Heard 'Em Say
Adam Levine Lyrics

(West, Mr. West) uh, yeah
Opening lines introducing the artist and setting the tone for the song.

And I heard 'em say, nothing's ever promised tomorrow today
Acknowledging the uncertainty of life and how nothing is guaranteed.

From the Chi, like Tim it's a harder way
Comparing his hometown to difficulties faced by basketball player Tim Hardaway.

So this is in the name of love like Robert say
Paying homage to musician Robert Plant, referencing that love is the driving force behind the song's message.

Before you ask me to go get a job today
Highlighting the challenges faced when it comes to employment in certain communities.

Can I at least get a raise of the minimum wage?
Advocating for fair pay for all workers, especially those earning minimum wage.

And I know the government administer AIDS
Expressing skepticism towards certain government actions and policies.

So I guess we just pray like the minister say
Reflecting on the power of prayer and how it can act as a form of comfort during troubling times.

Allahu Akbar and throw in some hot cars
Referencing Islamic prayer and the opulence often associated with hip-hop culture.

The things we seen on the screen that's not ours
Commenting on the unrealistic lifestyle portrayed in media and entertainment that is not attainable for most people.

But these niggas from the hood so these dreams not far
Believing that despite challenges, success is possible for those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Where I'm from, the dope boys is the rock stars
Referencing the glorification of drug dealers in certain communities.

But they can't cop cars without seein' cop cars
Noting the irony of illegally obtained wealth being threatened by the very law enforcement meant to catch those involved in criminal activity.

I guess they want us all behind bars, I know it
Highlighting systemic oppression and how certain communities are unfairly targeted by law enforcement.

And nothing lasts forever but be honest, babe
Urging honesty even when situations are temporary or fleeting.

They say people in your life are seasons
Reflecting on how people come in and out of your life, like the changing seasons throughout the year.

And anything that happen is for a reason
Believing that every experience has a purpose and can lead to personal growth.

And niggas gun clappin' and keep to squeezin'
Pointing out the prevalence of gun violence in certain communities and how it perpetuates a cycle of trauma and pain.

And gran' keep prayin' and keep believin'
Reinforcing the importance of faith and hope even in dark times.

In Jesus, and one day that you see him
Referencing Christian beliefs and the hope of seeing Jesus after death.

'Til then walk in his footsteps and try to be him
Encouraging people to embody the teachings and example set by Jesus.

The Devil is alive, I feel him breathin'
Acknowledging the presence of evil or negativity in the world and how it often feels like a constant threat.

Claimin' money is the key so keep on dreamin'
Critiquing the notion that achieving wealth is the ultimate goal and that it will solve all problems.

And put those lottery tickets just to tease us
Commenting on how the possibility of winning the lottery is dangled like a carrot, often giving false hope to those in difficult financial situations.

My aunt Pam can't put those cigarettes down
Sharing a personal anecdote about a family member struggling with addiction.

So now my lil' cousin smokin' them cigarettes now
Noting how harmful behavior can be passed down through family connections and normalized over time.

His job trying to claim that he too nigger-ish now
Highlighting the pervasive influence of racism and how it impacts opportunities and treatment within the workforce.

Is it 'cause his skin blacker than licorice now?
Questioning the motives behind discriminatory behavior and whether it is rooted in ignorance or malice.

With every worthless word we got more far away
Acknowledging how meaningless communication can distance people from each other.

And nothing lasts forever but be honest, babe
Reiterating the importance of honesty even when things are transient.