Pretty for the People
A.K. Salim Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
For the people, left so many RIPs
For the people, doubted me now they all see
I am the MVP, now they all envy me
They said whatchu wanna be? Up
Swear this shit too easy, I got people out in London calling up not no Visa
Tryna hit my line, like everybody from my past life
Aye, tryna run me the map, just like a track meet
They all act like I'm long gone, but ain't nobody else neurodivergent and ballin just like an athlete
Look, since the day I was born, I was an underdog
They ain't tryna fuck with me, specially cuz I wasn't on
Like my cell phone like now somebody was buzzing hard
I be in the field like a general in the colorguard
They was playing both sides like an all time Q
Switching they side like a rubiks cube
Pull up like I'm Jordan, I think they recording, I was 5'6 balling like I'm 6'2
Yeah, I be up now
Now they acting like they really gave a fuck now
Ain't nobody that was with me when I was down
Now everybody tryna give me all they love now, Aye
Yeah saying that I snapped like the Marvel Cinematic
Just like Thors brother I was staying Loki
Balling like LeBron back when it was 03, yeah a lotta shit changed but I'm still the old me, yeah
For the people, wishing they were here with me
For the people, left so many RIPs
For the people, doubted me now they all see
I am the MVP, now they all envy me
Look, success on my mind, I been putting on paper
Incentivized with the pen, never needed erasers
On the side with the spirit, I done needed a savior
On the team, all yellow, like Indiana Pacers
Needed space like invaders, so you know what that means
I'm bout the team when I'm winning everybody gon eat
Stubborn as me? Maybe not but ain't nobody gon lead
I swear to god we gon stay undefeated, wait a minute look
Switch, up
Cuz the money gon face lift, up
But it really do not change shit, up
Really all it does is pay shit, bucks
Want them all to hear my story, IG
A needle in a haystack, IV
Just look at how I came up, high speed
The shit I always deal with, the Irony
Yeah, switch, lines
Mental health, yeah that shit takes, time
Yeah a lotta shit changed in, my life
I be tryna reach new, highs
This an album bout the shit I, been
Through everybody gonna hear my, pen
My life ain't really about me I, win
Just listen to it, you gon be okay, my friend
The first verse of the song highlights the singer's journey from being doubted and overlooked to becoming the MVP (most valuable player). They address the people who wished they could be in their position and the ones who have passed away, emphasizing that their success is now evident for everyone to see. The mention of people from London calling not needing a visa implies that their fame has crossed borders and they are receiving international recognition. The singer notes that despite others mentioning them on social media, no one directly communicates with them. They assert their uniqueness as someone who is neurodivergent and excelling like an athlete.
The second verse delves into the singer's underdog status since birth. They express that no one wanted to associate with them, especially because they weren't well-known. The comparison of their phone constantly buzzing to a buzzing beehive or swarm suggests that people are now starting to take notice. The singer likens themselves to a general in the colorguard, someone who is leading and making moves on the field. Others are portrayed as playing both sides like a Rubik's cube, indicating a lack of loyalty. As they pull up, just like Michael Jordan in his prime, the singer feels like they are being recorded and observed. Their height is mentioned to emphasize their abilities and achievements.
In the following section, the singer reflects on the changes in their life but emphasizes that they have remained true to themselves. They express that success is on their mind and they have been documenting their journey on paper. The use of the term "incentivized with the pen" implies that writing and sharing their story is their driving force. The mention of the Indiana Pacers refers to the team's signature yellow uniforms, suggesting unity and loyalty within their chosen circle. The singer claims to have needed space like invaders, indicating a desire for personal growth and distancing themselves from negative influences. They assert that they'll take care of their team when they win, and no one else will lead like they do.
The third verse highlights the singer's determination to have their story heard by everyone. They compare themselves to a needle in a haystack, suggesting that their unique voice stands out amongst the crowded music industry. The use of "IV" references their importance and relevance, as an IV is a vital part of medical treatment. The singer acknowledges their rise to success and the fast pace of their journey. They mention the irony of dealing with their own mental health struggles while sharing their experiences through their music. The constant switch between lines symbolizes their ability to adapt and cope with the changes in their life. They conclude by stating that their lyrics are about the struggles they've faced and that listening to their music will provide comfort and assurance to their audience.
Line by Line Meaning
For the people, wishing they were here with me
Acknowledging the longing of others to be by my side
For the people, left so many RIPs
Remembering those who have passed away
For the people, doubted me now they all see
Those who once questioned me can now witness my success
I am the MVP, now they all envy me
Recognizing that I am the most valuable player and others are now jealous
They said whatchu wanna be? Up
Questioning my aspirations and ambitions
Swear this shit too easy, I got people out in London calling up not no Visa
Expressing the simplicity of my current situation and receiving international recognition
Tryna hit my line, like everybody from my past life
Being contacted by individuals from my previous experiences
Aye, tryna run me the map, just like a track meet
Facing challenges and obstacles in a manner similar to a race
See me up in they mentions but they ain't @ me
Being mentioned or talked about without being directly addressed
They all act like I'm long gone, but ain't nobody else neurodivergent and ballin just like an athlete
Perceiving others' perception of me as if I no longer exist, yet recognizing my unique identity and success
Look, since the day I was born, I was an underdog
Acknowledging that from the moment of my birth, I have been underestimated
They ain't tryna fuck with me, specially cuz I wasn't on
Others didn't want to associate with me, especially because I wasn't successful at that time
Like my cell phone like now somebody was buzzing hard
Comparing attention received to the vibration of a buzzing phone
I be in the field like a general in the colorguard
Operating with authority and expertise in my chosen area like a leader in the colorguard
They was playing both sides like an all time Q
Observing others who were indecisive and playing both sides of a situation
Switching they side like a rubiks cube
Noting how others change their allegiances frequently, like rotating the sides of a Rubik's Cube
Pull up like I'm Jordan, I think they recording, I was 5'6 balling like I'm 6'2
Drawing a comparison to basketball legend Michael Jordan, anticipating others capturing my impressive performance while being of shorter stature
Yeah, I be up now
Confirming my current state of success
Now they acting like they really gave a fuck now
Noticing how others now pretend to care about me
Ain't nobody that was with me when I was down
Realizing that nobody was there to support me during difficult times
Now everybody tryna give me all they love now, Aye
Experiencing a sudden influx of love and attention from everyone
Yeah saying that I snapped like the Marvel Cinematic
Comparing my impressive performance to the intense action scenes in Marvel movies
Just like Thors brother I was staying Loki
Revealing that I, like the mischievous character Loki, maintained my authentic self
Balling like LeBron back when it was 03, yeah a lotta shit changed but I'm still the old me, yeah
Achieving greatness in a manner reminiscent of LeBron James in 2003, despite undergoing changes, I remain true to my core
Look, success on my mind, I been putting on paper
Devoting my thoughts to success and expressing them through writing
Incentivized with the pen, never needed erasers
Motivated by writing, never making mistakes that require erasing
On the side with the spirit, I done needed a savior
Seeking salvation and guidance from a higher power
On the team, all yellow, like Indiana Pacers
Being part of a team, representing unity and wearing jerseys in the color scheme of the Indiana Pacers
Needed space like invaders, so you know what that means
Requiring personal space and freedom, similar to the invaders in a video game
I'm bout the team when I'm winning everybody gon eat
Prioritizing the well-being of the team when achieving victory, ensuring everyone benefits
Stubborn as me? Maybe not but ain't nobody gon lead
Recognizing that while others may not be as stubborn as me, nobody will take the lead or control
I swear to god we gon stay undefeated, wait a minute look
Making a vow to remain undefeated, emphasizing the commitment to success
Switch, up
Intending to make a change or transition
Cuz the money gon face lift, up
Expecting financial success to drastically alter one's appearance and lifestyle
But it really do not change shit, up
Realizing that despite financial changes, the essence of life remains unaltered
Really all it does is pay shit, bucks
Perceiving money as merely a means of payment
Want them all to hear my story, IG
Desiring for everyone to listen to and understand my narrative, possibly using social media platforms like Instagram
A needle in a haystack, IV
Referring to oneself as a rare and significant entity amidst a sea of other individuals, symbolized by a needle in a haystack and the Roman numeral IV
Just look at how I came up, high speed
Highlighting the rapid and impressive manner in which I achieved success
The shit I always deal with, the Irony
Recognizing the ironic nature of the challenges I consistently face
Yeah, switch, lines
Transitioning and altering one's approach or mindset
Mental health, yeah that shit takes, time
Acknowledging that mental health concerns require patience and time for recovery
Yeah a lotta shit changed in, my life
Reflecting on the significant changes that have occurred in my life
I be tryna reach new, highs
Striving to achieve greater levels of success and accomplishment
This an album bout the shit I, been
Explaining that the purpose of the album is to convey the experiences and challenges I have faced
Through everybody gonna hear my, pen
Asserting that everyone will listen and pay attention to my words and expressions through my writing
My life ain't really about me I, win
Recognizing that my life's purpose extends beyond personal gain, emphasizing victory
Just listen to it, you gon be okay, my friend
Encouraging others to listen to the music and reassuring them that everything will be alright
Lyrics © DistroKid
Written by: Tyler Kramer
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind