A now-deleted music video of the track was leaked to YouTube before the song was officially released. The video, which documented a day in the life of Rocky, was never intended to be released. On November 29, 2011, Rocky released a statement on Twitter regarding the leaked clip:
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Demons
A$AP Rocky Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I live day by day, fightin' demons
I smoked away my brain, I think I'm goin' dumb
Cocaine up on my gums, I think they're goin' numb
I'm havin' stomach pains, now I'm throwin' up
'Cause I'm a microphone fiend, give me the bass
Give me the beat, and let me lean, tap the vein, let it stream
That one day that my team, we can make it with this rappin'
Now we swaggin', makin' money in Manhattan, trick, what's happenin'?
They try to intellect with indirection just to test you
A rebel 'til my death, it's in my flesh, it's in my vessels
Fuck the clique you with, I'm finna fuck the bitch you next to
Fuck a metrosexual, suck a dick, I'm disrespectful
You know the kid get it, get-get sick spit
Clip spit quick split shit hit kids women
Oh, that's your girl, huh? Well, I just hit it
It's A$AP nigga, live with it, swag
Demons posted all around me, I can't beat 'em all alone
Thinkin' 'bout you, thinkin' 'bout you, add it to your thoughts
These evil thoughts, they startin' to drown me
Lord, don't leave me all alone
Thinkin' 'bout you, thinkin' 'bout you, add it to your thoughts
Demons posted all around me, I can't beat 'em all alone
Thinkin' 'bout you, thinkin' 'bout you, add it to your thoughts
These evil thoughts, they startin' to drown me
Lord, don't leave me all alone
Thinkin' 'bout you, thinkin' 'bout you, add it to your thoughts
Aw, yeah, aw, yeah, let the beat chill
Aw, yeah, aw, yeah, let the beat chill
Aw, yeah, aw, yeah, let the beat chill
Aw, yeah, aw, yeah
Hipster by heart, but I can tell you how the streets feel
Demons posted all around me, I can't beat 'em all alone
Thinkin' 'bout you, thinkin' 'bout you, add it to your thoughts
These evil thoughts, they startin' to drown me
Lord, don't leave me all alone
Thinkin' 'bout you, thinkin' 'bout you, add it to your thoughts
Demons posted all around me, I can't beat 'em all alone
Thinkin' 'bout you, thinkin' 'bout you, add it to your thoughts
These evil thoughts, they startin' to drown me
Lord, don't leave me all alone
Thinkin' 'bout you, thinkin' 'bout you, add it to your thoughts
In A$AP Rocky's "Demons," the artist describes his struggle with addiction as he battles with the "demons" within himself. He starts off by expressing how he leads his life by fighting these demons every day. He then goes on to describe his drug use, smoking away his brain, and feeling the physical effects of cocaine. Despite the pain and discomfort he feels, he emphasizes how he needs the microphone, the beat, and the bass to help him cope with his addiction.
Rocky continues by portraying his confidence in his rapping career, stating that he is a rebel till death, and he can make it with his team. He expresses his disdain for those who try to test his intellect or get in his way. He asserts his power over women, even though he might disrespect them in the process.
The chorus repeats the phrase "Demons posted all around me," emphasizing the haunting presence of his inner demons. He admits that he cannot defeat them alone and talks about the thoughts of someone special who may comfort him. The song's outro ends with a repetition of the chorus, alongside a smooth beat, making the listener feel as if they are sinking further into these "evil thoughts" and the demons that inflict them.
Line by Line Meaning
I just, I just live
I live day by day, fighting my inner demons
I smoked away my brain, I think I'm goin' dumb
Drugs have damaged my mind
Cocaine up on my gums, I think they're goin' numb
My drug use is causing physical damage
I'm havin' stomach pains, now I'm throwin' up
My drug use is causing physical sickness
'Cause I'm a microphone fiend, give me the bass
I am passionate about making music
Give me the beat, and let me lean, tap the vein, let it stream
I need music to flow through me like blood
Feel the pain, young Martin Luther King with a dream
I am a visionary like Martin Luther King Jr.
Now we swaggin', makin' money in Manhattan, trick, what's happenin'?
I am successful and making money in the music industry
They try to intellect with indirection just to test you
People deliberately try to confuse and test me
A rebel 'til my death, it's in my flesh, it's in my vessels
I will always be rebellious and it is ingrained in me
Fuck the clique you with, I'm finna fuck the bitch you next to
I disrespect those who oppose me or are associated with my enemies
Fuck a metrosexual, suck a dick, I'm disrespectful
I do not conform to societal norms or expectations
You know the kid get it, get-get sick spit
I am talented and can deliver impressive lyrics
Clip spit quick split shit hit kids women
My words have an impact, even hurting innocent people
Oh, that's your girl, huh? Well, I just hit it
I sleep with other people's partners without regard for their feelings
It's A$AP nigga, live with it, swag
I am A$AP Rocky and people must accept my behavior and style
Demons posted all around me, I can't beat 'em all alone
I am struggling with inner demons and need help to overcome them
Thinkin' 'bout you, thinkin' 'bout you, add it to your thoughts
I am haunted by thoughts of someone I care about
These evil thoughts, they startin' to drown me
My negative thoughts are overwhelming me
Lord, don't leave me all alone
I am asking for divine guidance and support
Aw, yeah, aw, yeah, let the beat chill
I am taking a moment to calm down and relax
Hipster by heart, but I can tell you how the streets feel
Even though I have a unique style, I understand the struggles of the streets
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Spirit Music Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Rakim Mayers, Billy Steinberg, Claire D'uabaldo, Michael Volpe, Rick Nowels
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@mxrdxcvi
first song I've ever heard from him, clams' production still gives me goosebumps
@therealkrystalvintage
#bigloveyams😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘
@pain21229
#GODFACT
@spvcs3615
#NewJersey GOAT 🐐
@Wishmeluck05
😢
@millsgoulette9767
clams is such a unique producer. Absolute gem
@johndough535
This shit legendary y'all don't even know...When Rocky dropped this shit was crazy seeing everyone come up...Always Strive and Prosper
@cozziii6167
Probably always will be my favorite mixtape
@Riceonrice
@@cozziii6167 same asap forever
@wiskushfourtwenty
Takes me back smoking 2 these songs, always strive and prosper.