MOONSHOOTER
Ab-Soul Lyrics
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It's kill or be killed
Not heal or be healed, fake is the new real
I wanna say, "What happened to hip-hop?" but then I'd be naggin'
I wanna say you niggas wack but then I'd be braggin'
Huh, the last dragon, flame thrower
Lawn mower, charge toward
'Til it's all over, bring the white flag in
Towels get thrown, thrones get new kings
Feelings go numb 'cause you've been through things
Balls get dropped, pause, think hoop dreams
Get fried over the gravy, that's poutine, see
I decorate my emotions in metaphors
Tell stories with allegories, so on, so forth
But who give a shit? The long lost lyricist
Niggas got rich talkin' nonsense, get yours
Shoot for the moon and keep a gun around
In a world so cold at least the sun is out
Live in my mind, I question everything
To that point I don't know what to think
I don't know what to think
I don't know what to think
I don't know what to think
Shoot for the moon and keep a gun around (ayy, man, look)
Hopped of the porch like, "One of these days
I'ma hop out the Porsche", caught up in a daze
Had a pack of Newports, couple dollars to my name
Some knowledge in my brain and my best foot forth
I never been afraid, I'm protected by a force
I can't really explain and I'm guided by the source
Fuck up out my way 'fore I knock you off course
I was donkey of the day, now I'm on my high horse
I shoot for the moon and keep a gun around
Janky promoters always gave me the run around
Hard times like (huh), bad trips like (huh)
Head to the sky like, "Can I win one time?" (Fuck)
Yeah, 'tis the question
I had to eat, the industry was giving me indigestion
But opting out ain't a option in my profession
You don't know what I'm talking 'bout though, here's the lesson
Shoot for the moon and keep a gun around
In the world so cold at least the sun is out (Soul)
Live in my mind, I question everything
To that point I don't know what to think
I don't know what to think
I don't know what to think
I don't know what to think
Shoot for the moon and keep a gun around
"Moonshooter" by Ab-Soul is a contemplative and introspective track that delves into the complexities of the music industry and the artist's personal journey. The lyrics express a sense of frustration and confusion with the current state of hip-hop, questioning the authenticity and talent of other artists. Ab-Soul wants to critique the lack of substance in modern rap, but also acknowledges the fine line between critiquing and boasting about his own skills.
The opening lines, "Who the fuck asked you, man? It's kill or be killed, Not heal or be healed, fake is the new real," set the tone for the song. Ab-Soul critiques the industry's emphasis on competition and the elevation of fake personas as the norm. He wants to express his disappointment in the state of hip-hop, but also doesn't want to come across as bragging about his own talents. He references himself as "the last dragon, flame thrower, lawn mower" to imply his skill and uniqueness, but also acknowledges the importance of staying true to oneself.
The chorus, "Shoot for the moon and keep a gun around, In a world so cold at least the sun is out," reflects the idea of aiming high and maintaining protection in a harsh and uncertain world. Ab-Soul uses this metaphor to convey the importance of ambition and resilience despite the challenges faced.
In the second verse, Ab-Soul reflects on his personal journey in the music industry. He mentions his initial aspirations, starting from a humble background, and the obstacles he encountered along the way. He refers to himself as the "donkey of the day" (a reference to a segment on the radio show The Breakfast Club), expressing how he overcame adversity and is now riding on his "high horse" of success.
Overall, "Moonshooter" explores Ab-Soul's frustrations with the lack of substance in hip-hop, his personal struggles, and the importance of maintaining ambition and resilience.
Line by Line Meaning
Who the fuck asked you, man?
Why are you even here and sharing your opinions?
It's kill or be killed
In this world, it's survival of the fittest
Not heal or be healed, fake is the new real
There is no room for vulnerability or authenticity, fake is what's considered real now
I wanna say, 'What happened to hip-hop?' but then I'd be naggin'
I'm frustrated with the current state of hip-hop, but I don't want to sound like a complainer
I wanna say you niggas wack but then I'd be braggin'
I think you guys are untalented, but I don't want to come off as arrogant
Huh, the last dragon, flame thrower
I'm like the mythical last dragon, spitting fire with my powerful words
Lawn mower, charge toward
I'm cutting through all the obstacles and heading straight ahead
Your greener grass, bypass your bandwagon
I'm not interested in joining your success or following your trends
'Til it's all over, bring the white flag in
I'll keep pushing until the end, even if it means surrendering
Towels get thrown, thrones get new kings
In the game, people give up and new leaders emerge
Feelings go numb 'cause you've been through things
Experiences have made me emotionally detached
Balls get dropped, pause, think hoop dreams
Mistakes are made, but it's important to reflect and have aspirations
Get fried over the gravy, that's poutine, see
Don't get consumed by the superficial temptations, it's just like getting fried over a Canadian dish
I decorate my emotions in metaphors
I express my emotions creatively through metaphors
Tell stories with allegories, so on, so forth
I convey deeper meanings through symbolic storytelling
But who give a shit? The long lost lyricist
But who cares? I'm an undervalued lyricist
Niggas got rich talkin' nonsense, get yours
People are becoming wealthy by speaking nonsense, so you should also strive for success
Hopped off the porch like, 'One of these days
I left my comfort zone, believing that one day
I'ma hop out the Porsche', caught up in a daze
I'll achieve something great, but I'm currently lost and confused
Had a pack of Newports, couple dollars to my name
I had a few cigarettes and only a small amount of money
Some knowledge in my brain and my best foot forth
Despite my limited resources, I used my intellect and gave my best effort
I never been afraid, I'm protected by a force
I've never let fear control me because I have a higher power watching over me
I can't really explain and I'm guided by the source
I can't fully comprehend it, but I trust in the divine guidance I receive
Fuck up out my way 'fore I knock you off course
Get out of my path before I divert you from your own goals
I was donkey of the day, now I'm on my high horse
I used to be seen as a fool, but now I'm confident and esteemed
Janky promoters always gave me the run around
Unreliable and dishonest promoters constantly created obstacles for me
Hard times like (huh), bad trips like (huh)
I've experienced difficult times and unpleasant experiences
Head to the sky like, 'Can I win one time?' (Fuck)
I look up to the heavens, questioning if I'll ever achieve success
'Tis the question
That's the ultimate question
I had to eat, the industry was giving me indigestion
I had to make a living, but the music industry was causing me frustration
But opting out ain't a option in my profession
However, I can't simply quit in my line of work
You don't know what I'm talking 'bout though, here's the lesson
You may not understand my struggles, but let me teach you something
Shoot for the moon and keep a gun around
Aim high and be prepared for any challenges
In a world so cold at least the sun is out (Soul)
Even though the world is harsh, there is still some positivity
Live in my mind, I question everything
In my thoughts, I constantly doubt and analyze everything
To that point I don't know what to think
I'm unsure and confused by the multitude of thoughts
I don't know what to think
I have no clear direction or understanding
I don't know what to think
I'm lost in my own thoughts
I don't know what to think
My mind is filled with uncertainty
Shoot for the moon and keep a gun around (ayy, man, look)
Continue aiming high and protecting yourself, despite the circumstances
Lyrics Β© DistroKid
Written by: Herbert Stevens IV, Jamal Smith, Zacari Pacaldo
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Thegen5guy
Hopped of the porch like, "One of these days
I'ma hop out the Porsche", caught up in a daze
Had a pack of Newports, couple dollars to my name
Some knowledge in my brain and my best foot forth
I never been afraid, I'm protected by a force
I can't really explain and I'm guided by the source
If that aint a real feeling right there!! Ever since I heard this album I've been hooked!!
Cam G
One of the most outstanding artists of all time. Really in a lane of his own.
DON'T FORGET THE DASH
Eso Akunne
Donβt forget the dash in my name when you print it, itβll make me feel bleak like jayβs apprentice
Vesβ a_J
You speak nothing but FACTS i see π―π―π―π―π―π
Dominique Smith
Niggas really say donβt forget the dashπ
Daniel O
Or youβd wish you didnβt πͺ
72vince27
Real music will never die. This will forever be needed in the culture. Long live my boy Ab may he keep doing him.
BigShortMike87
Gives me early 2010s vibes. Ab-Soul brining back that raw hip hop feeling. π
STEELO
2010 - 2014: The last golden age of hip hop
GrandSun
This is why i say Hip hop done went underground
Colbin Hubbard
@GrandSun itβs been underground