Shrapnel
Atmosphere Lyrics

Shrapnel...
The artist begins by repeating the term 'Shrapnel' as the title and hook of their song.

I can't remember who asked me, but someone asked me
The artist can't recall who posed the question to them, but someone had asked them how long they thought they would be relevant in the music industry.

How long I thought that I would be allowed atop this trash heap
The artist is comparing the music industry to a garbage dump, questioning how long they'll be relevant before being thrown away like trash.

I didn't answer cause I'm tired of criticizing the masses
The artist chose not to respond because they are exhausted from constantly judging and criticizing people who consume music.

Inspired the support the devouring of the self
The artist feels encouraged by society to engage in self-destructive behavior, as it is widely supported and celebrated in their industry.

All the power to the people who dig potholes
The artist sarcastically applauds the people who do menial labor, comparing it to the lack of recognition and support they feel in the music industry.

Placed me in a glass case full of lost treasures and fossils
The artist feels trapped and confined by the expectations and limitations placed on them by the music industry.

Got a right to be hostile, my love is gettin' gang raped
The artist is frustrated and angry that their work is being taken advantage of and exploited by those in power in the industry.

By an army full money hungry crocodiles
The artist compares those taking advantage of them to predators, ready to pounce and take what they can for themselves at any cost.

Quantity is up, market in a flood
The artist recognizes that there are more musicians and music than ever, yet the market is oversaturated and it's difficult to stand out.

But the party over here has never steered through this much love
Despite the difficulties, the artist has a loyal, loving fanbase that continues to support and appreciate their work.

I'll take the laughter, but I'd rather have the women
The artist appreciates their fans who enjoy their music and laugh along with them, but would rather attract attractive women as fans.

Who am I kiddin'? I'll be content with whatever I'm givin'
The artist recognizes that their expectations may be unrealistic and they should be grateful for any level of success and support they receive.

Work for food, rent, sex, money, or water
The artist lists basic human needs and the things people will do to obtain them, including making music for money.

I don't know what else that you have to offer
The artist is acknowledging that they're not sure why people consume music, beyond basic entertainment and escapism.

Your first born daughter? No need, already got her
The artist humorously states that they don't need anyone's family members, as they already have a female fanbase who is devoted to them.

She came to the set hungry and left hot and bothered
The artist is describing a female fan who was attracted to them, and possibly had a sexual encounter with them.

My posse's full of women, computer nerds, and thugs
The artist's entourage includes a variety of people with different interests and personalities.

Much to my dismay, I'm none of the above.
The artist acknowledges that they don't fit neatly into any of the categories represented by their entourage.

Someday I'ma be the mack of the minute
The artist aspires to be a popular, successful musician who is popular with women and admired by their peers in the industry.

And you were so damn good I'ma have to forget it
The artist is describing a sexual encounter that was particularly enjoyable and may have ruined their ability to engage with that person again in the future.

Listen to the mimic, it's almost on
The artist is likely referring to another rapper who they view as an imitator or opportunist, and believes they are about to achieve success similar to their own.

Drink, tigga(?) hit me with a tall potion(?)
This line is unclear and open to interpretation, but seems to refer to either a toast, drug use, or both.

Think quick, how much more insult
The artist is questioning how much more disrespect they can tolerate before they 'break'.

Will it take for me to break your light bulb
The artist is threatening someone or something with physical harm, using the metaphor of breaking a light bulb.

Check your mail, climb your ladder
The artist is encouraging their fans to keep making progress, no matter how small, and to stay connected with them through their mail.

Count the pieces you've managed to gather
The artist wants their fans to reflect on their achievements and material possessions, no matter how small or insignificant.

Does it matter? What are you trying to achieve?
The artist is questioning the significance of material possessions or goals, and whether they are truly fulfilling or worthwhile.

Let go of your throat if you're dying to breathe
The artist is encouraging people who feel suffocated or overwhelmed to take a deep breath and relax, instead of struggling unnecessarily.

And finally we've begun to make a little progress
The artist is optimistic that they and their fans are making forward movement in their personal and professional lives.

Ain't a single dock in this river that can stop us
The artist believes that nothing and no one can prevent their progress and success, using the metaphor of a river that only flows forward.

Lost in the mix like a feeble(?) over dub
The artist feels like they are getting lost or overlooked in the crowded music industry, using the term 'over dub', which refers to a recorded track put over a live version in poorly mixed audio productions.

Got me screaming at these shippin' till these people know what's up
The artist is expressing their frustration and desire to be discovered and appreciated by a larger audience.

Yeah Slug's back, but his collection of hub caps
The artist is amusingly referring to their return to music, but also alluding to the fact that they may not have much to offer musically.

Caught a buzzin' brought a notebook full of love raps
The artist is likely describing a creative period where they were full of ideas for romantic songs or verses.

Open the pipes and tuck that voice in
The artist may be referring to opening their creative abilities and exercising their vocal cords, but then retracting or hiding their emotions/voice afterwards.

I'ma sit on this corner and nibble on my poison
The artist is likely referring to their tendency to indulge in drugs, alcohol or other vices when they are struggling or feeling restless.

Baby once in awhile I find a reason to smile
The artist acknowledges that they struggle with depression or pessimism, but occasionally find something that makes them happy.

But most the time it's spent deep in denial
The artist admits that they probably spend more time in a state of denial or avoidance than realistically facing their problems.

It's all make believe, I want the cake to eat
The artist is acknowledging that much of their life and work is based on fantasy or illusion, but they still want the material rewards they believe will come with it.

But this lake's too deep, tryin' to stand on two feet
The artist is using the metaphor of a deep lake to describe their struggles and difficulty in the music industry, and trying to survive on their own two feet.

Wonderin' about the thunder runnin' through this blood
The artist is contemplating their emotions, passions and artistic drive that they believe are innate to them, like 'thunder' running through their veins.

I try to keep my cool, but the hat fits too snug
The artist is attempting to stay calm and collected, but may be feeling emotionally or mentally overloaded from the pressures of their life or career.

Study the love, took my degree
The artist is examining the different forms and facets of love, and may have gained knowledge or insights about it from their personal experiences.

Shoved it into a bottle, chucked it into the sea
The artist has metaphorically bottled their love experiences and feelings, and discarded them, perhaps implying they are painful or irrelevant now.

Shards of pull cards scattered on the carpet
The idea of shards of pull cards scattered on the carpet is a metaphor for the artist’s broken dreams lying in ruins and fragments.

It's hard to breathe cause you wear a fitted target
The artist feels suffocated and attacked by those who want to derail their dreams and be a barrier to their success.

Tug upon a choke chain, travel the code rain(?)
This line is unclear and open to interpretation, but seems to refer to the artist feeling controlled or manipulated by someone or something else.

Of course I've came to show you shrapnel
The artist is referencing the title and hook of their song to imply that they have arrived to express the pain and difficulties they feel in their life and career.