Lift Me Up
Vince Staples Lyrics

Hey, I'm just a nigga until I fill my pockets
My worth as a person is often defined by my financial success.

And then I'm Mr. Nigga, they follow me while shoppin'
Once I am wealthy, I am seen as a person of importance and others look up to me.

I feel like Mick and Richards, they feel like Muddy Waters
I feel like a groundbreaking artist like the Rolling Stones, while others see themselves as just following in the footsteps of others before them like Muddy Waters.

So tell me what's the difference, so tell me what's the difference?
I am questioning the value of fame and success when it is rooted in racial and financial inequality.

My momma was a Christian, Crip walkin' on blue-waters
My mother was religious, but also affiliated with a notorious gang named the Crips.

Was fadin' up in Davis, then walkin' back to Palmer
I was spending time at the University of California, Davis, then walking back to the Palmer neighborhood where I grew up.

A fro like Huey partner, Auntie Angie had them choppers
I had a hairstyle similar to Black Panther leader Huey P. Newton, and my aunt had guns.

So tell me what's the difference, so tell me what's the difference?
I am still questioning the value of societal labels and stereotypes.

I feel like 'Fuck Versace', they rapin' nigga's pockets
I don't care about high-end brands like Versace, who profit from exploiting the black community.

And we don't get acknowledged, just thank me for the profit
The black community is often used for profit without receiving proper recognition or credit.

A prophet just like Moses, if Moses look like Shaka
I see myself as a prophet or leader, similar to Moses in the Bible, but with physical attributes like those of South African revolutionary leader Shaka Zulu.

Zulu, my .44 loaded, I'm aimin' at Nirvana
I am prepared for violence and war, with a gun and a mindset to fight for ultimate peace and enlightenment.

My bitch look like Madonna, they starin' at Katana
My partner is attractive like pop star Madonna, while others are intimidated by my weapon like a sword called Katana.

Waiter still ain't brought the chopsticks, should have brought the chopper
The waiter is taking too long to bring chopsticks at a restaurant, but I should have brought my gun instead.

Uber driver in the cockpit look like Jeffrey Dahmer
The Uber driver is unsettling, resembling infamous serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer.

But he lookin' at me crazy when we pull up to the projects
The driver is giving me an odd look when we arrive at the low-income housing area.

See, this weight is on my shoulders, pray Jehovah lift me up
I am burdened by societal issues and hope for divine intervention to help alleviate my struggles.

And my pain is never over, pills and potions fix me up
I am constantly dealing with pain and use substances to cope and feel better.

I just want to live it up, can a motherfucker breathe?
I want to enjoy life and have the basic freedom to live without oppression or obstacles.

Life ain't always what it seems, so please just lift me up
Life can be difficult and misleading, and I am asking for help and support to persevere.

Lift me up, lift me up, lift me up, lift me up, lift me up
I am repeatedly asking for help to overcome my struggles.

We love our neighborhood, so all my brothers bang the hood
We have pride in our community and will defend it, even through gang violence.

I never vote for presidents, the presidents that changed the hood
I don't participate in a political system that has historically caused harm to communities like mine.

Is dead and green, was standin' on this mezzanine in Paris, France
The leaders who truly made a difference are no longer alive, and I am reflecting on this while in Paris, France.

Finna spaz 'cause most my homies never finna get this chance
I am getting worked up because most of my friends will never have the same opportunities that I do.

All these white folks chanting when I asked 'em where my niggas at?
I see the disconnect and ignorance of white individuals who support me, but don't understand the struggles of my community.

Goin' crazy, got me goin' crazy, I can't get wit' that
Their behavior frustrates me and I don't want to support them.

Wonder if they know, I know they won't go where we kick it at?
I doubt they realize they will never truly be a part of my community.

Ho, this shit ain't Gryffindor, we really killin', kickin' doors
This isn't a fictional world like Harry Potter's Gryffindor house, we are actually violent and breaking into places.

Fight between my conscious, and the skin that's on my body
I am conflicted between doing what is right morally and being loyal to my community in which I am racially identified.

Man, I need to fight the power, but I need that new Ferrari
I want to be a revolutionary, but I also desire material possessions that display my success.

Man, I breathe in, bleed this, Poppy Street
I live and breathe this lifestyle on Poppy Street.

I shot them guns 'cause talk is cheap
I take action before words because words alone can't change anything.

Bow your head and pray, okay, now walk wit' me
Let's take a moment to acknowledge a higher power, then let's keep moving together towards our goals.