for the sky
I'm on my way



All comments from YouTube:

@jazenrangel5987

When I was homeless I used to have this song on repeat. Now I got my own place , a car and a good career. So thankful for Cole. He’s always motivated me during rough times 💯

@jermaineseven956

👑👑👑💪🏽🔥

@officialOriginalR

I'm going through the same shit, in temporary accommodation right now...

@theprince1795

@MotionR keep going my guy 🙌🏾

@anthonycoleman3148

God bless bro

@jazenrangel5987

MotionR everything is temporary man pray you get back on your feet 10 times better than before 💯

132 More Replies...

@johnbowen6038

Fresh out the Feds in 2010 jumped in the Community College not knowing what I was doing and I played this song every morning while I got dressed and again while driving to class. Motivated me every step of the way to transferring to the University and getting that bachelors. Don’t know where I’d be without this song. Bring tears to my eyes thinking about them days

@shainaevans6701

💯💯

@SLAUSONGIRL

🥰🥰✊🏾

@juancarlosmejia8514

PAIN 🤲🏼

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