Heard'Em Say
Adam Levine Lyrics

(Mr. West) Uh, yeah, uh, yeah, uh, yeah, uh, yeah
Kanye West introducing himself with some ad libs

And I heard 'em say, nothin' ever promised tomorrow today
The uncertain nature of tomorrow and the reality that nothing is guaranteed

From the Chi, like Tim its the Hard-a-way
Proudly proclaiming his Chicago roots, comparing himself to Chicago Bulls player Tim Hardaway

So this is in the name of love, like a rob would say
Doing things for love, a reference to the lyric 'in the name of love' from The Miracles' song 'Tears of a Clown'

Before you ask me to get a job today,
Addressing criticisms of not having a 'real job'

Can I at least get a raise on a minimum wage?
Pointing out the unfairness of minimum wage not being a living wage and expressing a desire for better income

And I know the Government administered AIDS
Conspiracy theory that the government was involved in the spread of AIDS in certain communities

So I guess we just pray like the minister say
Turning to faith when there is little else to do

Allah O'Akbar and throw 'em some hot cars
Referencing the Islamic phrase 'Allahu Akbar' meaning 'God is great' and expressing a desire for material success

Things we seen on the screen are not ours
Being aware that what is shown on TV is not necessarily attainable in reality

But these niggas from the hood so these dreams not far
Despite the difficulties, there is still hope for success for those from marginalized communities

Where I'm from, the dope boys is the rock stars
In certain communities, drug dealers are seen as more successful and glamorous than other professions

But they can't cop cars without seein' cop cars
The dangers and obstacles that come with illegal or less-than-savory means of acquiring wealth

I guess they want us all behind bars, I know it
Feeling like the system is designed against certain communities and that there is little hope for change

They say people in your life are seasons
People come and go in life, and each phase signifies something different

And anything that happen is for a reason
Believing that everything happens for a purpose and that there is a greater plan

And niggas guns a clappin' and keep to squeezin'
The prevalence of violence and gun culture in certain communities

And Gran' keep prayin' and keep believin'
The importance of faith and perseverance, even in difficult circumstances

And Jesus, one day that ya see him
Looking forward to the afterlife and meeting Jesus

Till they walk in his footsteps and try to be him
Striving to live a life in accordance with Jesus' teachings

The devil is alive I feel him breathin'
Acknowledging the existence of evil in the world

Claimin' money is the key so keep on dreamin'
The false belief that money is the solution to all problems

And put those lottery tickets just to tease us
The false hope that comes with playing the lottery, knowing the odds are highly unlikely

My aunt Pam can't put those cigarettes down
The difficulty of breaking bad habits, even when it negatively affects health

Now my 'lil cousin smokin' those cigarettes now
The negative influence and impact of behavior on younger generations

His job trying to claim that he too niggar-ish now
Experiencing discrimination and racism in the workplace

Is it 'cause his skin blacker than licorice now?
Wondering if the discrimination is truly based on race

I can't figure it out, I'm stickin' around
Not fully understanding the reason for discrimination, but persevering despite it

Cause every worthless word we got more far away,
The prevalence of negativity and meaningless speech pushing people further apart

And nothing's ever promised tomorrow today,
Reiterating the uncertainty of the future and the importance of living in the present

And nothing lasts forever but be honest babe,
The importance of being truthful and authentic in all situations

It hurts but it may be the only way
The difficulty of facing the truth, but acknowledging that it is necessary for growth and progress