*there is a hip-hop artist named 8ball (not with a capital b) that is redirected here
Time
8Ball Lyrics
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I'm tryin' to make it through these hard times
I'm tryin' to make it through these hard times (Hard, times)
I'm tryin' to make it through these hard times
I'm tryin' to make it through these hard times (Hard, times)
I'm tryin' to make it through these hard times
I'm tryin' to make it through these hard times (Hard, times)
Hard times (hard), hard times (Hard)
You never know how much you miss a person, until they gone
Like to hear it? Hear it go, I'm rehearsing, gotta sing my song
I know I've done some wrong, but I can't get right
'Cause life is like a big fight
I'm stickin'-and-movin', tryin' to get my shit right
My family's been houndin' me, friends they done turned against me
Kinda like they hearts was on a full tank, but now they empty
And they say I've changed, but like twins I'm just the same
It's because of my job, mo' money mo' prob in this dirty game
This industry fucked up
That's right I said it, and it's fake as ever
Keep real niggaz around me, stay "Spaced Age for Eva"
Po-ppa never went and jumped the broom, never got that one degree
But if you looked down from heaven, you'd still be proud of me
Your son was DUI, but my momma made it by
I didn't shed no tears when you left me
But the rest of the family cried
Trials and tribulations, ruined my concentration
Losin' my patience, hard times for goodness sake'n
I'm tryin' to make it through these hard times (Hard, times)
I'm tryin' to make it through these hard times
I'm tryin' to make it through these hard times (Hard, times)
I'm tryin' to make it through these hard times
I'm tryin' to make it through these hard times (Hard, times)
I'm tryin' to make it through these hard times
I'm tryin' to make it through these hard times (Hard, times)
Hard times (hard), hard times (Hard)
As this Valium slowly starts to kick in
Them subconscious, subliminal thoughts, start tickin'
This whole world around me, diseased, and crumblin'
Babies doin' dope cause daddy did it right in front of them
Everybody want to blame music for they bad kids
Sittin' up in the court talkin' 'bout Eminem made me do what I did
My own hard times rolled in like the fog
Try to think of others, but I can't get past my own thoughts
My momma, in 1967, pickin' cotton
While other blacks was gettin' liberated, boycottin'
My old man was a player, ain't no hidin' that
He started tootin' then he graduated to smokin' crack
I never saw him, never needed to see that muh'fucker
He left me and my mother stuck down here in this fuckin' gutter
I tattoed it on my arm so I can't forget it
It's in my mind and my heart so I'm forever with it
I'm tryin' to make it through these hard times (Hard, times)
I'm tryin' to make it through these hard times
I'm tryin' to make it through these hard times (Hard, times)
I'm tryin' to make it through these hard times
I'm tryin' to make it through these hard times (Hard, times)
I'm tryin' to make it through these hard times
I'm tryin' to make it through these hard times (Hard, times)
Hard times (hard), hard times (Hard)
A drum machine, the old fo'-track, and a pack of new tapes
In the middle of, 1988, in a corner cafe
We made beats, and hung with old heads, and stayed out late at night
Do talent shows, fo'-way split the dough, that was our way of life
My momma stayed, home full time so she could raise me
Knowin' without a, household father, things could get crazy
Sometimes I listened, sometimes I thought I knew it all
But nevertheless, momma was with me through it all
I graduated out of nothin', not out of school, it was like
Tweleve, thirteen, fourteen years I'm thinkin' cool
I might as well, be focusin' on me tryin' to get paid
Usin' these rhymes I've been writin' since in the seventh grade
Our team played, and had physical sex with minimum wage
It was just like a piece of pussy
It fucked me long as I stayed
But still I prayed, Lord I'm tryin' now please help me out the water
It can't get no harder
Help me to get back up and get my shit tomorrow
I'm tryin' to make it through these hard times (Hard, times)
I'm tryin' to make it through these hard times
I'm tryin' to make it through these hard times (Hard, times)
I'm tryin' to make it through these hard times
I'm tryin' to make it through these hard times (Hard, times)
I'm tryin' to make it through these hard times
I'm tryin' to make it through these hard times (Hard, times)
Hard times (hard), hard times (Hard)
I'm tryin' to make it through these hard times (Hard, times)
I'm tryin' to make it through these hard times
I'm tryin' to make it through these hard times (Hard, times)
I'm tryin' to make it through these hard times
I'm tryin' to make it through these hard times (Hard, times)
I'm tryin' to make it through these hard times
I'm tryin' to make it through these hard times (Hard, times)
Hard times (hard), hard times (Hard)
The lyrics of "Time" by 8Ball are about struggling and persevering through difficult times. The chorus repeats the line "I’m trying to make it through these hard times" several times, emphasizing the challenge of persevering through adversity. The verses reveal the songwriter's personal struggles, including feeling misunderstood by society's judgment of rap music, being judged by friends and family, and dealing with the absence and addiction of parents. Through these struggles, the songwriter fights to overcome his obstacles, relying on his own inner strength and determination.
The lyrics touch on a few different themes, including the struggles of growing up without parental guidance, the challenges of pursuing a career in the music industry, and the pressure to fit in with society's expectations. The song also addresses larger societal issues, such as drug addiction and how society blames music for the actions of its youth. Despite the challenges discussed in the lyrics, the chorus provides a sense of hope and determination that the songwriter will overcome his difficulties.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm tryin' to make it through these hard times (Hard, times)
The artist is trying to endure and overcome the difficult challenges in his life.
You never know how much you miss a person, until they gone
The true value of someone is often not realized until they are no longer present.
Like to hear it? Hear it go, I'm rehearsing, gotta sing my song
The artist is practicing and perfecting his craft.
I know I've done some wrong, but I can't get right
'Cause life is like a big fight
The artist acknowledges his mistakes, but finds it difficult to overcome the challenges he faces.
I'm stickin'-and-movin', tryin' to get my shit right
The artist is adapting and trying to improve his situation.
My family's been houndin' me, friends they done turned against me
Kinda like they hearts was on a full tank, but now they empty
The artist's loved ones have been pressuring him, and some have abandoned him during his difficult times.
And they say I've changed, but like twins I'm just the same
It's because of my job, mo' money mo' prob in this dirty game
People accuse the artist of changing, but the truth is he's still the same. His profession has its challenges, and financial success can bring its own set of problems.
This industry fucked up
That's right I said it, and it's fake as ever
Keep real niggaz around me, stay "Spaced Age for Eva"
The music industry is corrupt and artificial, and the artist chooses to surround himself with genuine people.
Your son was DUI, but my momma made it by
I didn't shed no tears when you left me
But the rest of the family cried
The artist's mother managed to overcome adversity, but he doesn't feel remorse for his absent father's passing.
Trials and tribulations, ruined my concentration
Losin' my patience, hard times for goodness sake'n
The challenges the artist faces interfere with his ability to focus and maintain his composure.
As this Valium slowly starts to kick in
Them subconscious, subliminal thoughts, start tickin'
This whole world around me, diseased, and crumblin'
The artist is becoming numb to the world around him, and is aware of the decay and decline of society.
Babies doin' dope cause daddy did it right in front of them
Everybody want to blame music for they bad kids
Sittin' up in the court talkin' 'bout Eminem made me do what I did
The artist observes that drug abuse often runs in families, and music is unfairly scapegoated for influencing behavior.
My momma, in 1967, pickin' cotton
While other blacks was gettin' liberated, boycottin'
My old man was a player, ain't no hidin' that
He started tootin' then he graduated to smokin' crack
The artist's mother worked in harsh conditions during a time of social unrest, while his father was unfaithful and succumbed to drug addiction.
I tattoed it on my arm so I can't forget it
It's in my mind and my heart so I'm forever with it
The artist has a permanent reminder of the hardships he's faced, and will always carry the memories and lessons with him.
A drum machine, the old fo'-track, and a pack of new tapes
In the middle of, 1988, in a corner cafe
We made beats, and hung with old heads, and stayed out late at night
Do talent shows, fo'-way split the dough, that was our way of life
The artist reflects on his humble beginnings, making music with limited resources and collaborating with like-minded individuals.
My momma stayed, home full time so she could raise me
Knowin' without a, household father, things could get crazy
The artist's mother devoted herself to raising him, recognizing that not having a father figure could cause difficulties.
Sittin' up in the court talkin' 'bout Eminem made me do what I did
The artist is referring to the common practice of blaming violent behavior on the influence of music, in this case, Eminem.
It can't get no harder
Help me to get back up and get my shit tomorrow
The artist expresses that things have been very challenging, but he's seeking assistance to overcome obstacles and improve his future.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: JOHN LYDON, JOHN MCGEOGH, ALAN DIAS, BRUCE NEAL SMITH, LU EDMONDS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind